Last Night in Baseball: Oneil Cruz Didn’t Win the Home Run Derby (But We Did)
There’s always a flurry of baseball action happening—almost too much for any one person to keep up with. That’s why we’re here to sift through the games from the previous day to highlight what you missed but should definitely know about. Here are the standout moments from last night’s Home Run Derby x777-x.
Take a Bow, Cruz
Although Oneil Cruz did not take home the 2025 Home Run Derby title—an honor bestowed upon Cal Raleigh, known as the Big Dumper—Cruz undeniably put on an impressive performance. Remember, the determination of winners in each round is based on the number of home runs hit, not solely how many players were left entirely entranced by extraordinary long balls.
The Pirates’ outfielder delivered a show-stopping performance throughout his two rounds in the Derby. In the opening round, he smashed 21 homers, including one remarkable shot—let’s build up to that. It’s worth noting that Oneil Cruz holds the record for the two hardest-hit balls in the StatCast era; the second of these, hit earlier in 2025, was strikingly powerful, so much so that it begs the challenge of anyone to call it the hardest-hit ball ever without needing the “StatCast era” tag. If you weren’t a believer before, watching Cruz in the Derby should certainly have eased any doubts.
In the first round, Cruz launched a ball an astonishing 488 feet at a speed of 113 mph off the bat.
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In the second round, while facing off against eventual champion Raleigh, Cruz hit one entirely out of Truist Park. Junior Caminero’s expression of complete disbelief at the end of the clip speaks volumes—considering that Caminero made it to the finals himself, it certainly highlights the greatness of that shot.
However, both of these incredible hits are overshadowed by Cruz’s longest shot, a jaw-dropping 513-foot blast that tied the record for the longest non-Coors Field home run. It might not sound impressive at first, but remember, it’s Coors Field; adjustments must be made if you want your analysis to be respected lodi 291 ph login. Seriously, one can’t help but wonder: how far would Oneil Cruz hit a Home Run Derby long ball at Coors Field? Regardless, 513 feet is just ridiculously far.
If you’re interested, you can check out Cruz’s entire first round as MLB posted that footage. Other players might have hit farther, but Cruz will definitely be a topic of conversation for years to come. How could he not be?
Wood Leaves Truist
Oneil Cruz wasn’t the only athlete to send a ball completely soaring out of Truist Park. Nationals’ slugger James Wood achieved the same feat, leaving the camera momentarily baffled. Look up, camera—it appears that ball was still flying well past your view!
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While kids were joyfully dodging flying Oneil Cruz homers in the outfield, one unfortunate event took place: Caminero was robbed of a home run in the finals against Raleigh. To the kid’s credit, it was a great catch, but this shouldn’t have happened!
Thankfully, Caminero had another homer to add to his total. He maintained a good-natured outlook about the grab, commenting to MLB through an interpreter, “Things happen. He was enjoying himself out there too. He did something he thought was fun, and it was fine.”
Splash!
Let’s take a moment to appreciate the champion. dream jili Big Dumper certainly walloped plenty of homers to secure his win, but let’s shine some light on a couple of specific highlights. First up: a spectacular splash homer. More parks should integrate water features, which could lead to even more thrilling moments as players send baseballs soaring into them. peso123 login
Switch-Dingering
Cal Raleigh was the favorite coming into the 2025 Home Run Derby—not just because he led MLB in home runs, but because he’s a switch-hitter who possesses more power from the left side of the plate, with Truist Park’s dimensions being favorable to left-handed power hitters. Although Raleigh typically bats lefty, he surprisingly batted right-handed during parts of the event. Consistency over the course of a Home Run Derby is key, and switching it up can help mitigate any fatigue or issues that arise from the many swings players take.
Raleigh is more than just a Big Dumper; he’s a strategist—and now, a champion.
What did you think of last night’s Home Run Derby?
