For Pittsburgh Pirates’ central pitcher Paul Skenes, one of his teammates will be one of the standout hitters in the Home Run Derby. The event will take place on July 14 at Truist Park in Atlanta, as a prelude to the 2025 MLB All-Star Game.
In baseball, achieving an ERA below 2.00 is an achievement that few pitchers can boast. Skenes has reached this mark in his first 19 starts, matching Jacob deGrom. However, like the Rangers’ ace, Skenes has had to deal with the frustration of not getting the necessary support.
Oneil Cruz is applauded by teammate Paul Skenes before Home Run Derby
The teammate who praised Skenes is Oneil Cruz. With an imposing height of 1.98 meters and a swing as violent as it is fluid, Cruz has long been known for his impressive raw power. Now, the baseball world can finally get a glimpse that this man not only hits balls, but sends them flying.
“I’m as excited about that (Oneil Cruz in the Derby) as I am about the All-Star Game,” Skenes told MLB Network Radio. “His batting practice is the most impressive I’ve ever seen,” said the pitcher who faces the best in the league, who knows what true power is, and yet is impressed by Cruz’s daily displays
Confirmed sluggers for the 2025 Home Run Derby:
- Ronald Acuña Jr. (Braves): 9 home runs in 2025. His longest hit reached 467 feet on May 23 against the Padres. It recorded an exit velocity of 115.5 mph.
- Cal Raleigh (Mariners): One of the hottest, he has 35 home runs. His longest shot flew 440 feet (June 22 vs. Cubs) and the fastest came out at 115.2 mph.
- James Wood (Nationals): The rookie sensation has 23 home runs. Two of them traveled 451 feet, and his most powerful hit came off the bat at 116.3 mph.
- Byron Buxton (Twins): He has 20 home runs. His longest missile traveled 479 feet on June 11 against the Rangers, with a top speed of 112.5 mph.
- Oneil Cruz (Pirates): He has 15 home runs. His most impressive, fastest bomb was 122.9 mph, the most powerful so far.
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