Major League Baseball is approaching its biggest event of the summer—the All-Star break. This exciting midseason celebration features the much-anticipated Home Run Derby, a fan-favorite event that consistently delivers drama and power-packed entertainment ahead of the marquee All-Star Game.
This year, two dynamic MLBbros will look to take home the Home Run Derby crown.
Outfielders Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins, James Wood of the Washington Nationals and Jazz Chisholm Jr. of the New York Yankees are all participating in the event, and each has a compelling case for victory. Though all players deserve their spot, their journeys to the derby stage couldn’t be more different. Buxton is finally enjoying a season relatively free from injuries, while Wood is making waves in his first full year in the big leagues. Jazz Chisholm’s popularity has exploded since he put on the pinstripes and his versatility is unmatched. All three have been named All-Stars and have electrified fans with their power and presence.
Byron Buxton: Putting It All Together
Byron Buxton is having the season fans have long hoped for. After years plagued by injuries, he’s remained healthy and is on pace to surpass his career average of 75 games played per season. As of early Thursday, he has already notched 20 home runs and 53 RBIs—both the second-highest marks of his career—putting him well on track for a career year.
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Buxton has always possessed elite power and athleticism, but availability—not ability—has been the question. Now that he’s healthy, his talents are on full display. He shared that his motivation to join the Home Run Derby comes from a special place: his son.
“He always is like, ‘Dad, if you do this, I want to bring you a towel!’ and I’m like, ‘All right.’ That’s all he cares about. He wants Dad to do it so he can bring me a towel and a Gatorade. And for me, that’s special,” Buxton said.
With power to all fields and a smooth, explosive swing, Buxton has the tools to thrive in a format that has tested even the most seasoned sluggers. If he can find his rhythm early, his stamina and raw strength make him a serious contender to go the distance.
James Wood: The Young Phenom in Washington
James Wood had a brief stint in the majors last season, but in 2025, he’s exploded onto the scene. As of Thursday, the 21-year-old boasts 24 home runs and 69 RBIs, an eye-popping stat line for a rookie. His inclusion in the Home Run Derby is a testament to how quickly he’s become one of the most feared young sluggers in baseball.
“It’s just an honor to be invited,” Wood said. “Winning it would be cool, but I’m just there to have a good time.”
Wood’s power is undeniable. He’s already tied Bryce Harper for the hardest-hit home run in Nationals history, and his name joins a legacy of Nationals’ left-handed outfielders who have won the Derby—Harper in 2018 and Juan Soto in 2022. With multiple home runs measured at over 450 feet, Wood has demonstrated not only prodigious strength but also the ability to hit to all fields. In a controlled environment where he can focus on pulling pitches, Wood may launch some of the longest homers of the night at Truist Park.
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All That Jazz
The Yankees’ multi-faceted infielder/outfielder made the All-Star game as a third baseman due to his gifted glove and power/speed combination.
The Home Run Derby can always use the charisma and star power of The “Bahamian Blur” Jazz Chisholm Jr.
Conclusion
An MLBbro hasn’t won the Home Run Derby since Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge went back-to-back in 2015 and ’16. Bros also won the first three Home Run Derby events with Dave Parker (’85), Darryl Strawberry (’86) and Andre Dawson (’87) setting it off.
This Derby promises to be a showdown of elite talent and unforgettable moments, and Byron Buxton, James Wood and Jazz will be key bro bombers to watch. Buxton represents resilience—a veteran finally reaching his potential after years of setbacks. Woods and Jazz symbolizes the future—rising stars whose raw talent is turning heads across the league. Whether it’s a feel-good story of perseverance or a young phenom making his mark, one thing is clear: these MLBbros are ready to put on a show.
