2025 Home Run Derby: Brent Rooker Brings Mississippi Power to the Derby

The 2025 MLB All-Star Week has arrived in Atlanta, and Monday night’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby is shaping up to be a must-watch slugfest featuring a dynamic mix of seasoned sluggers and rising stars. For fans in the Magnolia State, all eyes will be on Brent Rooker, the Athletics’ designated hitter—and a Mississippi native whose long journey from Starkville to the big leagues now includes center stage under the Home Run Derby lights.

Rooker, who starred at Mississippi State University, has been mashing all season for the A’s, slugging his way into national prominence with tape-measure blasts and a no-doubt approach at the plate. The Memphis native hit 36 home runs last season and has continued that torrid pace into 2025, making his Derby debut feel less like a surprise and more like a natural next step.

(The former Mississippi State star has been one of the lone bright spots this season for the homeless A’s playing their games in Sacramento for three seasons, before their move to Las Vegas)

This year’s Home Run Derby field offers a fascinating mix of styles—from ultra-athletic shortstops to switch-hitting backstops and towering young sluggers just breaking onto the national stage.

Here’s the full list of participants:

Brent Rooker, (Athletics) – Mississippi State legend, 2023 All-Star, launching bombs in his first Derby appearance.
Matt Olson, (Braves) – The hometown hero steps in as a late addition, replacing Ronald Acuña Jr., who withdrew due to lingering back soreness, but will play in the game Tuesday. Olson enters with 25 HR and a thunderous swing tailor-made for Truist Park’s right field porch.
Byron Buxton, (Twins) – The Southern speedster turned power bat is making his Derby debut after finally putting together a healthy, dominant first half.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Yankees) – Flashy, confident, and loaded with charisma, Chisholm brings swagger and left-handed pop from the top of Miami’s lineup.
Junior Caminero (Rays) – At just 21 years old, Caminero has rocketed onto the national stage with 20+ home runs in the first half. He’s the youngest participant in the field.
O’Neil Cruz (Pirates) – At 6’7”, Cruz is the tallest position player in MLB history—and his exit velocities are as massive as his wingspan.
Cal Raleigh (Mariners) – Don’t sleep on “Big Dumper.” The Mariners’ switch-hitting catcher quietly has one of the best HR/AB ratios in baseball.
James Wood (Nationals) – The 6’6” outfielder is already drawing comparisons to Judge and Stanton. Mississippi State fans may remember Wood once was committed to the Bulldogs before opting to turn pro after being drafted in the 2nd round of the 2021 MLB Draft by the Washington Nationals. He’s quickly become one of the most exciting young hitters in the league.

(Nationals Outfielder James Wood was committed to Mississippi State out of IMG Academy in Florida, before being drafted in the second round of the 2021 MLB Draft. The 22 year old is playing in his first All-Star Game)

Mississippi Connections: Rooker & Wood Bring Bulldog Ties

While Rooker is the lone Mississippi native in the field, James Wood’s Mississippi State commitment adds another layer of Bulldog flavor to the 2025 Derby. Though he never suited up in Starkville, his decision to forgo college for the pros still left many Bulldog fans wondering what could have been.

Now, both Rooker and Wood bring Mississippi State ties—one actual, one almost—to one of the sport’s biggest nights.

And for Braves fans in attendance, there’s no forgetting the local connection of Ronald Acuña Jr., who was originally slated to compete. Acuña, the former Mississippi Braves phenom, became a household name after dazzling in Pearl back in 2017. Though he’s out with a nagging injury, his presence will still be felt as Matt Olson looks to carry the Atlanta torch in front of the home crowd.