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Associated Press
Jul 7, 2025, 05:54 PM ET
Minnesota Twins outfielder and Georgia native Byron Buxton was announced as the fourth participant in the Home Run Derby on Monday.
The Derby will take place July 14, the night before the All-Star Game, at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Buxton joins Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. and Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh in the competition. Buxton, who has 20 homers this season, is from Baxley, Georgia, and was taken by the Twins with the second pick in the 2012 draft.
The 31-year-old Buxton will be the eighth Twins hitter to take part in the Derby. Justin Morneau won the event in 2008.
New York Mets slugger and two-time winner Pete Alonso joined Philadelphia Phillies designated hitter Kyle Schwarber in electing to skip the event. Both told reporters Sunday about their decisions.
Alonso was named a National League reserve for the All-Star Game in a season when he has hit 20 homers. He won the Home Run Derby in 2019 and 2021. It wasn't held in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"I'm not necessarily called this year to do it," Alonso said, according to MLB.com. "I love the event. It's a sick event. I just didn't really feel motivated to do it this year. I just figured I'd take a break, use the break as recovery and get back at it, help the team win in the second half."
Although he's not participating this summer, Schwarber left the door open to taking part next season when the All-Star Game will be held in Philadelphia. Schwarber has 27 homers this season and made his third All-Star team.
