Byron Buxton, raised as a fan of the 1990s Atlanta Braves, has had an extraordinary journey in baseball. Now an All-Star outfielder for the Minnesota Twins, Buxton's transition from infield to outfield exemplified his versatility. Despite his talent, injuries have hampered his career, with only two seasons exceeding 100 games. However, 2025 marks a turning point, as Buxton has reached significant milestones—hitting for the cycle on his bobblehead day and stealing his 100th base. With family and fans rallying in Atlanta for the All-Star festivities, Buxton embraces the moment, ready to swing for the fences.

Tonight, the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby promises to electrify fans as eight elite sluggers showcase their power at Truist Park in Atlanta. Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners leads the pack with 38 home runs this season, just short of Barry Bonds' first-half record. Other contenders include Oneil Cruz from the Pittsburgh Pirates, James Wood of the Washington Nationals, and reigning champion Teoscar Hernández, who made history as a Dodgers player winning the title last year.

The event starts at 8 p.m. ET and can be streamed live on ESPN or Fubo. Each participant has three minutes to hit as many home runs as possible, with an exhilarating new format including bonus time for longer hits. With Raleigh's staggering performance and the introduction of unique rules, this year's Derby is set to be a memorable one.

The Los Angeles Dodgers are aiming aggressively for pitching reinforcements ahead of the trade deadline, bolstered by their current strong standing in the National League West. Despite injuries to several key pitchers, including Roki Sasaki and Blake Treinen, the team holds a solid record of 58-39, leading the San Diego Padres by 5.5 games. MLB Insider Bob Nightengale reports that the Dodgers have shown considerable interest in Minnesota Twins closer Jhoan Duran. With an impressive 2.41 ERA and 73 saves since his debut in 2022, Duran represents both a short-term solution and a long-term asset, particularly as the Twins, hovering around .500, may lean toward selling as the trade deadline approaches.

Duran's addition could significantly upgrade the Dodgers' bullpen, currently led by Tanner Scott, who has struggled in his first season with a 4.09 ERA. The Twins might be inclined to trade Duran if their performance does not improve, considering he is under team control until 2028. The Dodgers, looking to ensure their rotation remains deep for a postseason push, face tough decisions regarding their prospects and potential trade costs.

Byron Buxton, the Minnesota Twins' standout, is gearing up for the 2025 Home Run Derby in Atlanta, aiming to follow in Justin Morneau's historic footsteps as the second Twin to win the title. Buxton's recent performance, highlighted by a remarkable cycle at Target Field, has him riding a wave of momentum heading into the event. He will be coached by Twins third base coach Tommy Watkins, a significant figure from his early career.

Buxton's strategy will hinge on adapting to the Home Run Derby's unique format, which features a bracket-style competition across three rounds, challenging players to maximize their home runs within strict time limits. The anticipation is palpable not just for Buxton's potential victory, but also for how he will compete against formidable hitters like Cal Raleigh, who leads the league with 38 home runs this season.

The MLB All-Star Game approaches, shining a spotlight on power hitters in the Home Run Derby set for July 14 at Truist Park, Atlanta. Eight sluggers, including home run leader Cal Raleigh, will contend for the title. The Derby format features timed rounds where players can hit up to 40 balls, with bonus opportunities for long homers. Last year's champion Teoscar Hernandez aims to defend his title against a competitive field that includes James Wood, Junior Caminero, and Byron Buxton, among others.