Minnesota Twins All-Star Enters Home Run Derby

There had been rumblings recently that Minnesota Twins superstar Byron Buxton was very interested in competing in the 2025 Home Run Derby field. Over the weekend, Buck helped his case when he was named to the American League All-Star Team, and on Monday he got even more good news.

Byron Buxton joins Home Run Derby field

Normally, the Twins don’t get a significant amount of national love. That became more evident when Joe Ryan was snubbed from this year’s All-Star Game roster, despite his 2.76 ERA and 0.891 WHIP (104.1 IP). Nonetheless, about 24 hours after being named to his second career All-Star roster, Buxton got his Home Run Derby wish too.

He's been MASHING all season!

Next stop: Home Run Derby!!!! pic.twitter.com/4r32VkPMQo

— Minnesota Twins (@Twins) July 7, 2025

That’s right, the Buck Truck will pull out of Minneapolis next week and into Truist Park, home of the Atlanta Braves, and just a short drive from Byron’s hometown of Baxley, GA.

During the 2022 All-Star Game at Dodger Stadium, Buxton hit a game-winning home run for the American League team. Following a two-run Giancarlo Stanton dinger, Buxton’s back-to-back blast was the difference, as the American League won 3-2.

What theatrics Buxton provides in the actual game this year remain to be seen. He has hit some tape-measure shots this season though, and he’ll launch them into the night on Monday July 14th in Atlanta. The rest of the field includes Seattle’s Cal Raleigh, Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr., and Washington’s James Wood.

In 73 games this season Buxton has batted .270/.334/.544 with 20 home runs. He hit a career-high 28 home runs in 2022, the same season he made his first All-Star Game appearance. It’s certainly possible he blows by that number this year.

MN Twins past HR Derby experience

Buxton isn’t the first Minnesota Twins player to take part in the Home Run Derby. In fact, despite it being remembered as the Josh Hamilton show, Justin Morneau won the event at Yankee Stadium in 2008.

📆ON THIS DATE📆

July 14, 2008.

Justin Morneau wins the 2008 Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium in New York City, becoming the first #MNTwins player to win the contest. He defeated Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton in the final round. pic.twitter.com/d8E7gttjph

— Twins Dingers (@TwinsDingers) July 14, 2021

Related: Report: Minnesota Twins Have Offer on the Table

Byron Buxton becomes the first MN Twins player to compete in the derby since Miguel Sano did so in Miami during the 2017 event. Tom Brunansky (1985), Gary Gaetti (1989), Torii Hunter (2002), Joe Mauer (2009, and Brian Dozier have also all represented Minnesota in the Home Run Derby.

Brian Dozier represented Minnesota during the 2014 Home Run Derby that was held at Target Field. He competed against former teammate Justin Morneau who was a member of the Colorado Rockies at the time. Dozier hit just two longballs in the event.

This seems like an event Buxton could excel in. His swing is compact and quick while not exerting significant energy. He also will have plenty of home crowd help playing in front of his fellow Georgians.