Cruz Sets Derby Records, Advances for Pirates

Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Oneil Cruz hit 21 home runs in the first round of the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby at Truist Park in Atlanta, including a 513-foot blast that set a new stadium distance record. The homer, clocked at 118 mph off the bat, tied both Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge for the fourth-longest Home Run Derby home run in the Statcast era and matched the longest ever outside of Coors Field. Earlier in 2025, Cruz set the Statcast exit velocity record with a 122.9-mph home run, highlighting his exceptional power. Cruz became the first Pirates player to advance beyond the first round and produced one of the most memorable performances in team history. His display of power has generated widespread excitement among fans and within the baseball community. Cruz is now being closely watched as he aims to become the first Pirate to win the Home Run Derby title.