MLB.com's Daniel Kramer shared a video on X of Raleigh when he was 8 years old, predicting that he'd be a Home Run Derby champ. Raleigh, with absurd natural power as a big, strong dude, will be one of the favorites in Atlanta.

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who leads the majors in homers with 32, says he will participate in next month’s Home Run Derby.

Who seems destined to be the Home Run Derby champion continues to prove he's more than ready for the challenge.

Cruz, 26, will join Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. as the latest participants in the annual slugging contest.

Pittsburgh Pirates' Oneil Cruz, center, celebrates with Ke'Bryan Hayes (13) after both scored on his two-run home run off New York Mets pitcher Dedniel Núñez during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh,

Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz will compete in Monday's Home Run Derby. Earlier this season, Cruz clobbered the hardest hit homer in the Statcast era at 122.9 mph.