Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes will take center stage on Tuesday when he takes the mound to start the 2025 All-Star game for the National League.
On Monday, he’ll be in a supporting role as he watches his teammate, Oneil Cruz, compete in the home run derby.
Skenes will be in attendance to support Skenes. On the way to Truist Field, he made a (very unbiased) prediction.
“[Cruz] is my guy to win,” Skenes said. “It’s gonna be a long night for me, cause I’ll be sticking with him to the end. He’s got the gift that nobody else does in the derby, I think, and he’ll just be able to flick balls out.”
Cruz might have the most power in the field. While he’s not leading the league in home runs, he holds the record for the hardest hit home run in Statcast history at 122.9 mph. Contestants can earn a bonus for hitting a home run over 425 feet, which should be no problem for the Pirates outfielder.
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His hip could be an issue, however. While he has the power he needs, the current event format also rewards endurance due to the timer. If his hip hinders him at all, he may need to bow out early to protect his health.
Cruz has the second-best odds to win the event, behind only Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, according to oddsmakers. The derby is three rounds, with the top four advancing in the first round before moving to a bracket-style event in the semi-finals and finals. Skenes will be in his corner until he’s eliminated. Either way, the Pirates will be front and center all of the All-Star break due to their two young stars.
More MLB: How Pirates’ Paul Skenes Discussed ‘Huge Honor’ Of Starting MLB All-Star Game
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