The Pittsburgh Pirates watched an All-Star get ready for the Home Run Derby.
Oneil Cruz will look to become the first Pirates player to win the home run contest on Monday night. While the Statcast darling is a betting favorite, Byron Buxton will enter Atlanta with considerable momentum.
Buxton continued a triumphant first half by hitting for the cycle on Saturday. The Minnesota Twins outfielder went 5-for-5 with two singles, a double, a triple and a solo home run in a 12-4 victory over the Pirates.
Buxton joined Chicago Cubs catcher Carson Kelly as the second player to record a cycle in 2025. He completed the achievement by crushing a home run over the center-field wall in the seventh inning.
The cycle highlights a stellar first half for Buxton, who’s batting .286/.350/.571 with 21 home runs and 17 stolen bases. Injuries have hindered the outfielder from truly reaching his lofty potential, and a recent scare threatened his All-Star participation when Buxton got hit by a pitch on his left hand Wednesday.
Story continues below advertisement
The hand contusion must not be bothering Buxton much, as he already has seven hits in two games agains the Pirates. He’s on track to finally exceed 400 plate appearances in a season for the first time since 2017.
Buxton will celebrate his breakout year with his second All-Star selection. It’s a well-earned honor for the 31-year-old, who entered Saturday brandishing the second-highest WAR among American League outfielders behind Aaron Judge.
Buxton will make his Home Run Derby debut before playing in the Midsummer Classic. He and Cruz meet again in a field that also features Junior Caminero, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Matt Olson, Cal Raleigh, Brent Rooker and James Wood.
Story continues below advertisement
More MLB: Pirates’ Oneil Cruz Betting Favorite To Win MLB Home Run Derby
Featured image via David Banks/Imagn Images