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.

For Pittsburgh Pirates' central pitcher Paul Skenes, one of his teammates will be one of the standout hitters in the Home Run Derby. The event will take place on July 14 at Truist

His .402 slugging percentage ranks No. 47 in the National League, down from .449 in 2024 and his career mark of .438.The 26-year-old has averaged 27 home runs per 162 games in his career, which got off to a hot start in 2021 and 2022 before injuries knocked him out for most of 2023.

Nick Loftin hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the seventh inning, then won it in the ninth with a one-out RBI single as the Kansas City Royals beat the Pittsburgh Pirates 4-3

Nick Loftin (Kansas City Royals) with a Spectacular Hit Pittsburgh Pirates, 07/08/2025