Chandler Simpson, Nick Allen and Xavier Edwards Join Home Run Derby: Fans Baffled by Baseball’s Most Unexpected Lineup Ever

ATLANTA - Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Chandler Simpson, Atlanta Braves super utility man Nick Allen, and Miami Marlins infielder Xavier Edwards have officially announced they will be participating in the 2025 Home Run Derby next week at Truist Park in Atlanta. The three contact-first speedsters will join previously announced contestants Luis Arraez of the Padres and Nico Hoerner of the Cubs in what is quickly becoming the most confusing Home Run Derby lineup of all time.

Reactions poured in from around the league following the announcement. MLB insider Jeff Passan joked, “Adding Simpson, Allen, and Edwards injects speed-speed-speed into what was supposed to be a launch-fest. Expect more slap hits than launch angles.” Braves teammate Marc Olsen chimed in on Allen: “Nick’s got elite arm strength and pop-up potential. He plays it low-key but this derby could be his breakout moment.” Meanwhile, a Marlins clubhouse voice said of Edwards, “He’s all contact now, but people don’t realize he’s been working on torque. Don’t sleep on him.”

Fans were equally confused and entertained. One post on Reddit read, “If it was a ‘fastest to home’ Derby, I’d get it. But homers?” Another fan on Instagram commented, “Simpson in the Derby?! That’s speed over launch. This will be hilarious.” Even Braves fans expressed cautious optimism, with one saying, “If Nick Allen goes deep at his own stadium, I’m gonna lose it.”

Projections for the Derby suggest a wide range of outcomes. Luis Arraez is the current favorite, projected to hit between 4–6 home runs with a longest shot around 380 feet. Nico Hoerner is expected to notch 3–5 home runs, mostly line drives in the 360-foot range. Chandler Simpson, if he connects, could sneak out 2–4 homers with a surprising max distance of 400 feet thanks to his raw athleticism. Nick Allen has the highest raw power of the new trio and could shock everyone with a 410-foot blast, though projections still peg him at just 1–3 total. Xavier Edwards rounds out the field with 1–2 home runs and a longest shot of about 370 feet.

The pick to win remains Arraez, given his consistent contact and approach, but if anyone is going to launch the farthest ball, Nick Allen could randomly catch one into orbit. Regardless of outcome, the 2025 Home Run Derby will not be remembered for home run totals—it’ll be remembered for being the most chaotic, slap-happy Derby in MLB history, which would be an MLB record, per Statfax.

Stay tuned. This is going to be weird.