Two more former Red Wings join Home Run Derby: Buxton, Rooker to take part

BY DAN GLICKMAN

Washington Nationals outfielder James Wood won’t be the only former member of the Rochester Red Wings hitting in next Monday’s 2025 Home Run Derby at Atlanta’s Truist Park. In the days since the 6’7” slugger announced his participation, two Red Wings alumni from the Twins era have also confirmed they’ll take their swings: Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton and Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker.

Buxton, a Georgia who played portions of four seasons with the Red Wings between 2015 and 2018, hit .310 as a Red Wing while hitting 18 home runs in 100 games for Rochester. This season, the 31-year-old has 20 home runs, sixth-best in the American League as of Thursday. In addition, reports say that Twins third base coach Tommy Watkins will throw to Buxton in the competition. Watkins was a fan favorite in his playing days, playing parts of four seasons for the Red Wings while earning the nickname “The Mayor.”

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Brent Rooker played 65 games for Rochester in 2019, the final year of the Twins affiliation. During that time, the Mississippi State product hit 14 home run for Rochester while hitting .281. This year, playing for the Sacramento-based Athletics, the righty has 19 home runs in 94 games as of Thursday, tied for eighth in the American League.

The inclusion of Rooker and Buxton mean that all three former Red Wings position players in the All-Star Game will also.take part in the Home Run Derby. The fourth former Wing is Washington Nationals pitcher MacKenzie Gore.

Two former Red Wings- Cal Ripken Jr. and Justin Morneau– have won the Home Run Derby. Another, Ruben Sierra, tied for the title in 1989 and later played briefly for the Red Wings during the twilight of his career. Other former Wings to take part include Eddie Murray, Brady Anderson, Joe Mauer, Michael Cuddyer, Brian Dozier, and Miguel Sano.

Wood, Buxton, and Rooker will be joined in the derby by Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneill Cruz, Tampa Bays Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, and one more hitter who has yet to be announced.

The Home Run Derby takes place on Monday, July 14, at 8 p.m. on ESPN. This year’s version of the Rochester Red Wings continue their home series with the Worcester Red Sox on Thursday night at 6:45 p.m.