The Best Swing-Off Players For All 30 MLB Teams

Major League Baseball: The Best Swing-Off Players for All 30 MLB Teams

The 2025 MLB All-Star Game concluded with a unique twist—a swing-off. This mini home run derby determined the winner instead of opting for extra innings, making it an exciting spectacle for viewers. While it’s uncertain if swing-offs will become standard in regular-season play, we can certainly dream. For a swing-off, each team selects three players who will take three swings each. Below is a breakdown of the best picks for all 30 teams, organized by division.

Keep in mind that the players chosen for a swing-off might not be the league’s top overall hitters; rather, they are those with the greatest potential to hit home runs under Home Run Derby-like conditions—specifically, in a controlled batting practice environment designed for home runs. Each team can choose three coaches to pitch to their hitters so a balanced mix of left-handed and right-handed pitchers is essential to exploit matchup advantages.

AL East

Baltimore Orioles

**Lineup:** Gunnar Henderson, Ryan O’Hearn, Tyler O’Neill

Gunnar Henderson is a clear pick as the O’s shortstop and is a strong hitter even during down years, launching 37 homers in 2024. Ryan O’Hearn found his power once he joined the Orioles, hitting 40 home runs in 336 games since 2023. Most of his homers have come off righties, making him a solid choice for swing-offs. Tyler O’Neill, though a challenging free-agent sign for the Orioles, boasts a .526 career slugging percentage against left-handed pitchers, making him a potential threat if pitched to by a southpaw.

Boston Red Sox

**Lineup:** Wilyer Abreu, Alex Bregman, Roman Anthony

Although Rafael Devers would have secured a spot here before his trade to the Giants, the Red Sox still have formidable options. Wilyer Abreu’s power surged in 2025 with 18 first-half homers, surpassing his 15 rookie homers. Alex Bregman may be more known for his doubles, but he can rediscover his home run swing during batting practice. Rookie Roman Anthony may be inexperienced, but he can definitely drive the ball long distances, as showcased at last summer’s Futures Skills Showcase.

New York Yankees

**Lineup:** Aaron Judge, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Giancarlo Stanton

Aaron Judge is the best choice, given his impressive power and status as one of the top hitters in the game. Jazz Chisholm Jr. might have only hit three homers in the 2025 Home Run Derby, but he deserves another opportunity to showcase his talent. Giancarlo Stanton’s prime may be behind him, yet he’s likely to crush several balls into the stands with the right coaching effort. 777pub 2024

Tampa Bay Rays

**Lineup:** Junior Caminero, Brandon Lowe, Yandy Diaz

Junior Caminero just finished as the runner-up in the 2025 Home Run Derby and has hit 23 homers so far. Brandon Lowe smashed 39 homers in 2021 and is consistently over 19 homers per season, making him a reliable candidate. Yandy Diaz should be pitched to by lefties, as he has a .302/.386/ jili711.ph.489 career line against them with 34 homers in considerably fewer plate appearances compared to right-handers.

Toronto Blue Jays

**Lineup:** Vladimir Guerrero Jr., George Springer, Addison Barger

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the 2023 Home Run Derby champion, still holds the record for the most homers hit in both the first and second rounds of the Derby. George Springer is once again hitting for power, making him a natural fit. Addison Barger isn’t a guaranteed home run hitter yet, but he’s shown promise with 19 homers in 134 career games against right-handed pitchers. m slotvip.ph

NL East

Atlanta Braves

**Lineup:** Matt Olson, Ronald Acuña Jr., Marcell Ozuna

Matt Olson topped the league with 54 homers in 2023 and has proven he can reach over 30 homers multiple times. Ronald Acuña Jr. is a dynamic power threat when healthy; he smacked 41 homers in 2023. Marcell Ozuna, while more of a veteran at this stage, has also shown he can hit the long ball with consistent performances in recent years.

Miami Marlins

**Lineup:** Kyle Stowers, Agustin Ramirez, Jesus Sanchez

Kyle Stowers has transformed his power game in 2025, hitting 19 homers in 91 games. Agustin Ramirez, though a rookie, has already hit 14 homers in less than half of a season. Jesus Sanchez may not be the most exciting choice but could catch fire against right-handed pitching.

New York Mets

**Lineup:** Juan Soto, Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor

Juan Soto always stands out as a premier player. Pete Alonso, who hit 53 homers during his rookie year, consistently masters home run swings annually. Francisco Lindor usually contributes around 30 home runs in a competitive setting, making the Mets a formidable team for the swing-off.

Philadelphia Phillies

**Lineup:** Kyle Schwarber, Nick Castellanos, Bryce Harper

Kyle Schwarber recently won the swing-off in the NL during the All-Star Game, making him an automatic choice. Nick Castellanos has the power to make moments happen, while Bryce Harper rebounded from a rough patch to hit 30 homers in 2024.

Washington Nationals

**Lineup:** James Wood, CJ Abrams, Nathaniel Lowe

Even without Juan Soto, James Wood has emerged as a powerful asset for the Nationals with 23 homers in his debut year. CJ Abrams is above average and capable of hitting home runs. Nathaniel Lowe shows flashes of greatness with 14 homers this season, making him a wildcard choice.

AL Central

Chicago White Sox

**Lineup:** Andrew Benintendi, Miguel Vargas, Luis Robert Jr.

It’s a struggle for the White Sox this season, but Andrew Benintendi will hold it down, and while Miguel Vargas isn’t a power hitter, he’s shown growth. Luis Robert Jr., a natural power hitter, might also rise up despite having underwhelming stats recently.

Cleveland Guardians

**Lineup:** Jose Ramirez, Carlos Santana, Bo Naylor

Jose Ramirez is likely to retire as the best player in Cleveland history, evident through his consistent production, missing out on a 40-40 season by just one homer. Carlos Santana may be aging, but he can still deliver a strong effort. Bo Naylor, known for his struggles, has the ability to pull off homers against the right pitches.

Detroit Tigers

**Lineup:** Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, Kerry Carpenter

Riley Greene smacked 24 homers last year and has matched that performance already in 2025. Spencer Torkelson, known for contact issues, may see his numbers shine in the batting practice scenario. Kerry Carpenter has the potential to crank out home runs based on his impressive .540 slugging percentage against right-handers.

Kansas City Royals

**Lineup:** Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez, Jac Caglianone

Bobby Witt Jr. has consistently hit over 30 homers, and Salvador Perez is the single-season record holder for a catcher with 48 homers. Jac Caglianone is a rookie with a strong amateur background, suggesting potential as he hits in this format.

Minnesota Twins

**Lineup:** Byron Buxton, Kody Clemens, Matt Wallner

Byron Buxton, when healthy, is a star capable of displaying his power. Kody Clemens has shown signs of life since joining the Twins, hitting 12 homers. Matt Wallner, with 33 homers in 636 plate appearances versus righties, is another strategic choice for the swing-off.

NL Central

Chicago Cubs

**Lineup:** Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, Kyle Tucker

With major improvements in their games, Pete Crow-Armstrong, Seiya Suzuki, and Kyle Tucker represent an exciting trio for the Cubs. Each player showcases significant power, making them valid picks for the swing-off.

Cincinnati Reds

**Lineup:** Elly De La Cruz, Spencer Steer, Matt McLain

Elly De La Cruz is on pace to hit 30 homers this year. Spencer Steer has shown promise with his recent performance. Matt McLain is an interesting choice as he battles through contact issues but has proven he can hit for power.

Milwaukee Brewers

**Lineup:** Christian Yelich, Jackson Chourio, Rhys Hoskins

Christian Yelich’s resurgence as a power hitter makes him an essential option. Jackson Chourio, though young, is showing he can produce homers effectively. Rhys Hoskins has the potential to surprise in this format, even with a lower batting average.

Pittsburgh Pirates

**Lineup:** Oneil Cruz, Bryan Reynolds, Andrew McCutchen

Oneil Cruz, with his record-breaking hits, is an easy pick. Bryan Reynolds provides consistent power metrics, while the aging Andrew McCutchen can still swing for distance.

St. agent system okbet Louis Cardinals

**Lineup:** Willson Contreras, Nolan Arenado, Alec Burleson

Willson Contreras has surpassed 20 homers multiple times and is thriving this year. Nolan Arenado’s power is still quite reputable, and Alec Burleson would be effective against the right-handed pitchers.

AL West

Oakland Athletics

**Lineup:** Brent Rooker, Tyler Soderstrom, Nick Kurtz

Despite struggles, the Athletics have solid power hitters. Brent Rooker recently performed well in the Home Run Derby; Tyler Soderstrom shows promise as a youthful slugger; Nick Kurtz has made an immediate impact with 17 homers in 58 games.

Houston Astros

**Lineup:** Isaac Paredes, Jose Altuve, Christian Walker

Isaac Paredes topped 30 homers back in 2023 and is on track to do so again. Jose Altuve is pushing his home run total toward 30, while Christian Walker can unleash impressive power.

Los Angeles Angels

**Lineup:** Mike Trout, Jo Adell, Logan O’Hoppe

While there were tough choices, Mike Trout is irreplaceable, showing power despite injuries. Jo Adell has explosive capabilities, and Logan O’Hoppe rounds off the trio with solid potential for home runs.

Seattle Mariners

**Lineup:** Cal Raleigh, Randy Arozarena, Julio Rodriguez

Cal Raleigh leads MLB in homers and has consistently delivered power. Randy Arozarena displays impressive numbers while offering reliable output. Julio Rodriguez combines multifaceted talent with power potential.

Texas Rangers

**Lineup:** Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, Jake Burger

Corey Seager has developed into a key power hitter since joining Texas. Adolis Garcia also retains impressive abilities, while Jake Burger likely finds a rhythm against left-handed pitching.

NL West

Arizona Diamondbacks

**Lineup:** Eugenio Suarez, Corbin Carroll, Ketel Marte

Eugenio Suarez can push for over 50 homers this season; Corbin Carroll is known for speed but can tap into home run potential too; Ketel Marte maintains solid power numbers historically.

Colorado Rockies

**Lineup:** Hunter Goodman, Ryan McMahon, Mickey Moniak

Hunter Goodman embodies strength for a catcher, matching Ryan McMahon’s ability to pull off massive hits while Mickey Moniak leverages his power in this matchup jilipark link.

Los Angeles Dodgers

**Lineup:** Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Max Muncy

Shohei Ohtani is an obvious choice, commanding immediate respect. Freddie Freeman may be seen more as a doubles hitter but could leverage swing-off conditions for homers. Max Muncy brings undeniable power regardless of contact concerns.

San Diego Padres

**Lineup:** Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, Jackson Merrill

The Padres house significant power potential; Tatis Jr. can crush the ball, and Machado’s performance suggests future 500 homers. Jackson Merrill may have reduced numbers this season but possesses the capability for big hits.

San Francisco Giants

**Lineup:** Heliot Ramos, Matt Chapman, Mike Yastrzemski

Despite the park’s limitations, Heliot Ramos, Matt Chapman, and Mike Yastrzemski showcase undeniable home run prowess and the potential to hit big in a swing-off.

Do you think a swing-off format could enhance excitement in future MLB events?