2025 CHRISTMAS CLASSIC PARTICIPANTS ANNOUNCED
MATANZAS, CUBA – The Mid-West Baseball League (MWBL) is bringing the holiday cheer—and massive power—to the Caribbean! The league today unveiled the twelve elite sluggers who will compete in the 2025 Christmas Classic Home Run Derby, set to take place on Christmas Day, December 25th, at the historic Victoria de Girón Stadium in Matanzas, Cuba.
Twelve Days of Sluggers: The Christmas Classic Field
In the spirit of the event, the MWBL has selected twelve representatives from the American and National Leagues who demonstrated exceptional power during the 2025 season. Notably, the field adheres strictly to the MWBL rule established in 2017:
No single franchise will have more than one representative competing for the festive crown.
Here are the 12 sluggers ready to launch ‘Jingle Balls’ out of the park:
| AMERICAN LEAGUE – 2025 MWBL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC PARTICIPANTS | |||||
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| Aaron Judge | Shohei Ohtani | Cal Raleigh | Eugenio Suarez | Kyle Schwarber | Anthony Santander |
| Hollywood | Fremont | Cincinnati | Titusville | Detroit | Coconut Creek |
| NATIONAL LEAGUE – 2025 MWBL CHRISTMAS CLASSIC PARTICIPANTS | |||||
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| Brent Rooker | Jose Ramirez | Jake Burger | Juan Soto | Giancarlo Stanton | Pete Alonso |
| Sacramento | Tempe | Bethesda | Tampa Bay | Prairie | Selkirk |
A Unique MWBL Holiday Tradition
The MWBL’s Christmas Classic is not just a game—it’s a beloved winter tradition with a unique backstory.
The concept was initially inspired by the “BUNT” league, specifically an idea developed several years ago by league member Dave Snyderman. The MWBL Commissioner, who often monitors and appreciates innovative ideas from other leagues, refined the BUNT concept to fit the MWBL structure perfectly.
“This event is the perfect capstone to our baseball calendar,” said an MWBL spokesperson. “It combines the high-stakes thrill of a Home Run Derby with the unique, relaxed atmosphere of the holiday season. Bringing the event to Matanzas, Cuba, this year adds an extra layer of history and excitement.”
What to Expect on Christmas Day
Fans can expect a spectacular show of raw power and holiday spirit as the players swap out their usual uniforms for festive gear. Will a veteran like Aaron Judge add a Christmas Classic trophy to his cabinet, or will a younger slugger like Jake Burger pull off a holiday upset?
Check back on December 26th to see which one of these twelve sluggers takes home the win in a tropical Home Run Derby unlike any other!