Quick Read
- Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners won the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby, making history as the first catcher to claim the title.
- Raleigh hit a total of 54 home runs across three rounds, defeating Junior Caminero in the final 18-15.
- Controversy arose in the first round when Raleigh advanced over Brent Rooker by a margin of just 0.08 feet in a distance tiebreaker.
- Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz hit the longest home run of the night at 513 feet but was eliminated in the semifinals.
- Raleigh’s victory adds momentum to his record-breaking season, as he currently leads MLB with 38 home runs.
The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby delivered an unforgettable night of power, drama, and history at Atlanta’s Truist Park on July 14, 2025. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh emerged victorious, becoming the first catcher in MLB history to claim the Home Run Derby crown. Raleigh defeated Tampa Bay Rays rising star Junior Caminero in the final round, solidifying his place in baseball lore.
A Historic Night for Cal Raleigh
Cal Raleigh, nicknamed “Big Dumper,” showcased his incredible power and composure throughout the competition. Entering the Derby as the betting favorite, Raleigh lived up to the hype, blasting a total of 54 home runs across three rounds. His path to the championship was marked by narrow margins and dominant performances.
In the first round, Raleigh tied with Oakland Athletics slugger Brent Rooker at 17 home runs. However, he advanced on a tiebreaker determined by the longest home run of the round—470.61 feet to Rooker’s 470.53 feet, a margin of just 0.08 feet. Raleigh then defeated Pittsburgh Pirates’ Oneil Cruz in the semifinals with 19 home runs, before sealing the title with an 18-15 victory over Caminero in the final.
Speaking to ESPN after his win, Raleigh reflected on the significance of the moment. “It means the world,” he said, his Derby champion chain glinting in the stadium lights. “I could’ve hit zero home runs, and I would’ve had just as much fun.” Raleigh’s father, Todd, pitched to him, while his younger brother, Todd Jr., caught behind the plate, making the night a family affair.
Junior Caminero’s Breakout Performance
Though Raleigh claimed the trophy, Junior Caminero left a lasting impression. The 22-year-old Tampa Bay Rays star showcased effortless power, launching 21 home runs in the first round and edging Minnesota Twins’ Byron Buxton in the semifinals by a score of 8-7. Caminero’s performance marked him as a future contender, with analysts predicting that he will win the event in the coming years.
“This might have been a welcome-to-the-big-stage moment for Caminero,” wrote Jesse Rogers of ESPN. “He looked effortless at the plate in his first Derby appearance, blasting home runs over the short wall in left field.” Caminero’s youth and talent captivated fans, making him one of the breakout stars of the evening.
Record-Setting Moments and Controversy
The Derby was not without its share of drama and record-breaking feats. Pittsburgh’s Oneil Cruz smashed a 513-foot home run in the first round, the longest of the night. However, Cruz ran out of steam in the semifinals, losing to Raleigh by a score of 19-13.
The first-round tiebreaker between Raleigh and Rooker sparked some controversy. The decision to advance Raleigh based on the longest home run, rather than a swing-off, drew criticism. Brent Rooker himself questioned the fairness of the rule, telling ESPN, “A disparity that slim should fall within a margin for error. Are we sure Statcast is that accurate?” Despite the debate, Raleigh’s razor-thin victory added to the night’s intrigue.
A Night to Remember for the Fans
The 2025 Home Run Derby was more than just a competition; it was a spectacle that celebrated the power and talent of MLB’s brightest stars. Fans at Truist Park were treated to a show of athleticism and resilience, as sluggers battled the Atlanta heat and humidity to deliver jaw-dropping performances.
Hometown favorite Matt Olson of the Atlanta Braves, unfortunately, exited in the first round with 15 home runs, while New York Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. managed only three. Still, the atmosphere was electric, with every swing met by cheers and gasps from the crowd.
Seattle Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr., a three-time Derby champion, was present to witness Raleigh’s triumph. “He was just super proud of me,” Raleigh said. “I tried to look like him with the backwards hat, so hopefully I made him proud.” Griffey’s presence added a layer of nostalgia and significance to Raleigh’s historic win.
Looking Ahead
With 38 home runs already this season, Raleigh is on pace for a record-breaking year, potentially challenging Barry Bonds’ single-season mark of 73 home runs. His Home Run Derby victory bolsters his case for MVP honors and adds momentum to the Mariners’ quest for their first American League West title since 2001—and perhaps their first World Series appearance in franchise history.
As the MLB All-Star Game approaches, Raleigh’s performance serves as a reminder of the talent and excitement that baseball brings to fans worldwide. The 2025 Home Run Derby will undoubtedly be remembered as a milestone in Raleigh’s career and a night of unforgettable moments for the sport.
The Big Dumper’s victory is a testament to his skill, determination, and the enduring magic of baseball’s greatest spectacles.