Baseball fans everywhere have been asking, “who won the home run derby 2025?” The answer is now official: Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners claimed the crown at Truist Park in Atlanta, becoming the first catcher ever to win Major League Baseball’s Home Run Derby.
Cal Raleigh’s Unforgettable Night
Cal Raleigh entered the 2025 Home Run Derby as MLB’s home run leader, and he lived up to the hype. Facing off against some of the game’s most powerful sluggers, Raleigh showcased his switch-hitting prowess and delivered a performance for the ages. He outlasted Tampa Bay Rays’ rising star Junior Caminero in a dramatic final round, solidifying his place in baseball history.
Key Points Summary
- Cal Raleigh is the 2025 Home Run Derby champion, the first catcher to win the event.
- The Derby was held July 14, 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta.
- Raleigh defeated Junior Caminero in the finals after a series of impressive rounds.
- Eight MLB sluggers competed, including James Wood, Byron Buxton, and Matt Olson.
- Raleigh hit 17 home runs in the first round, 19 in the semifinals, and outslugged Caminero in the finals.
Who Won the Home Run Derby 2025: The Road to Victory
The 2025 Home Run Derby brought together eight of the league’s premier power hitters:
| Player | Team | 2025 HRs (Pre-Derby) |
|---|---|---|
| Cal Raleigh | Seattle Mariners | 38 |
| Junior Caminero | Tampa Bay Rays | 23 |
| James Wood | Washington Nationals | 24 |
| Byron Buxton | Minnesota Twins | 21 |
| Brent Rooker | Oakland Athletics | 20 |
| Matt Olson | Atlanta Braves | 17 |
| Oneil Cruz | Pittsburgh Pirates | 16 |
| Jazz Chisholm Jr. | New York Yankees | 18 |
Raleigh started strong, blasting 17 home runs in the opening round and narrowly advancing past Brent Rooker thanks to a tiebreaker determined by the longest home run distance—470.62 feet. In the semifinals, he faced Oneil Cruz and dominated with 19 homers to Cruz’s 13. The final round saw Raleigh and Caminero go head-to-head, with Raleigh’s consistent power and clutch swings sealing his victory.
Historic Feats and Derby Drama
The 2025 Derby was filled with memorable moments:
- Raleigh became only the second player ever to switch sides of the plate during a Derby round, hitting from both left and right to maximize his power.
- The final round was a showdown between two first-time finalists, with Caminero, just 22 years old, pushing Raleigh to the limit.
- A highlight came when a fan in the outfield robbed a home run, adding to the excitement and unpredictability of the contest.
- Raleigh’s longest blast traveled an eye-popping 470.62 feet, one of the night’s most impressive displays of raw power.
Prize Money and Recognition
This year’s Home Run Derby featured a $2.5 million prize pool. Raleigh’s victory earned him a $1 million winner’s check, while Caminero took home $500,000 as the runner-up. All participants received $150,000, and an additional $100,000 was awarded for the longest home run of the night.
What’s Next for Cal Raleigh and the Mariners?
With his Derby win, Cal Raleigh joins Mariners legend Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Seattle players to claim the title. Raleigh’s performance cements his reputation as one of baseball’s elite power hitters and sets the stage for an exciting second half of the season for the Mariners.
Fans are already buzzing about whether Raleigh’s Derby momentum will carry over into the remainder of the year. His historic win as the first catcher to ever take the crown will be remembered for years to come.
Have thoughts on Cal Raleigh’s milestone victory or favorite Home Run Derby moments? Share your reactions in the comments and stay tuned for more MLB updates!