Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh emerged victorious in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, etching his name into baseball history. The powerful switch-hitter defeated Tampa Bay Rays sensation Junior Caminero in a thrilling final round held at Truist Park in Atlanta on Monday, July 14, 2025. Raleigh’s impressive performance saw him launch 54 total home runs throughout the competition, solidifying his status as the premier slugger heading into the All-Star break.
A Historic Performance from “Big Dumper”
Cal Raleigh’s path to the championship was filled with drama and incredible power displays. In a competition known for its explosive moments, Raleigh delivered consistently, showcasing the form that has seen him lead the league in home runs prior to the All-Star break with 38 long balls. His victory is particularly significant as he became the first catcher to ever win the Home Run Derby, breaking a long-standing trend that typically saw outfielders and first basemen dominate the event.
Key Points Summary
- Winner: Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners)
- Runner-up: Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays)
- Total Home Runs by Winner: 54
- Location: Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia
- Date: Monday, July 14, 2025
- Historical Significance: First catcher and first switch-hitter to win the Home Run Derby outright.
Raleigh’s Road to Victory
The journey to the final was not without its challenges for Raleigh. In the opening round, he found himself tied with Oakland Athletics slugger Brent Rooker, both hitting 17 home runs. The tiebreaker, decided by the longest home run, saw Raleigh advance by a mere 0.08 feet—a difference of less than an inch—with a blast measuring 470.62 feet compared to Rooker’s 470.54 feet. This nail-biting moment set the tone for a captivating night.
In the semifinals, Raleigh faced off against Pittsburgh Pirates phenom Oneil Cruz, who had impressed with a monstrous 513-foot home run in the first round, the longest of the night. Raleigh, however, maintained his composure, hitting 19 homers to Cruz’s 13, securing his spot in the championship round.
The final pitted Raleigh against the 22-year-old Junior Caminero. Caminero, a rising star, had shown incredible promise throughout the Derby, including a 21-homer performance in the first round. However, Raleigh’s consistent power proved to be too much. With his father, Todd Raleigh, pitching to him and his younger brother, Todd Jr., catching, the family affair added a heartwarming element to the historic win. Raleigh launched 18 home runs in the final, overcoming Caminero’s 15 and securing the coveted Derby crown.
Beyond being the first catcher to win, Raleigh also made history as the first switch-hitter to win the Derby outright. While Baltimore’s Adley Rutschman also switch-hit in the 2023 Derby, Raleigh’s dominant performance from both sides of the plate, particularly in the later rounds where he stuck to hitting left-handed, showcased his versatility and immense talent.
This year’s Home Run Derby delivered on all fronts, providing an unforgettable evening of power hitting and dramatic moments. Cal Raleigh’s triumph is a testament to his hard work and dedication, and it will undoubtedly be remembered as a landmark event in the history of the competition.
What were your favorite moments from this year’s Home Run Derby? Share your thoughts in the comments below!