Who Won the Home Run Derby 2025? The 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Truist Park in Atlanta was a night to remember, filled with jaw-dropping homers, electric energy, and a historic victory. On July 14, 2025, eight of baseball’s biggest sluggers stepped up to the plate, but it was Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh who emerged as the champion, making history as the first catcher to ever win the event. With his dad pitching and his younger brother catching, Raleigh’s victory was a family affair that had fans buzzing. Let’s dive into the highlights of this unforgettable night!
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A Historic Win for Cal Raleigh
Cal Raleigh, affectionately known as “Big Dumper,” etched his name into MLB history by winning the 2025 Home Run Derby. Facing off against Tampa Bay Rays’ rising star Junior Caminero in the final, Raleigh delivered a thrilling performance, hitting 18 home runs to Caminero’s 15. His journey wasn’t easy—he barely advanced past the first round, edging out Brent Rooker in a tiebreaker by a mere inch (470.61 feet vs. 470.53 feet). But once he found his groove, Raleigh was unstoppable, especially in the final, where he homered on six straight pitches at one point. His switch-hitting prowess and calm demeanor under pressure made him a standout, and his 38 first-half homers this season proved he was built for this moment. Raleigh’s win marked the second Derby crown for the Mariners, joining Ken Griffey Jr.’s three titles.
Standout Performances That Lit Up Truist Park
The 2025 Derby was packed with power. Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Oneil Cruz stole the show early with a monstrous 513-foot homer—the longest of the night and tied for the longest in Derby history outside of Coors Field. Cruz smashed 34 homers across two rounds, averaging 448 feet, but fell to Raleigh in the semifinals. Junior Caminero, at just 22, nearly became the youngest champion ever, hitting 44 homers with an average distance of 435 feet. Byron Buxton also impressed, launching 20 homers in the first round, including a 466-foot blast, but faded in the semis. Meanwhile, hometown hero Matt Olson and Yankees’ Jazz Chisholm Jr. exited early, with Olson managing 15 homers and Chisholm struggling with just three. The night was a showcase of raw power, with Cruz’s 513-footer and Raleigh’s clutch performance leading the way.
The Family Affair That Tugged at Heartstrings
What made Raleigh’s victory extra special was the family connection. His father, Todd Raleigh, threw the pitches, and his 15-year-old brother, Todd Jr., was behind the plate, hyping him up. Raleigh called it a “dream come true,” saying, “I could have hit zero home runs, and I would have had just as much fun.” The trio’s chemistry was evident, especially during timeouts when they shared laughs and encouragement. Fans loved the wholesome moment when Raleigh flipped his hat backward to hug Griffey, echoing the Mariners legend’s iconic style. This family-driven narrative added a layer of warmth to the high-octane event, making Raleigh’s win resonate beyond the stats.
What’s Next for Raleigh and the Derby Stars?
Raleigh’s Derby triumph caps a breakout 2025 season, where he’s already hit 38 homers, just one shy of Barry Bonds’ record for most before the All-Star break. He’s on pace to challenge Salvador Perez’s single-season catcher record of 48 homers and even Aaron Judge’s AL mark of 62. For Caminero, Cruz, and others, the Derby was a chance to shine on a national stage, and their performances signal bright futures. As for the event itself, 2025 might have been ESPN’s last broadcast, with potential changes looming for how fans watch in the future. But one thing’s clear: Raleigh’s historic win and the night’s epic homers will be talked about for years.
In the end, the 2025 Home Run Derby was a celebration of power, family, and baseball’s next generation. Cal Raleigh’s victory wasn’t just a win for him—it was a moment for Mariners fans, catchers everywhere, and anyone who loves a good underdog story. Here’s to more nights like this