Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh claimed victory in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, held on a warm and humid night at Truist Park in Atlanta. Raleigh triumphed over Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero in a thrilling final, showcasing his power-hitting prowess. His victory not only earned him a coveted trophy featuring two crossed silver baseball bats but also a flashy championship chain adorned with the words “Derby Champ.”
Raleigh, affectionately known for his impressive physique, is having a remarkable season, currently leading the league with 38 home runs at the All-Star break. His success was further amplified by having his father, Todd Raleigh, pitch for him during the event, while his younger brother, aged 15, served as one of the catchers. This memorable experience resonated deeply with Raleigh, who expressed his disbelief and elation after the contest, stating, “It just means the world… I just can’t believe I won.”
In the final round, Raleigh set the tone early by hitting seven home runs before taking a timeout. He continued his strong performance, launching eight more home runs in the final minute, including one that soared just over the fence as the time expired. In the subsequent bonus round, he added three more to his total. Caminero faced a daunting task, needing 19 home runs in the final round to secure victory. Despite starting strong, he finished with a total of 15 home runs, falling short of Raleigh’s impressive tally.
The Home Run Derby is a cherished event in baseball, often representing the dreams of families who bond over the sport. Following the derby, the Raleigh family signed a baseball for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. As Todd Raleigh signed the ball, Cal expressed his astonishment, tapping his leg and exclaiming, “Cooperstown!” He reflected on the night as “kind of surreal,” emphasizing the special nature of winning alongside his family.
Celebrating Power Hitting
The Home Run Derby showcased some of baseball’s most exciting talent, set against the backdrop of a perfect summer evening. The crowd experienced a mix of emotions, particularly during the disappointing performance of Jazz Chisholm Jr., who managed only three home runs in the first round. The audience’s excitement peaked for local favorite Matt Olson, who hit 15 home runs but did not advance to the semifinals.
One of the most dramatic moments came when Raleigh and Athletics star Brent Rooker tied with 17 home runs in the opening round, necessitating a tiebreaker. Raleigh advanced by the narrowest of margins, less than an inch on the measurement of his longest shot as recorded by Statcast. As the semifinals unfolded, Byron Buxton struggled to maintain his earlier momentum, hitting only seven home runs after a strong start.
Caminero advanced to the finals with a total of 21 home runs in the opening round, while Raleigh continued to impress, hitting 19 home runs to set a high bar for his competitors. O’Neil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates showcased his power with a remarkable 513-foot home run, but ultimately fell short with only 13 home runs in his round.
With his victory, Raleigh not only secured the $1 million winner’s purse but also earned the right to represent the American League as the fourth batter in the upcoming All-Star Game. His achievement as the first catcher and first switch hitter to win the Home Run Derby adds a significant milestone to his already impressive career, further solidifying his status as one of baseball’s rising stars.
