Who won the Home Run Derby 2025? Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners did. He made history. He became the first catcher ever to win the Home Run Derby. The event took place at Truist Park in Atlanta on July 14, 2025.
Raleigh crushed pitch after pitch and defeated Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays in the final.
Let’s look at how Cal Raleigh won and why this win matters.
Cal Raleigh Wins the 2025 Home Run Derby
Cal Raleigh won the Home Run Derby 2025 with powerful, consistent hitting. He beat Caminero in the final round, hitting 18 home runs.
Caminero hit 15. Raleigh showed balance and control from both sides of the plate. He proved he belonged with the best power hitters in baseball.
He also beat Oneil Cruz in the semifinals and Brent Rooker in the first round. Each round showed his strength, timing, and focus.
Why Cal Raleigh’s Win Was Historic
Raleigh is not just any player. He’s a catcher, a position not known for home run leaders. Who won the Home Run Derby 2025? A catcher, for the first time in history. That alone made the win special.
He’s also a true switch-hitter. That means he hits both left- and right-handed. He became the first real switch-hitter to win the Derby. That adds to the uniqueness of his win.
The night became even more personal. His father pitched to him during the Derby. His 15-year-old brother caught the balls behind the plate. This turned a big MLB moment into a special family memory.
Round-by-Round Breakdown
In the first round, Raleigh tied with Brent Rooker at 17 home runs. The tie-breaker? The longest homer hit by each. Raleigh hit a 470.62-foot homer. Rooker’s longest was 470.54 feet. That 0.08-foot difference sent Raleigh to the next round.
In the semifinals, he faced Oneil Cruz. Cruz had smashed the longest homer of the night, at 513 feet. But Raleigh stayed steady and hit 19 home runs to Cruz’s 13.
In the final round, he met Junior Caminero. Caminero was impressive but not strong enough to beat Raleigh. Raleigh hit 18, Caminero hit 15. That sealed it.
Total homers for the night: 54. Raleigh’s longest home run came in the final—464 feet.
Most Memorable Moments of the Night
The entire event had many standout moments. The tight win in the first round was one. Raleigh edged out Rooker by less than an inch. That’s the kind of close call that makes sports exciting.
Another highlight was Cruz’s 513-foot blast. No one else came close to that power. But Cruz couldn’t match Raleigh’s total in the semis.
Caminero’s final-round effort was solid. But Raleigh stayed focused. He didn’t swing wild. He kept his rhythm and made each swing count.
How the Home Run Derby Works
For readers new to the format, here’s a quick look. Each player gets a time limit—usually three minutes. They hit as many home runs as they can. There are breaks, and bonus time is added for long-distance homers.
In tight rounds, the tie-breaker is the longest homer hit in that round. That’s how Raleigh beat Rooker. One swing made all the difference.
The Prize and the Chain
The winner of the Home Run Derby gets more than fame. Raleigh earned a $1 million prize. That’s more than many players make in a year.
He also received the Derby Champion Chain. It’s heavy—about two pounds of gold. It’s flashy, bold, and fun. The chain has become a symbol of Derby greatness.
Fans and players love seeing the winner wear it after the final round.
A Viral Video from the Past
After the win, a video from Cal Raleigh’s childhood began trending. In the video, young Cal—just 8 years old—says clearly: “I’m the Home Run Derby champ!”
That old clip spread across social media. Fans loved the connection between his past dream and current win.
The story was heartwarming. It showed how far Raleigh had come—and how clear his dream was.
Cal Raleigh’s 2025 Season So Far
Even before the Derby, Raleigh was on fire. He had 38 home runs before the All-Star break. That’s the most in the league.
His power has been consistent all season. That made him a clear favorite in the Derby. But being a favorite doesn’t guarantee a win. He had to perform under pressure—and he did.
His performance boosts his status as a top hitter in baseball. It also puts him in the conversation for MVP.
Fans and Media React
Right after the final round, #CalRaleigh began trending on social media. Fans praised his performance. Sports reporters called his win one of the best stories of the year.
Many shared the video of his younger self. Others talked about the family support he had on the field. His father and brother helped him stay calm and focused.
The nickname “Big Dumper”, once a fun title, now represents a serious slugger. That nickname became part of the night’s story too.
What’s Next for Cal Raleigh?
Raleigh will return to the Mariners for the second half of the season. With 38 homers, he’s leading the league. He’ll aim to keep that pace and help his team reach the playoffs.
His Derby win has already boosted his profile. Fans outside Seattle now know his name. Brands, interviews, and highlight reels will follow.
But most of all, he’ll be known as the answer to the question: Who won the Home Run Derby 2025?
Why This Win Matters
Baseball has many power hitters. But few are catchers. Few are switch-hitters. Few hit over 50 home runs in one night. And fewer win the Derby with such poise.
Raleigh’s win wasn’t just about power. It was about balance, timing, and confidence. He showed all three.
And with that win, he became a part of MLB history.
Final Thoughts
So, who won the Home Run Derby 2025? Cal Raleigh. He didn’t just win. He made history. He gave fans a night to remember. He proved that even a catcher can dominate the biggest power-hitting event in baseball.
From his first round tie-breaker to the family-filled final, his journey was full of great moments. His win will be remembered for years.
And next year, when the Derby returns, his name will be the one all future champs try to match.
