Who won the Home Run Derby 2025? Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh answered that with power and history, taking home the title in front of a roaring crowd at Truist Park in Atlanta.
Raleigh became the first catcher and first switch-hitter ever to win the Derby, blasting his way past a field of rising stars and seasoned sluggers. With 54 total home runs and nerves of steel, he left no doubt that he belongs among baseball’s elite power hitters.
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Cal Raleigh Delivers a Record-Setting Night
The 2025 Home Run Derby featured big names, bigger bats, and moments that will be replayed for years. But it was Cal Raleigh who rose above the rest, winning the final round 18–15 against Tampa Bay Rays slugger Junior Caminero.
He didn’t have an easy path. In the first round, he tied with Brent Rooker at 17 home runs, but advanced due to a longer single blast. From there, he dominated the semifinals and crushed the final with three clutch homers in bonus time.
Read also-Where Is Cal Raleigh From: From Small-Town Roots to Mariners Stardom
Key Points Summary
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Winner | Cal Raleigh |
| Final Round Score | 18–15 vs. Junior Caminero |
| Total HRs Hit | 54 |
| Historic Firsts | First catcher and switch-hitter to win the Derby |
| Longest HR of the Night | 513 feet by Oneil Cruz |
Who Won the Home Run Derby 2025? A Closer Look at Raleigh’s Triumph
Raleigh’s win wasn’t just about raw power—it was about timing, endurance, and precision. He switched from right-handed to left-handed mid-event and found his rhythm, especially in the final round. That adaptability set him apart from the competition.
In the semis, he took on Oneil Cruz, who had stunned the crowd with a towering 513-foot home run earlier in the evening. Raleigh responded with 19 home runs, putting Cruz out with ease. In the finals, Caminero had the early lead, but Raleigh surged back, tying the score in regulation and clinching the win in bonus time.
This wasn’t just a win—it was a statement.
Big Performances, Bigger Moments
- Junior Caminero made an incredible Derby debut, hitting 44 total home runs and pushing Raleigh to the wire in the finals.
- Oneil Cruz launched the longest homer of the night and nearly made it to the finals.
- Byron Buxton and James Wood both impressed with consistency and raw power, but couldn’t advance past the early rounds.
Each participant brought their own flair, but Cal Raleigh’s combination of poise and power was unmatched.
What Makes This Win Historic
This year’s event was different for many reasons. Raleigh not only won but did so in a way that had never been done before:
- First catcher ever to win the Derby.
- First switch-hitter to win the title.
- Scored a total of 54 home runs, among the highest ever in Derby history.
- Beat a tie-breaker in the first round with a longer home run instead of hitting more overall.
Raleigh’s performance wasn’t flashy; it was steady, strategic, and confident. That’s what won him the title and earned the respect of fans and players alike.
Final Round Recap
Let’s break down the final round between Cal Raleigh and Junior Caminero:
| Round | Raleigh | Caminero |
|---|---|---|
| Regulation Time | 15 HR | 15 HR |
| Bonus Time | 3 HR | 0 HR |
| Total | 18 HR | 15 HR |
The pressure was high, but Raleigh thrived under the lights. He saved his energy for the bonus round, swinging smooth and fast, while Caminero ran out of steam.
What’s Next for Cal Raleigh?
With this win, Raleigh enters the second half of the season as one of the most talked-about players in baseball. Already having one of the best power-hitting seasons for a catcher, this Derby title adds momentum to what could be an All-Star MVP-level campaign.
He also boosts his visibility for endorsements, fan support, and a possible Silver Slugger award at season’s end.
Cal Raleigh didn’t just win a trophy—he changed the way we look at catchers and switch-hitters in the Home Run Derby. The question “who won the Home Run Derby 2025” now has a clear, powerful answer. And fans won’t forget how he made it happen.
Whether you were cheering from home or in the stands, what did you think of Raleigh’s run? Share your thoughts and predictions below—we’d love to hear them!