Cal Raleigh Makes Home Run Derby History With a Family-Fueled Win

Julie Anne L.
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Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made baseball history Monday night by winning the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby, becoming the first catcher to ever claim the title in the event’s 40-year history. With his father and brother beside him, Raleigh edged out Tampa Bay Rays rising star Junior Caminero in a nail-biting final round, 18–15.

Cal Raleigh
Photo via Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/TNS

Raleigh’s win wasn’t just a personal milestone, but also a family affair. His dad, Todd Raleigh, pitched to him while 15-year-old Todd Jr. caught for him behind the plate. It turned a high-stakes competition into a heartfelt moment of connection. “It means the world,” Raleigh said on the ESPN broadcast. “I could have hit zero home runs, and I would have had just as much fun.”

A Switch-Hitting, History-Making Derby Run

Raleigh is the second Mariners player to win the Derby, joining Ken Griffey Jr., a three-time champion. He’s also the first switch-hitter to win the event outright, surpassing Ruben Sierra, who shared the crown in 1998.

At 28 years old, Raleigh is having a dream season. He entered the All-Star break with an MLB-leading 38 home runs and is on pace for 64 homers, which would break Aaron Judge’s American League record of 62. If he keeps this up, the Big Dumper could rewrite the record books by season’s end.

Caminero Comes Close, With a Bit of Drama

Caminero nearly made history himself. At just 22 years old, the Rays third baseman would have been the youngest Derby champion ever. He made a strong push in the final round but ran out of steam near the end of the timed portion. He still had a chance in the bonus round but managed just one of the four homers he needed.

One of Caminero’s earlier swings even sparked a small controversy. A kid fielding in the outfield made a leaping grab on a borderline shot that might have cleared the fence. After review, the umpires ruled it a home run, avoiding what could have been a major debate had Caminero won.

Oneil Cruz Stuns With Massive Moonshots

Even though Oneil Cruz didn’t win, he delivered the most jaw-dropping moments of the night. Known for his elite power, the 6-foot-7 Pirates slugger hit the longest homer of the Derby at 513 feet, tying Aaron Judge’s non-Coors Field record. He also launched one 498 feet and another out of the stadium entirely.

Despite his incredible display, Cruz fell to Raleigh in the semifinal round. Still, his performance left fans buzzing.

Surviving by Inches: Raleigh’s Tight First Round

Raleigh’s path to the final wasn’t smooth. He nearly exited in the first round after hitting 17 homers, tied with Brent Rooker. Both had the longest homer of 471 feet, which typically would lead to a swing-off. But Statcast data revealed that Raleigh’s longest dinger was a hair farther, giving him the win without the need for extra swings.

From that narrow escape to a thrilling final round, Raleigh’s run was one for the ages.

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Julie Anne Loquinario

Hey, it's Julie! Fueled by coffee and cuddles from my 5 feline overlords, I'm on a perpetual quest for the perfect plate. When I'm not exploring new restos, you'll find me curled up with a good book or planning my next adventure.

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