Cal Raleigh Makes History as First Catcher to Win Home Run Derby

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby brought fireworks, wild moments, and a kind of drama you just can’t script. Under the bright lights of Truist Park, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history. He became the first catcher and first outright switch-hitter to ever win the Derby.

Fans everywhere are still buzzing about his achievement. Let’s dig into Raleigh’s wild ride to the crown, the jaw-dropping power from his rivals, and those moments that made this Derby unforgettable.

Cal Raleigh’s Historic Triumph

Raleigh’s 2025 Derby win wasn’t just a personal milestone. It felt like a breakthrough for catchers and switch-hitters everywhere.

He rolled into the All-Star break with a league-best 38 home runs. That’s a lot of hype to live up to, but he did it—taking down Tampa Bay Rays phenom Junior Caminero in the finals, 18 homers to 15.

The crowd went wild. Raleigh joined Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Mariners to ever win the Home Run Derby.

Defining the Path to Victory

This win didn’t come easy. In the semifinals, Raleigh battled Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz and squeaked by in a close one.

Caminero, on the other side, edged out Twins outfielder Byron Buxton. But Raleigh’s most dramatic moment? That first round tiebreaker against Athletics slugger Brent Rooker.

It was almost too close to call—Raleigh advanced by just 0.08 feet in the longest home run distance. You can’t make that up.

Power Display: Oneil Cruz’s Moonshots

Raleigh’s steady power won him the trophy, but Oneil Cruz stole the show with pure spectacle. Cruz crushed a 513-foot home run, the longest Derby shot at sea level since 2017.

He just kept launching bombs. Statcast lit up with his name on the top five longest homers of the night, and nine of the top ten. He didn’t win, but he sure left a mark as one of MLB’s most electric power hitters.

A Glimpse at the Format

The Derby’s modern format fueled the night’s chaos. Time-based rounds and bonus outs for long-distance shots meant hitters went all out, and fans barely had time to catch their breath.

Raleigh managed to stand out with his endurance. He added his own twist, too—switch-hitting from both sides in the opening round, then settling in as a lefty for the rest.

Unscripted Drama: When Dad Becomes the Pitcher

There was one moment nobody saw coming. Raleigh’s dad pitched to him during the Derby, and—of all things—accidentally hit Cal with a pitch.

Luckily, Raleigh just laughed it off. It broke the tension and gave everyone a reminder of the family ties that make events like this so special.

Why Cal Raleigh’s Win Matters

Raleigh’s Home Run Derby win says a lot about how the catcher’s role is changing in today’s game. Catchers usually get noticed for their defense, not their bats.

This time, Raleigh showed that even the most demanding positions can deliver epic offensive moments. His win as a switch-hitter? That’s just icing on the cake—switch-hitting power is rare these days, and Raleigh proved how valuable it can be.

Final Thoughts

Cal Raleigh’s rise was nothing short of triumphant. Junior Caminero and Oneil Cruz delivered explosive performances that kept everyone guessing.

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby really had it all for baseball fans—power, family moments, and that wild unpredictability that keeps us coming back. Mariners fans have a lot to be proud of, and Raleigh’s big night just set the bar even higher for whoever’s up next.

 
Here is the source article for this story: 2025 MLB Home Run Derby results: Cal Raleigh beats Junior Caminero, first catcher to ever win