Cruz Powers 513-Foot Homer to Reach Home Run Derby Semifinals

The 2025 MLB Home Run Derby brought some of the wildest displays of baseball power we’ve seen in a while. Fans and analysts couldn’t stop talking about it afterward.

Truist Park in Atlanta set the stage for the All-Star festivities. Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh stormed his way to his first-ever Home Run Derby title, and honestly, it was quite a show.

Cal Raleigh Shines Bright in Atlanta

Raleigh owned the night. He came in as the league’s home run leader at the break, and he didn’t let the pressure get to him.

Facing off against Tampa Bay Rays’ Junior Caminero in a tense final round, Raleigh hammered his way to an 18-15 win. The trophy was his, and it felt well-earned.

A Career Milestone

This win means a lot for Raleigh’s growing career. He’s always been known for his power and steady bat, but this Derby just put a bigger spotlight on him.

People around the league praised how he handled the pressure, especially with so many eyes on him. It’s not easy to stand out among the game’s brightest stars, but he did it.

Record-Breaking Feats: Oneil Cruz Steals the Spotlight

Raleigh may have won, but Pittsburgh Pirates’ shortstop Oneil Cruz nearly stole the show. He launched a 513-foot home run—one of the longest Derby shots ever.

The crowd lost it. Cruz’s raw strength made headlines everywhere, and it’s hard not to be impressed by his ability to deliver in big moments.

The Final Four: A Display of Baseball’s Brightest Talents

Cruz, Raleigh, Caminero, and Byron Buxton of the Twins all made the semifinals. Each brought their own vibe and power to the event.

The 2025 Derby really showed off how much talent is bubbling up in baseball right now. Fans got plenty of drama and big swings, and both established stars and up-and-comers had their moments.

Drama and Excitement: What Made 2025 Special?

This Derby wasn’t just about stats or winners. It felt like a true baseball spectacle, packed with drama and giant home runs.

The lineup was stacked, and every round had something wild happen. It’s not every year you get this kind of nonstop excitement at the Derby.

The All-Star Atmosphere

Truist Park buzzed with energy all night. The crowd brought the noise, and you could feel every big swing in the building.

Honestly, the Derby is still one of the best parts of the midsummer classic. Atlanta was a great setting for the players to put on a show.

Raleigh’s Legacy Moving Forward

Winning the Derby does more than fill a trophy case—it changes how people see you. Raleigh, now the face of the Mariners’ offense, just raised his profile a notch.

People will be watching him more closely now. That’s just how it goes after a night like this.

What’s Next for the Mariners’ Star?

Can Raleigh keep this magic going in the second half of the season? That’s the question Mariners fans are asking themselves.

The pressure’s on, but maybe this Derby win gives him the boost he needs. I’d keep an eye on him—he’s got something special brewing.

A Derby for the History Books

The 2025 Home Run Derby gave us a wild mix of competition and jaw-dropping moments. Cruz’s 513-foot blast and Raleigh’s clutch finish will stick in fans’ minds for a long time.

Baseball lives for nights like these. If you missed it, well, you missed out.

Key Takeaways:

• Cal Raleigh: Crowned as the 2025 Home Run Derby champion. He edged out Junior Caminero 18-15 in the final round.
• Oneil Cruz: Blasted a 513-foot home run. That’s one of the longest shots Derby fans have ever witnessed.
• Star Power: The semifinal roster featured Raleigh, Cruz, Caminero, and Byron Buxton. Not a weak bat in the bunch.
• Unforgettable Venue: The Derby unfolded during All-Star festivities at Truist Park in Atlanta. The energy in the stadium? Off the charts.
• Fan Experience: Excitement, drama, and pure power—this is why the Derby keeps fans coming back every year.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Cruz hits 513-foot homer, joins Raleigh, Caminero and Buxton in Home Run Derby semifinals