Exciting Updates for the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby Event

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history at the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby. He became the first backstop to ever secure the title.

Hosted at Truist Park in Atlanta, Raleigh powered his way to victory. He really solidified his status as one of the league’s most electrifying hitters.

The night was packed with towering blasts and tense tiebreakers. Raleigh etched his name alongside Derby legends and carried on the Mariners’ proud slugger tradition.

Let’s talk about those unforgettable moments and highlights—because there were plenty.

A Historic Night for Cal Raleigh

Raleigh came into the Derby with 38 home runs at the All-Star break, the second-highest pre-ASG total in MLB history. At 28, he wasn’t just a favorite—he seemed almost inevitable.

He didn’t just meet expectations; he blew right past them. From the nail-biting first round to his championship performance, Raleigh showed why he’s become a premier power hitter.

Family Affair: Raleigh’s Support System

One of the night’s most heartwarming stories was Raleigh’s family-centered approach. His dad tossed pitches, and his younger brother caught behind the plate.

You could feel the bond between them with every swing. This wasn’t just Raleigh’s win—it was a family victory.

Round-by-Round Drama and Dominance

The 2025 Derby rolled out a new format with strict pitch limits and tiebreakers based on home run distance. That twist just amped up the drama.

Raleigh’s journey from the first round to the finals felt electric, honestly.

Surviving the First Round by the Slimmest Margin

Early on, Raleigh’s path looked shaky. In the opening round, he barely edged out Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics.

They matched each other homer for homer. Raleigh advanced on a tiebreaker—by only 0.08 feet on his longest blast. That’s almost nothing!

Taking Over the Semifinals

Next, Raleigh faced Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates in the semifinals. Cruz had sent the crowd into a frenzy with a 513-foot moonshot, the night’s longest.

But Raleigh didn’t flinch. He hammered 19 home runs, outpacing Cruz and grabbing his spot in the final.

A Thrilling Final Against Junior Caminero

The final round brought Raleigh head-to-head with Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays. Caminero, just 22, had earlier knocked out Byron Buxton.

Caminero cranked out 15 home runs. Raleigh answered with 18, sealing the win with his last swing.

That final blast made Raleigh the 2025 Home Run Derby champion. It’s a huge moment for him and for Mariners history.

Notable Performances and a Mariners’ Legacy

Other big names made some noise, too. James Wood, Matt Olson, Jazz Chisholm, and Brent Rooker all dazzled in the first round, though none advanced.

Even with early exits, their performances kept the event unpredictable and fun.

Raleigh now joins elite company in Mariners history. He’s only the second player from the franchise to win the Derby.

Ken Griffey Jr. still stands as the gold standard, having won three times. But Raleigh’s victory puts him right up there with the greats.

And let’s not forget Teoscar Hernandez, the 2024 champion. With back-to-back titles, the Mariners have really made their mark lately.

The Home Run Derby: Still Baseball’s Summer Spectacle

Every summer, the Home Run Derby throws the spotlight on baseball’s biggest sluggers. The 2025 edition at Truist Park? Yeah, it totally delivered.

Fans packed the stands and got a show full of epic blasts and wild moments. That competitive drama? It’s exactly why people keep coming back—there’s just nothing else quite like it.

Raleigh’s family-fueled win brought real heart to the night. Then Cruz sent jaws dropping with a 513-foot homer, and honestly, that’s the kind of baseball magic folks remember for years.

Cal Raleigh’s name now sits among the Derby’s legendary champs. Mariners fans have got to be buzzing, hoping their guy keeps that momentum rolling into the second half.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB Home Run Derby live updates: Time, how to watch, odds and new rules