Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh secured victory in the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby, defeating Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays in the final round. The event took place on July 7, 2025, at Truist Park, where warm weather created ideal conditions for power hitting. Raleigh not only claimed the coveted trophy, featuring two criss-crossed silver baseball bats, but also received a championship chain adorned with the title “Derby Champ.”
Raleigh, affectionately nicknamed for his impressive physique, showcased his remarkable talent during the competition, reinforcing his status as a leading power hitter this season. With 38 home runs already to his name at the All-Star break, he entered the derby with significant momentum. His family played an integral role in his victory; his father pitched during the contest and his 15-year-old brother served as one of the event’s catchers.
“Winning this means the world,” Raleigh expressed following the competition. His father, Todd Raleigh, reflected on the memorable experience, stating, “Every dad with a kid dreams about moments like this.”
Raleigh kicked off the final round in strong form, launching a series of home runs that quickly established a commanding lead. He hit seven homers before taking a timeout, later adding eight more in the final minute, including one that narrowly cleared the fence as time expired. In the subsequent bonus round, he connected for three additional home runs, bringing his total to 18. Caminero, needing to surpass this total, started his final round with powerful shots into the left-field stands but ultimately fell short, finishing with 15 home runs.
The evening was filled with emotional highs, as Raleigh achieved a dream shared by many baseball-loving families: a father and his sons uniting for a triumphant moment on one of baseball’s grandest stages. After the event, the Raleigh family commemorated the achievement by signing a baseball for the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Raleigh remarked on the surreal nature of the night, expressing disbelief at his success. “You don’t think you’re going to win it. To win it with your family is super special,” he said.
Memorable Performances and Surprising Eliminations
The derby showcased some of baseball’s most exciting talents, despite a few disappointing performances. One of the crowd favorites, Jazz Chisholm Jr., struggled in the opening round, hitting only three home runs, the lowest total of the event. Chisholm, previously a division rival while with the Miami Marlins, faced boos throughout the evening.
The Atlanta Braves’ Matt Olson received significant support from the home crowd, but despite his late surge, he finished with 15 home runs, missing the semifinal cut. Young star James Wood from the Washington Nationals was eliminated after hitting 16 homers, although he impressed with a remarkable 486-foot shot.
The opening round held its share of drama as Raleigh and Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics faced off in a tiebreaker after both finished with 17 home runs. Raleigh advanced by the narrowest of margins, less than an inch on their longest home runs as measured by Statcast.
As the semifinals progressed, Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins struggled to maintain his momentum, finishing with only seven home runs after a strong start in the opening round. Caminero advanced to the finals with a total of 21 homers, showcasing an effortless swing that delighted the crowd.
Raleigh continued to impress in the semifinals, hitting 19 home runs and setting a high bar for his competitors. Despite O’Neil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates hitting a staggering 513-foot shot, he could only manage 13 home runs, allowing Raleigh and Caminero to face off in the final round.
Raleigh’s victory not only earned him a prize of $1 million but also positioned him as a key player heading into the Tuesday All-Star Game, where he will bat fourth for the American League squad. His performance in the Home Run Derby has solidified his place as a leading figure in the league this season.
