Cal Raleigh made history as the first catcher ever to win the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, defeating 22-year-old Junior Caminero in the finals on Monday night. The Seattle Mariners slugger accomplished this remarkable feat at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, on July 14, 2025, during the MLB All-Star festivities.
The Mariners star and MLB home run leader Cal Raleigh became the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby on Monday night. This victory marks a significant milestone in Derby history, as no catcher had previously claimed the championship in the competition’s four-decade existence.
Historic Path to Victory
In a competition where distances are measured in hundreds of feet, you wouldn’t expect it to come down to a measurement of less than an inch. But that’s how Cal Raleigh advanced to the semifinals in Monday’s T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Atlanta’s Truist Park. The dramatic semifinal advancement showcased the razor-thin margins that can determine Derby success.
The Seattle Mariners’ switch-hitting slugger advanced by a matter of inches via tiebreaker after hitting 17 home runs in the first round. This clutch performance under pressure demonstrated why Raleigh entered the competition as the MLB’s home run leader.
Breaking Multiple Barriers
Raleigh’s victory represents more than just winning a competition. Seattle’s Cal Raleigh wins 2025 Home Run Derby, first catcher and switch-hitter to win competition. His dual distinction as both the first catcher and first switch-hitter to capture the Derby crown makes this achievement even more remarkable.
The victory also continues a proud Seattle tradition. Raleigh joins Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Mariners to take home the title. This connection to the legendary Griffey Jr., who won the Derby in 1994, adds special significance to Raleigh’s triumph.
Key Points Summary
- Cal Raleigh became the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby in its 40-year history
- He defeated Junior Caminero in the final round on July 14, 2025
- Raleigh advanced to semifinals via tiebreaker after hitting 17 home runs in round one
- He’s the second Seattle Mariner to win, following Ken Griffey Jr. in 1994
- The competition took place at Truist Park in Atlanta during All-Star Week
- Raleigh entered as the MLB’s home run leader with 32 homers at the time
The Final Showdown
The championship round featured an intriguing matchup between experience and youth. Caminero beat Minnesota’s Byron Buxton 8-7 in the other semifinal. The 22-year-old Caminero represented the new generation of power hitters, making his presence in the final even more impressive.
Raleigh’s strategic approach during the competition showcased his versatility as a switch-hitter. Going back to lefty, he then hit two more in the bonus round and stayed lefty for the semifinals and the final. This tactical decision proved crucial in his path to victory.
Family Affair
Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, who leads the majors in homers with 32, says he will participate in the Home Run Derby with his father pitching and his younger brother hopefully behind the plate. This family involvement added an emotional dimension to Raleigh’s historic achievement, making the victory even more meaningful.
Impact on Baseball History
The question “Who Won the Home Run Derby” in 2025 will forever be answered with Cal Raleigh’s name, marking a watershed moment for catchers in professional baseball. His victory challenges traditional expectations about power hitting and defensive positions, inspiring future generations of catchers to showcase their offensive capabilities.
Looking Forward
Raleigh’s triumph serves as a testament to the evolving nature of baseball, where positional limitations continue to be redefined by exceptional athletes. His historic victory not only answers who won this year’s Derby but also establishes a new benchmark for what’s possible in the sport.
This remarkable achievement will undoubtedly be remembered as one of the most significant moments in Home Run Derby history. What are your thoughts on Cal Raleigh’s historic victory, and how do you think this will impact the perception of catchers in professional baseball?