Under a brilliant summer sky at Truist Park, Major League Baseball unleashed its annual power display with the 2025 T‑Mobile Home Run Derby. Eight of the game’s most formidable sluggers showcased their raw strength and showmanship in a high-tempo, bracket-style contest. It concluded with a historic and emotionally resonant finish, as Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh became the first player at his position to win the event.
This year’s field brought together a diverse mix of rising stars, seasoned veterans, and breakout talents. Cal Raleigh led MLB with 38 homers before the break and competed with his father pitching and brother catching. He advanced from the first round by the narrowest margin—a 470.61-foot longest homer versus Brent Rooker’s 470.53-foot blast. Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays, only 22 years old, recorded 21 homers in Round 1 and aimed to become the youngest Derby champion ever. Oneil Cruz of the Pittsburgh Pirates also launched 21 in Round 1, including a 513-foot shot, tying the longest non‑Coors Field homer recorded by Statcast since 2016. Byron Buxton of the Minnesota Twins added to the firepower with a 20-homer performance, including a 479-foot missile. Other notable participants included James Wood, Jazz Chisholm Jr., and Atlanta’s own Matt Olson, who stepped in for the injured Ronald Acuña Jr.
The new single-elimination format heightened the event’s drama. Each hitter had three minutes—or 40 pitches—to hit as many home runs as possible. The top four advanced based on total homers, with the highest scorers moving on to head-to-head matchups.
In the first round, Cruz and Caminero tied for the lead with 21 homers apiece, followed closely by Buxton with 20. Raleigh narrowly edged past Rooker due to his longest home run, moving into the semifinals. Jazz Chisholm Jr., who had a family member pitching to him and emphasized just wanting to enjoy the experience, only managed three home runs but left a lasting impression with his charisma and connection to the fans.
The semifinals were tightly contested. Caminero hit eight homers to eliminate Buxton in a low-scoring but intense round. Raleigh found another gear and launched 19 home runs to defeat Cruz, who had 13. That performance sent Raleigh to the final round, where he met Caminero in a highly anticipated clash.
The championship round delivered the drama fans hoped for. Raleigh continued his hot streak and belted 18 homers, narrowly besting Caminero’s 15. The crowd erupted as Raleigh became the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby, a feat never before accomplished in the event’s history. His victory also marked the first for a Mariners player since Ken Griffey Jr. took the title in 1999.
Raleigh’s family was deeply involved in the moment, with his father Todd Sr. throwing the pitches and his brother Todd Jr. acting as catcher. The emotional depth of their involvement gave Raleigh’s triumph a touching resonance. After the event, Raleigh said, “It means the world… I just can’t believe I won,” and credited his family for keeping his spirits high during the high-pressure contest. “My brother was hyping me up behind the plate… that’s why I got in good spurts,” he added.
Aside from the on-field action, the event delivered viral moments. Livvy Dunne, a popular social media influencer and partner of Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes, captured Oneil Cruz’s towering 513-foot blast on camera. Her shocked reaction, posted online with a caption reading “holy cr@p,” quickly made the rounds, exemplifying how the Derby continues to generate buzz across generations.
Despite some fan criticism of the ESPN broadcast’s quality, particularly regarding its production values, the energy in Truist Park never wavered. The crowd was fully engaged, erupting with every home run and giving strong support to hometown favorite Matt Olson, even though he didn’t advance far.
This year’s Home Run Derby emphasized both tradition and innovation. The new format, the generational talent on display, and the blend of family and fandom created a memorable spectacle. Cal Raleigh’s win not only made history for his position and franchise but also reaffirmed the Derby’s place as a central highlight of the MLB All‑Star Weekend.
Looking ahead, Raleigh is set to start as catcher and bat cleanup for the American League in the All‑Star Game, riding the momentum of his win. Caminero and Cruz, who both impressed throughout the night, now return to their clubs with increased national attention. The 2025 Home Run Derby not only delivered towering blasts but also heartfelt moments and unforgettable storylines.
