2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby—Cal Raleigh for the Win!
It was a field of eight competitors all with one goal in mind… blast as many baseballs into oblivion! Yes, the 2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby had plenty of action. But in the end there could be only one winner; the Mariners Cal Raleigh. Making Raleigh the first catcher to win the MLB Derby.
But this year’s champion had some serious contenders to deal with before hoisting a trophy and donning a swag chain. Here’s a quick refresher of this year’s amazing group:
- James Wood ( Washington Nationals) 24 home runs
- Brent Rooker (The A’s) 20 home runs
- Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays) 23 home runs
- Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates) 16 home runs/ hardest hit ball in StatCast era
- Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins) 21 home runs; recorded a cycle this season
- Jazz Chisholm Jr. (New York Yankees) 17 home runs
- BIG DUMPER, Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners) leading big leagues with 38 home runs
- Matt Olsen (Atlanta Braves) 17 home runs
First up was the 6’7 James Wood, who hit an impressive 16 dingers; despite the pressure of kicking things off. He was followed by Brent Rooker who narrowly edged him out; finishing with 17. By Beating Wood by just one, Brent moves into the lead.
Next to bat was Junior Caminero. Who immediately takes the top spot from Brent with 21 home runs. But Oneil Cruz puts on a SHOW! Hitting a homer some 513 feet at 118mph and knocking his first three pitches clear into the heart of the stands. By the end of his at bat, Cruz was tied with Junior with 21 HRs.
Byron Buxton got off to a slow start but HEATED up! He came close to joining Cruz and Caminero in the 21 club. But finished one shy, with 20 HRs. The Yankees Jazz Chisholm Jr. coming off of injury could not find a rhythm and unfortunately had an off night. However, it was still nice to see him participate and do something for baseball fans. Jazz finished with less than 10 homers.
Cal Raleigh was met with a huge roar from the crowd. He smashed 17 homers tying with Rooker. Thanks to hitting a HR some 470.61 feet (Rooker was 470.53), Raleigh won the tie and was able to move on to the next round.
Last up for the first round was Atlanta’s very own Matt Olsen. Olsen had the whole stadium up on their feet! He made ATL beyond proud; coming up barely short of advancing with 15 HRs. Which means moving on to round two we have: Cal Raleigh, Byron Buxton, Oneil Cruz and Junior Caminero.
2025 MLB All-Star Home Run Derby
The final four faced off in pairs. Byron Buxton versus Junior Caminero; and Oneil Cruz’s opponent was catcher Cal Raleigh. Buxton hit 7, while Caminero blasted 8; knocking Buxton out of competition in under a minute. Raleigh looked calm collected hitting 16 HRs in a minute and a half! In the bonus round Cal added another two for a total of 19 for the Big Dumper. But Oneil Cruz was just as nasty at the plate hitting the longest home run of the night. Yet, it would not be enough as Cruz (13 HRs) would finish with less than 19.
Final Two: Cal Raleigh and Junior Caminero. Cal would be up first and was pure cinema hitting one last homer right at the buzzer. Big Dumper would deliver with 18 bombs, but would it be enough? Definitely put pressure on Junior… however, Caminero still racked up 14 homers as he entered the bonus.
Would he do it? Could he surpass Cal? NO! It would be Big Dumper for the win! 18 would be enough!
What a derby. What a time. Congratulations to Cal Raleigh who leads the league in home runs. He continues to have one heck of a historic season!
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