ATLANTA – On an unforgettable night filled with power, emotion, and records,
Cal Raleigh was proclaimed champion of the
Home Run Derby 2025, defeating Dominican
Junior Caminero in the final with a score of
18-15. The Seattle Mariners catcher not only took the trophy: he became the
first catcher in history to win the Major League Home Run Derby.
With his victory, Raleigh joins the legend
Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Mariners players to win this title. Griffey won the Derby three times (1994, 1998, and 1999), being an icon of the event.
The competition was loaded with monster hits. Raleigh accumulated a
total distance of 4.39 miles in his home runs, comfortably leading the power table. His rival in the final, Junior Caminero, impressed with 3.63 miles of home runs, confirming his status as one of the great emerging talents in baseball.
Dominican Streak Snapped
Caminero sought to extend the Dominican dominance streak in the Derby, but failed to surpass the inspired Raleigh. In five of the last six finals (including this one), a Dominican player was present:
- Juan Soto (2022 champion)
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2023 champion)
- Teoscar Hernández (2024 champion)
- José Ramírez (2021 finalist)
- Junior Caminero (2025 finalist)
Despite the defeat, Quisqueya’s talent continues to leave its mark on the Derby, with eight champions in history:
Sammy Sosa (2000), Miguel Tejada (2004), Vladimir Guerrero Sr. (2007), David Ortiz (2010), Robinson Canó (2011), Juan Soto (2022), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2023) and
Teoscar Hernández (2024).
Total Home Run Distance in the 2025 Derby:
- 4.39 mi — Cal Raleigh
- 3.63 mi — Junior Caminero
- 2.89 mi — Oneil Cruz
- 2.17 mi — Byron Buxton
- 1.38 mi — Brent Rooker
- 1.32 mi — James Wood
- 1.18 mi — Matt Olson
- 0.24 mi — Jazz Chisholm Jr.
