Seattle Mariners Cal Raleigh Wins Historic Home Run Derby

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh made history at the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby by becoming the first catcher and first switch-hitter to win the event, defeating Tampa Bay's Junior Caminero 18-15 in the final round. Raleigh narrowly advanced in the first round via a tiebreaker against Brent Rooker, whose confusion over pitch counts highlighted the tense competition. Oneil Cruz hit the longest home run of the derby at 513 feet but was eliminated in the semifinals by Raleigh, who impressed fans by hitting home runs from both left and right sides. Raleigh entered the event leading MLB with 38 home runs, marking a powerful first half and the first Mariners Home Run Derby win since Ken Griffey Jr. in 1999. His victory symbolizes a resurgence for the Mariners, inspiring hope for a strong postseason showing. The derby also featured notably low totals overall, with Yankees infielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. hitting only three home runs in Round 1 but still enjoying the experience.