ATLANTA, GA (July 14, 2025) — On a star-studded summer night at Truist Park, Seattle Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh etched his name into the history books, becoming the first catcher ever to win the MLB All-Star Home Run Derby. In a thrilling finale, Raleigh outslugged Tampa Bay Rays phenom Junior Caminero 18-15 to claim the 2025 crown in his first-ever appearance in the event.

Known as “Big Dumper” in Seattle for his power-packed presence behind the plate, Raleigh added to his growing legend with a dominant showing on Monday night. Displaying a mix of brute strength, consistent swing mechanics, and just the right touch of flair, the 27-year-old switch-hitter rose above a loaded field to secure the title and a place in Derby lore.

A Derby to Remember

The final round between Raleigh and Caminero was the culmination of an electrifying evening that featured tape-measure blasts, upsets, and breakout performances. Caminero, just 22 years and nine days old, gave Raleigh everything he could handle. The young Rays slugger finished with 44 total homers on the night, averaging a stunning 435 feet per shot. But it wasn’t enough to dethrone Raleigh, who entered the competition as a dark horse but left as the last man standing.

“It’s a dream come true,” Raleigh said post-event. “To come out here with the best hitters in the game and represent catchers everywhere — it means a lot. I just wanted to stay loose and have fun, and the ball kept flying.”

Show-Stopping Moments

Although Raleigh took home the title, Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Oneil Cruz stole the show in the early rounds with the longest blast of the night — a jaw-dropping 513-foot moonshot in the semifinals. Cruz, known for his rare combination of size and speed, wowed the crowd with raw power but ultimately fell short against Raleigh in the penultimate round.

Atlanta’s own Matt Olson received a hero’s welcome from the sold-out crowd but fizzled after a hot start, eliminated in the opening round with 15 homers. Yankees second baseman Jazz Chisholm Jr., another fan favorite, managed just three home runs in his first-round appearance — a disappointing result for the explosive infielder.

Also making early exits were Brent Rooker of the Oakland Athletics and Washington Nationals rookie James Wood, whose 16-home run performance wasn’t enough to advance in a deep bracket.

Final Results and Stats

Final Round:

• Cal Raleigh: 18 HR

• Junior Caminero: 15 HR

Semifinals:

• Raleigh: 19 HR

• Oneil Cruz: 13 HR

• Caminero: 8 HR

• Byron Buxton: 7 HR

First Round Totals:

• Caminero: 21 HR

• Cruz: 21 HR

• Buxton: 20 HR

• Raleigh: 17 HR

• Rooker: 17 HR (eliminated)

• Wood: 16 HR (eliminated)

• Olson: 15 HR (eliminated)

• Chisholm Jr.: 3 HR (eliminated)

Derby Stat Highlights:

• Longest HR: Oneil Cruz – 513 feet

• Hardest HR: Cal Raleigh – 111 mph

• Average HR Distance: 427 feet

• Average Exit Velocity: 106.7 mph

Caminero’s Coming-Out Party

Though he came up just short, Caminero’s Derby debut firmly established him as a star in the making. The Dominican slugger put on an eye-popping display, showcasing effortless power to all fields. His average distance of 435 feet led all participants and had scouts and fans alike buzzing about his future.

“He’s going to win one of these someday,” Raleigh said of Caminero. “He’s the real deal.”

Catchers Take the Spotlight

Raleigh’s victory marks a milestone moment for catchers, a position long overlooked in Derby history. He becomes the first backstop to win the competition, breaking through a barrier that had stood since the event’s inception.

With his win, Raleigh joins a prestigious list of past champions and adds another highlight to what has already been a breakout season.

As the fireworks faded over Atlanta, one thing became clear: Cal Raleigh didn’t just win the Derby — he made history.