Cal Raleigh Wins 2025 MLB Home Run Derby, Making History as First Switch-Hitter

ATLANTA — In a remarkable display of skill and family unity, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh captured the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby title on July 14, 2025, at Truist Park, becoming the first catcher and first switch-hitter to win the prestigious competition. Raleigh's final round total of 18 home runs outshone Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero, who finished with 15. This victory not only comes with a $1 million prize but also solidifies Raleigh's position among baseball's elite, joining Hall of Famer Ken Griffey Jr. as the only Mariners to win the Derby.

Raleigh's journey to this achievement is steeped in nostalgia and familial support. At age 8, he declared himself the Home Run Derby champ in a home video, a moment that resurfaced when he was announced as a contestant. “The video is crazy,” said Raleigh, reflecting on the surreal nature of his victory. Throughout the first half of the MLB season, he emerged as one of the league's most formidable hitters, smashing 38 home runs before the All-Star Break, just shy of Barry Bonds' record for the most home runs before this midpoint in league history.

The significance of Raleigh's win extends beyond personal accolades; it serves as an inspiration for aspiring athletes. “Hopefully, I can inspire some future catchers, future switch-hitters out there,” he remarked during the post-competition press conference. Raleigh's achievement exemplifies the culmination of years of hard work, not only on his part but also that of his father, Todd Raleigh, a former college baseball coach who played a pivotal role in his development.

In a heartfelt moment, Raleigh handed the glowing Home Run Derby trophy to his father and awarded a commemorative belt to his younger brother, Todd Jr. “The fact you win it with family is super special,” he expressed, emphasizing the emotional weight of the victory.

Todd Raleigh, who coached at Tennessee before dedicating time to his son's baseball journey, recalled the early days of teaching Cal to switch-hit. “Did it from the first day, when he was in diapers, literally,” Todd said. As Cal has risen to prominence, Todd’s support has shifted from technical coaching to providing emotional guidance amid newfound success.

Despite the celebratory atmosphere, the competition was fierce. Raleigh narrowly advanced to the semifinals after a tie with Oakland Athletics' Brent Rooker, determined by the distance of their longest home runs. Raleigh's measured 470.61 feet, just edging out Rooker's 470.53 feet, highlighting the razor-thin margins that can define success at this level.

In the semifinals, Raleigh demonstrated his prowess with 19 home runs, defeating Oneil Cruz, who managed only 13. The Home Run Derby victory encapsulates a season of extraordinary performance for Raleigh and sets a promising trajectory for his career. Looking ahead, he aims not only to continue his success but also to serve as a role model for future generations of baseball players. “I don’t know why we’ve been blessed like this,” Todd Raleigh remarked, acknowledging the family's journey and the support system that has propelled Cal to this momentous achievement.