HR Derby 2025 winner Cal Raleigh wins with 54 homers, besting Junior Caminero. Learn start time, participants, rules, bracket, how to watch, overview & highlights.
🧭 HR Derby 2025 Overview
The 2025 MLB HR Derby kicked off July 14 at 8:00 pm ET at Truist Park, Atlanta, as part of MLB All‑Star Week. It was broadcasted live on ESPN, ESPN2, and ESPN Deportes, and also streamed via ESPN+, Watch ESPN, Fubo, Sling, DirecTV, and YouTube TV.
🏟️ Participants Format Info
Competitors (eight total):
Cal Raleigh (Mariners) – MLB leader with 38 HRs.
Junior Caminero (Rays), Oneil Cruz (Pirates), Byron Buxton (Twins), Brent Rooker (A’s), James Wood (Nationals), Matt Olson (Braves), Jazz Chisholm Jr. (Yankees).
Format & Rules:
Round 1: 3-minute or 40-pitch rounds plus bonus for 425-foot HRs. Top four advance; ties broken by longest HR distance.
Semis & Finals: 2 minutes or 27 pitches. Ties resolve with 60-second swing‑offs then 3‑swing sudden death.
Prize: Derby winner gets $1 million and the iconic chain/belt.
⚾ Round-by-Round Highlights
| Round | Player | HRs | Notables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Round 1 | Raleigh, Rooker | 17 | Tiebreaker advance (470.61 ft vs 470.53 ft) Reuters |
| Semifinals | Raleigh vs Cruz | 19–13 | Raleigh dominates; Cruz hit a 513‑ft shot |
| Final | Raleigh vs Caminero | 18–15 | Raleigh wins, 54 total HRs |
| Total | Raleigh | 54 | Most homers tonight, record for Derby |
🏆 Historic Feats & Trivia
- -First-ever catcher to win the HR Derby
-First switch‑hitter champion
-First Mariner since Ken Griffey Jr. (1999) to take the crown.
-Set a night-total record with 54 HRs.
-Oneil Cruz hit a record 513-foot blast, the longest in Truist Park Derby history.
👨👩👦 Family Spotlight
Cal’s father Todd Sr. pitched, and brother Todd Jr. caught — making it a memorable family event. Young Cal called his brother’s cheers a key motivator: “It got me going” .
📺 How to Watch & Channel Info
TV Broadcast channels: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Deportes (8 pm ET start).
Streaming : ESPN+, Watch ESPN, MLB.com, MLBTv, Fubo, Sling, DirecTV, YouTube TV, Canada via Sportsnet+
📊 Odds & Predictions
Pre-Derby favorites: Raleigh (+295), then Cruz (+330), Wood (+450), Olson (+800).
Cruz was top statistical pick, but Raleigh’s consistency shined through
📝 Key Takeaways & Derby Legacy
Elite power hitters shone, but Raleigh’s record-setting performance stole the night.
His win highlights catchers’ abilities beyond defense, marking a shift in how they are viewed.
Now eyes shift to the All-Star Game on July 15 and Braves vs Phillies matchup next.
Expect ripple effects: Mariners gaining momentum, new merch (Derby chain), and future broadcasts to feature switch-hitting catchers prominently.
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