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Cal Raleigh Was an Inch Away From Losing the Home Run Derby, Brent Rooker Reacts

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gray Deyo | Last updated Jul 15, 2025 7:51 PM ET

With one out left Seattle Mariners star, and MLB Home run leader Cal Raleigh, was one out away from being eliminated from the 2025 MLB Home Run Derby. The top four advance in the first round, and Athletics Brent Rooker held the final spot at 17. Raleigh rallied and matched Rooker's number at 17. After the remaining competitors finished their turn, it was announced that Raleigh hit the furthest home run between him and Rooker so he would advance.

The difference between the two's longest home run, was 0.08 feet, equivalent to 0.96 inches.

Cal Raleigh beat Brent Rooker to advance to the next round in the HR Derby by INCHES pic.twitter.com/PSEEdibx0b
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 15, 2025

"I know we were both at 471, and that is obviously the number they put up there . You know maybe if they have it to the decimal point, they should display that during the derby and not wait til everyone is done to bring up that information. That might be helpful," Rooker said.

This is obviously a frustrating way to go out, hence the frustration Rooker displayed after being eliminated. It left many fans frustrated as well, that an inch was the determining factor in whether or not Rooker got to advance.

When Cal Raleigh says he has childhood memories dreaming of growing up and competing in the Home Run Derby, he really means it.

️ ⚾️Video evidence circa 20 years ago, when Cal was only 8-years-old (shared via his dad, Todd, who will be throwing to him in Atlanta): pic.twitter.com/ABtKaXVC6Q
— Daniel Kramer (@DKramer_) July 7, 2025

Despite the controversy Raleigh got the win, and showed he deserved it in advancing through and winning the rest of the rounds.

The Mariners star is amidst the best season of his career. He is batting .259, has 82 RBIs, and 38 home runs. Through 94 games he has already surpassed his career-high for home runs that he had last year, 34. He is well in the conversation for American League MVP, and he now has a home run derby title to help his case.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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