Seattle Mariners Catcher Cal Raleigh put on a show last night in Atlanta to win the 2025 Home Run Derby. He almost did not make it out of the first round. He advanced past Athletics Right Fielder Brent Rooker by decimal points on a longest home run tiebreaker. The Seattle catcher ultimately bested the Tampa Bay Rays Third Baseman to be crowned champion. Raileigh became the second player in Mariners history to win the Home Run Derby. Ken Griffey won it three times(1994, 1998, 1999).
Last night’s win was a historic one for the star catcher. He has the most home runs at the All-Star break by a home run derby winner(38). Raleigh is also the first primary position catcher to win the derby and the second switch-hitter. Raleigh, playing to the fans, switched sides at the plate twice during last night’s festivities. How will he play in the All-Star Game and the second half of the regular season?
Cal Raleigh accomplished the following in his 2025 home run derby win:
-Most home runs at All-Star break by home run derby winner (38).
-First primary position catcher to win the home run derby
-Second switch hitter to win the home run derby (Ruben Sierra shared win in 1989) pic.twitter.com/MYnYmymHz2
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) July 15, 2025
Raleigh signed a six-year $105 million contract extension in March. With the way he has played in 2025, that deal has been a massive bargain. The catcher had a strong 2024 campaign. He finished 12th in AL MVP voting. He also won a Gold Glove and a Platinum Glove last year. He has upped the ante in 2025. He has the second-best American League MVP odds behind New York Yankees star Aaron Judge. Seattle’s catcher has shorter odds than previously. His great performance is being reflected in the betting markets.
Raleigh will look to continue his dream season in tonight’s All-Star Game. He will then get a few days off before beginning a consequential second half. The Seattle Mariners will host the Houston Astros for a three-game series beginning on Friday.
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