ATLANTA – In a stunning display of power and endurance, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh was crowned the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby champion on Monday night, capping a thrilling event with a dramatic final-round victory over Miami Marlins star Jazz Chisholm Jr. at Truist Park.

Raleigh, considered a dark horse in a field stacked with baseball’s most prolific sluggers, consistently outperformed expectations throughout the night. He sealed the title in a tense final showdown, hitting his 19th home run of the round with just seconds remaining on the clock to edge out Chisholm’s total of 18.

The victory marks a career highlight for the Mariners' backstop, affectionately known as "Big Dumper," and represents one of the more significant upsets in recent Derby history. He becomes the first catcher to win the event since Iván "Pudge" Rodríguez in 2005.

An Underdog's Path to the Crown

Raleigh’s journey to the championship was defined by a series of high-pressure victories against some of the game's biggest names. Seeded sixth in the eight-man bracket, his night began with a formidable challenge against Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Shohei Ohtani. Raleigh managed to hit 22 home runs, narrowly defeating Ohtani’s 21 in a first-round shocker.

His semi-final matchup pitted him against hometown favorite Marcell Ozuna of the Atlanta Braves, who had electrified the crowd by eliminating New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge in his opening round. Undeterred by the partisan atmosphere, Raleigh put on another powerful display, dispatching Ozuna to secure his spot in the finals.

"You just try to get into a rhythm and not think too much," Raleigh told ESPN in a post-event interview, clutching the silver trophy. "The crowd was electric, and you feed off that energy. To be standing here is surreal. I was just hoping to put on a good show."

Favorites Falter Under the Lights

While Raleigh celebrated his improbable win, the night was one of disappointment for several pre-tournament favorites. Two-time champion Pete Alonso of the New York Mets, aiming for a record-tying third title, was eliminated in the semi-finals by an explosive performance from Chisholm. Alonso appeared to tire, failing to match the energetic pace set by the Marlins' second baseman.

The bracket's top seeds, Alonso and Judge, both failed to reach the final, clearing the way for a new champion to be crowned. Chisholm, for his part, was spectacular in his own right, launching some of the longest home runs of the evening and breezing through his matchups against Gunnar Henderson and Alonso before ultimately running out of steam against Raleigh.

What the Win Means

Raleigh’s victory is a significant moment for both the player and the Seattle Mariners organization. It casts a national spotlight on the 28-year-old catcher, who has steadily built a reputation as one of the best power-hitting backstops in the American League. The win serves as a powerful curtain-raiser for Tuesday's All-Star Game, where Raleigh is scheduled to be the starting catcher for the AL.

For Major League Baseball, the event was a resounding success, delivering the drama and memorable moments that have made the Home Run Derby a cornerstone of All-Star week festivities. Raleigh's Cinderella story provides a compelling narrative that highlights the event's unpredictable and thrilling nature. As confetti rained down on the field, it was the unlikely slugger from Seattle who stood tallest.