2025 Home Run Derby: Complete Round-by-Round Recap
Watch Now: 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby on ESPN
Track each home run: MLB Statcast Tracker
Learn More: What to Know About the 2025 Derby
Full List: 2025 Derby Participants
Major League Baseball’s grandest summer spectacle—the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby—has served up power, drama, and breakout moments. At Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, this year’s event brings some of the game’s best hitters together. Every player is seeking their first Derby crown, which promises a new champion come nightfall.
The action is being streamed live on ESPN, as fans are tracking every swing, stat, and tale unfold.
Below is a minute-by-minute, round-by-round recap of all the action thus far.
FINALS: Junior Caminero vs. Cal Raleigh (ongoing)
As of this writing, the most recent contest between Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays) and Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners) is still underway. Because both are first-time finalists, someone’s name will be entered into the Derby history books.
While Caminero has impressed with power and efficiency, Raleigh has impressed with stamina and strategy. Do not forget to tune in to ESPN’s live coverage or MLB.com for the final result.
SEMIFINALS
Cal Raleigh defeats Oneil Cruz (19-13)
Cal Raleigh swept the semifinals with 19 home runs, far outpacing Oneil Cruz’s 13. Unlike in round one, Raleigh only swung from the left side. This paid off for him.
He started with four homers in his first five swings. Then, after a break, he continued the same tempo and added some more in bonus time.
Raleigh’s Semifinal Stats:
- Longest HR: 465 feet
- Hardest Exit Velocity: 109 mph
- Average Distance: 430 feet
- Average Exit Velocity: 104.8 mph
Watch Cal Raleigh’s semifinal performance
Junior Caminero defeats Byron Buxton (8-7)
Junior Caminero required just eight home runs to eliminate Byron Buxton. He accomplished that in under a minute, sweeping the semifinal with ease.
Although he hit 21 home runs during round one, Caminero did not have to work as hard this time around. His raw power and bat speed remained impressive.
Caminero’s Semifinal Stats:
- Longest HR: 460 feet
- Hardest Exit Velocity: 113 mph
- Average Distance: 433 feet
- Average Exit Velocity: 107.6 mph
Watch Caminero’s semifinal swings
Byron Buxton’s Performance
During Round 1, Buxton recorded 20 homers. During the semifinals, however, he suffered. He recorded only seven overall—six in regulation and one additional during bonus time.
Despite the drop, Buxton was still stunned by his power. His longest home run was 456 feet, a hair from his best during the first round.
Buxton’s Semifinal Stats:
- Longest HR: 456 feet
- Hardest Exit Velocity: 108 mph
- Average Distance: 416 feet
- Average Exit Velocity: 105.7 mph
Watch Buxton’s longest home run
ROUND 1 RECAP
Matt Olson – Eliminated (15 HRs)
Matt Olson came into the event as the only contestant with Derby experience under his belt. His night, however, was cut short. He went homerless in his first nine tries but did reach 15 total home runs.
Though he made a late run, it was not enough to move forward.
Olson’s Stats:
- Longest HR: 460 feet
- Hardest Exit Velocity: 109 mph
- Average Distance: 415 feet
- Average Exit Velocity: 105 mph
Cal Raleigh – Advanced via Tiebreaker (17 HRs)
During Round 1, Raleigh did something unique. He switch-hit three times: opening as a lefty, moving to the right side during a timeout, and switch-hitting again for bonus time.
He tied Brent Rooker with 17 home runs. Raleigh took the lead, however, with his longest home run going 470.62 feet, barely more than Rooker’s 470.54 feet.
His creative and flexible approach impressed, paving the way for his star semifinal performance.
ABOUT THE DERBY FORMAT
The 2025 Home Run Derby is a timed, bracketed competition. The participant has three minutes to hit as many home runs as possible. The participant earns bonus time if they can hit a ball more than 440 feet at least twice.
In case of a tie, the participant who registers the longest single home run advances.
New faces mark this year’s contest. With household names such as Pete Alonso, Shohei Ohtani, and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. missing out, the stage is open. Therefore, new players such as Caminero and Raleigh are capitalizing on their moment of fame.
To learn more about how the format is executed, check out the MLB Home Run Derby Guide.
WHAT’S NEXT?
The final battle between Junior Caminero and Cal Raleigh is underway. Fans can anticipate a showdown filled with drama, fatigue, and fireworks.
Both contestants have shown that they belong here. Caminero’s flash-start power and Raleigh’s consistent pace make this an unpredictable and exciting finale.
Follow the final results live on ESPN or catch the Statcast replay on MLB.com.
