Home Run Derby
The Home Run Derby is an annual home run hitting competition in Major League Baseball (MLB), held as part of All-Star Week, in which selected players from the American and National Leagues compete to hit the most home runs over timed rounds or a set number of pitches.[1] The event originated in 1985 as a bracket-style contest featuring top power hitters, initially structured as a two-inning format where each participant had five "outs" per inning—defined as any non-home run swing—and has since evolved into a single-elimination tournament with eight players.[2][3] Under the rules used in 2025, competitors in the first round receive 3 minutes or 40 pitches (whichever comes first) to hit home runs, followed by a bonus period that continues until three outs are recorded (extendable to four outs if a home run of 425 feet or more is hit during the bonus); the semifinals and finals use 2 minutes or 27 pitches each, with the same bonus structure.[4] Over its four decades, the Derby has showcased MLB's premier sluggers and produced iconic moments, such as Ken Griffey Jr.'s record three victories in 1994, 1998, and 1999, along with single-round records like Alec Bohm and José Ramírez's 21 home runs each in the 2024 first round.[5][6] The 2025 edition, won by Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh—who defeated Tampa Bay Rays prospect Junior Caminero in the finals and became the first catcher to claim the title—highlighted the event's blend of established stars and rising talents, drawing millions of viewers to Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia.[7]Overview
Event Description
The Home Run Derby is an annual home run hitting contest that features Major League Baseball's (MLB) premier power hitters competing to showcase their slugging prowess. Held during MLB All-Star Week, the event typically occurs the day before the All-Star Game, providing a high-energy prelude to the midseason classic.[8][2] Inaugurated in 1985, the Derby takes place each year at the stadium hosting the All-Star Game in that season's host city, integrating seamlessly into the festivities of the week-long celebration of baseball excellence.[2] The core objective is for participants to hit as many home runs as possible within structured, timed segments, with pitching delivered in a standardized manner to ensure fairness and focus on the hitters' abilities.[1] Renowned for its entertainment value, the Home Run Derby captivates audiences by highlighting the raw athletic power and skill of MLB's top home run specialists, turning the event into a fan-favorite spectacle that emphasizes long-distance drives and competitive drama over regular-season strategies.[8]Current Format
The Home Run Derby, held annually during Major League Baseball's All-Star Week, features a bracket-style tournament with eight participants as of 2025.[4] The eight participants compete in the first round, with the top four, based on total home runs hit, advancing to the semifinals and seeded accordingly for bracket matchups (No. 1 vs. No. 4, No. 2 vs. No. 3).[4] The semifinals consist of head-to-head matchups between these seeded players, with the two semifinal victors proceeding to the finals.[9] Home run totals from the first round do not carry over to subsequent rounds.[4] Each round operates on a timed or pitch-limited basis, emphasizing both quantity and quality of home runs. In the first round, participants receive three minutes or a maximum of 40 pitches, whichever comes first, during which they aim to hit as many home runs as possible. After regulation, participants enter a bonus period with no time limit, swinging until three outs are recorded (any non-home run is an out). Hitting a home run of 425 feet or more during the bonus period grants an additional out (up to four total).[10] The semifinals and finals shorten this to two minutes or 27 pitches per contestant. Ties in the first round are broken by the longest home run distance. For semifinals and finals, ties are resolved first by a 60-second swing-off (most home runs); if still tied, by successive three-swing rounds where the longest home run in each determines the winner.[4] Participants select their own pitcher, typically a teammate, coach, or family member, to deliver underhand tosses at a speed of 60 miles per hour or slower from a distance of 45 feet.[11] This setup prioritizes familiarity and rhythm over competitive pitching velocity. The field is configured to match the host ballpark's dimensions, including outfield walls and foul poles, with additional distance markers and targets placed for bonus eligibility verification.[12] Selection for the event favors the season's leading home run hitters, with MLB allocating eight slots: up to five from the league with more representatives among the top 32 qualifiers, ensuring at least three from the other league, and rules to limit multiple players from the same team unless they dominate the leaderboards.[9]Prizes and Traditions
The winner of the T-Mobile Home Run Derby receives the official Home Run Derby Trophy, a 24-inch, 19-pound silver trophy depicting a batter mid-swing hitting a home run and an outfielder positioned to catch it.[13] Since 2019, the top prize has included $1 million in cash, with the runner-up earning $750,000, marking a significant escalation in monetary awards to heighten the event's competitiveness.[14] Additional sponsor gifts often include custom bats tailored for participants, such as those provided by brands like Victus and Marucci, which feature personalized engravings and commemorative designs celebrating the event.[15] In recent years, the prizes have expanded to include symbolic memorabilia like the Home Run Derby chain, a gold piece introduced in 2022 and awarded annually to the champion as a flashy emblem of victory.[16] Other unique awards, such as a WWE-style championship belt presented in 2025, add to the celebratory flair during post-event ceremonies.[17] Charity integration forms a core tradition, with T-Mobile and MLB donating $10,000 to Team Rubicon for each home run hit using the sponsor's magenta-colored balls, a practice in place since 2014 to support disaster relief efforts.[3] Winners frequently contribute their prizes to charitable causes, exemplified by Pete Alonso's 2019 donation of his full $1 million winnings—split equally between the Wounded Warrior Project and the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation—to aid veterans and first responders. MLB further bolsters this aspect by directing portions of event proceeds toward youth baseball programs, fostering community engagement.[18] Cultural traditions enhance the event's spectacle, including pre-derby interviews where participants discuss their preparation and pitcher selections, building anticipation among fans.[19] Occasionally, celebrity or family members serve as pitchers in exhibition segments, injecting personal stories, as seen when participants like Kris Bryant enlisted relatives for throws. Post-event celebrations feature the champion's prize reception, often highlighted by custom "Derby hats"—specialized All-Star headwear worn backwards by competitors to optimize visibility during sunset conditions.[4] Memorable customs include the use of Statcast technology to measure and display home run distances in real-time, captivating audiences with visuals of monumental shots exceeding 500 feet. Fan-voted elements, such as selecting one participant via public ballot, underscore the event's interactive appeal.Historical Development
Origins and Early Formats (1985–1990)
The Home Run Derby was introduced in 1985 as a novel addition to Major League Baseball's All-Star Week festivities, held at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, home of the Minnesota Twins.[20] Conceived by ESPN executives as a way to transform routine batting practice sessions into an engaging competitive spectacle, the event drew inspiration from informal pre-game home run hitting exhibitions and the 1960 syndicated television series of the same name, which featured matchups between prominent sluggers.[21] Initially presented without any television broadcast, it attracted limited attention from fans and media, occurring in the afternoon between the National League and American League batting practices, with tickets priced at just $2 to benefit local amateur baseball programs.[22][23] The inaugural format emphasized a straightforward team-based competition between the American League and National League, featuring five All-Star players from each side rather than individual elimination brackets.[24] Each participant received two untimed "innings" to hit as many home runs as possible, accumulating up to five outs per inning—where any non-home run swing counted as an out—resulting in a total of 10 outs per player and no bonus incentives for distance or style.[6] In the 1985 event, the American League edged out the National League 17-16, with Minnesota Twins outfielder Tom Brunansky delivering the decisive home run in his final at-bat to secure the victory for his league.[25] Although the team format prevailed, Cincinnati Reds outfielder Dave Parker stood out individually by hitting the most home runs (six) among all participants.[26] Following its debut, the Derby was established as an annual tradition starting in 1986, coinciding with the first national television coverage on ESPN during the All-Star events at the Astrodome in Houston.[27] The core format remained consistent through 1990, though the number of participants per league varied—reducing to three per side in 1986, which ended with the National League defeating the American League 8-7. The 1988 event at Riverfront Stadium in Cincinnati was canceled due to rain, but the format remained consistent in the years it was held.[11][2] Participants were exclusively drawn from the All-Star rosters, ensuring a pool of the season's top performers, with selections balanced across both leagues but occasionally adjusted based on the host site's affiliation; the early emphasis on American League venues, such as the 1985 Metrodome, highlighted AL talent like Brunansky as hometown representatives.[6] This period's simplicity fostered a focus on raw power without timed pressure, laying the groundwork for the event's evolution despite initial hurdles in audience engagement.[2]Expansion and Changes (1991–2013)
In 1991, Major League Baseball revamped the Home Run Derby format to heighten competitiveness and viewer engagement, expanding it from a two-round structure to three rounds with each participant receiving 10 "outs" per round—defined as non-home run swings—allowing for more home runs overall.[2] The top four performers advanced to the semifinals, and the top two from that round competed in the finals, marking a shift toward elimination-style progression that replaced the previous league-based team competition.[3] This change coincided with ESPN assuming broadcast duties, which helped elevate the event's national profile as a lead-in to the All-Star Game.[5] The event's popularity surged during the late 1990s, particularly in 1998 amid the high-profile home run chase between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa, which revitalized interest in baseball and drew record television audiences to the Derby at Coors Field.[2] That year's live ESPN telecast achieved a 5.8 household rating and approximately 9 million viewers, more than double prior years in viewership.[28] Participant numbers fluctuated between 8 and 10 through the 1990s, but MLB standardized the field at eight players starting in 2000, introducing seeded brackets based on seasonal home run leaders to create more balanced matchups and strategic depth.[3] Further refinements occurred in the mid-2000s to address pacing and ties. In 2006, scoring became cumulative across the first two rounds, with totals carrying over to the semifinals rather than resetting, encouraging consistent performance while maintaining 10 outs per round.[2] Tiebreakers were formalized through swing-offs, where tied players took alternating swings until one hit more home runs in a set of five or, if needed, sudden-death swings.[3] By 2011, the format evolved to a head-to-head bracket in the opening round, with the eight seeded participants paired (1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, etc.) for direct matchups using 10 outs each, emphasizing rivalry and reducing the field to four winners advancing individually.[29] This team-captain selection process for 2011–2012 gave way in 2013 to a purely individual bracket without league affiliations, allowing direct advancement based on matchup outcomes and enhancing strategic elements like pitcher selection without league constraints.[8]Recent Evolutions (2014–present)
In 2014, Major League Baseball overhauled the Home Run Derby format to enhance pacing and excitement, expanding the field to 10 participants—five from each league—who competed in an initial round with seven outs each, followed by a bracket-style semifinal and final among the top two performers per league.[30] This structure reduced the number of rounds compared to previous years, allowing the event to conclude more swiftly while maintaining competitive matchups within leagues.[31] The following year, 2015 marked a shift to a timed format, where participants had five minutes per round to hit as many home runs as possible, with an additional minute of bonus time awarded for hitting at least 10 home runs in regulation or launching a 425-foot homer.[32] This change, combined with a seeded bracket based on season home run totals, aimed to accelerate the event and reward power, though the bonus round elements were adjusted and discontinued by 2016 in favor of simpler tiebreakers. Special golden or magenta balls introduced around this era also supported charity donations for each home run hit, tying the event more closely to philanthropic efforts.[3] The 2020 edition was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first absence of the Derby since its inception and prompting adaptations like enhanced virtual engagement in subsequent years.[33] By 2021, fan interaction expanded through online platforms for All-Star selections, influencing participant pools and boosting accessibility during recovery from the pandemic.[34] In 2022, charity initiatives gained prominence, with winners like Pete Alonso pledging portions of the $1 million prize to organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project, amplifying the event's social impact.[35] Recent formats emphasized efficiency and spectacle, with 2024 reverting to timed brackets for all eight participants in a single first-round pool—three minutes or 40 pitches per batter, followed by bonus outs—while introducing distance-based swing-offs for ties in later rounds.[10] This setup carried into 2025, where Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh advanced in the first round via a tiebreaker against Oakland Athletics outfielder Brent Rooker after both hit 17 home runs; their longest drives matched at 471 feet, but Raleigh's second-longest edged out by 0.96 inches.[36] Raleigh ultimately won the event, becoming the first catcher and first switch-hitter to claim the title, underscoring growing inclusivity in participant selection beyond traditional power-hitting outfielders and infielders.[37] Streaming expansions, including broader availability on platforms like ESPN+ and MLB.tv, have further democratized access to the event.[8]Broadcast Coverage
Television and Streaming
The Home Run Derby has been a staple of ESPN's MLB All-Star programming since the network's first broadcast of the event in 1993 on a tape-delayed basis, with the first live telecast occurring in 1998 and Chris Berman providing commentary alongside George Grande. ESPN has served as the primary broadcaster since 1994, producing the event nationally each year. MLB Network began co-broadcasting the Derby in 2009, offering complementary analysis and highlights during All-Star Week.[2][3][38] The Derby transitioned to live primetime events under ESPN's lead starting in 1998. Following a period of shared rights arrangements, ESPN regained exclusive television rights starting in 2022, televising the full event without co-broadcasters like FOX Sports, which had handled portions of All-Star coverage in prior years.[27][39] Following the 2025 event, ESPN's MLB broadcast rights conclude, with Netflix set to take over the Home Run Derby beginning in 2026 as part of new media agreements.[40] Streaming integration began prominently with ESPN platforms around 2015, allowing live access via ESPN+ for domestic viewers and MLB.tv for out-of-market subscribers, enhancing accessibility beyond traditional cable. International audiences receive dedicated feeds through MLB International, distributing the event to over 200 countries with localized commentary.[41] Production has evolved with advanced technology, including Statcast for high-definition tracking of home run distance, exit velocity, and launch angle since its introduction in 2015, providing real-time metrics during broadcasts. ESPN incorporates dynamic visuals like drone shots for aerial perspectives, notably featuring live drone augmented reality (AR) smart-tracing in recent years to follow multiple balls in flight simultaneously. Celebrity analysts, such as Hall of Famer Pedro Martinez, add engaging commentary, drawing on their expertise for insights into participants' swings and strategies.[42][43] For the 2025 edition at Truist Park in Atlanta, ESPN handled the full broadcast, integrating seamless streaming across platforms and achieving high peak concurrent viewership during the finals.[44]Radio and International Broadcasts
The Home Run Derby has been covered extensively on radio through networks such as ESPN Radio and SiriusXM's MLB Network Radio, providing play-by-play commentary and live calls of home runs during the event.[45][46] These broadcasts, available on SiriusXM channel 89, include detailed updates on each participant's swings and distances, often featuring expert analysis from hosts and former players.[47] The coverage is integrated with broader All-Star Week programming, transitioning seamlessly from pre-event discussions to the Derby and onward to the All-Star Game audio feed.[45] Internationally, Spanish-language audio feeds have been provided via ESPN Radio Deportes since the early 2000s, offering dedicated play-by-play for Latin American audiences and emphasizing the performances of Hispanic players. Partnerships extend to regions like Japan, where NHK broadcasts the Derby, including the 2025 edition, to cater to fans of stars like Shohei Ohtani.[48] In Latin America, Fox Sports networks distribute MLB event feeds, including audio elements of the Derby, across countries such as Mexico, Colombia, and Venezuela.[49] Post-event digital podcasts have grown as a complement to live radio, with MLB-affiliated shows recapping highlights, participant interviews, and statistical breakdowns available on platforms like Apple Podcasts and SiriusXM apps.[50] For the 2025 Derby, audio coverage incorporated multilingual elements through partner networks, though full real-time translations were limited compared to television streams.[45] Broadcasting the Derby internationally presents challenges, particularly due to time zone differences, resulting in late-night airings for European audiences—often starting around midnight or later local time during U.S. evening events.[51] These adjustments require delayed or on-demand options to accommodate global listeners, as highlighted in discussions on MLB's international expansion efforts.[52]Viewership Highlights
The Home Run Derby has experienced significant fluctuations in viewership, with peak audiences often tied to standout performances and cultural moments in baseball. The event's record viewership occurred in 2008, drawing 9.1 million viewers on ESPN, largely driven by Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton's dramatic first-round performance of 35 home runs, including 13 in the final 30 seconds.[53] Since 2010, the Derby has maintained an average audience of 6 to 8 million viewers across ESPN platforms, based on Nielsen measurements, reflecting steady popularity amid evolving broadcast formats and competition for attention. Notable spikes include the 2017 edition, which attracted 8.7 million viewers—the second-highest on record—fueled by Aaron Judge's participation and the event's Miami setting. The 1998 Derby also saw elevated interest amid the Mark McGwire-Sammy Sosa home run chase, which boosted overall MLB ratings by over 50% that season and amplified the event's appeal on ESPN.[54][55] In more recent years, the 2019 Derby averaged 6.2 million viewers, propelled by Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s record 91 total home runs, including 29 in the first round (a single-round record at the time), which captivated fans and highlighted the event's potential for viral moments. The 2023 edition drew 6.11 million viewers, a slight dip from prior years but notable for Adley Rutschman's innovative switch-hitting display of 27 home runs in the first round, contributing to sustained engagement in Seattle.[56][57] The 2025 Derby achieved 5.73 million viewers on ESPN and ESPN2, marking a 5% increase from 2024's 5.45 million and boosted by Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh's historic victory as the first catcher to win the event. Digital streams on ESPN+ exceeded 2 million concurrent users during peak moments, underscoring the role of streaming in expanding reach.[58][59] Several factors have influenced these trends, including social media amplification that generates real-time buzz and increases younger audience participation, as seen in participant Twitter followings surging post-event. Celebrity appearances, such as music performances during breaks, and format changes like timed rounds with bonus time have enhanced engagement, helping maintain viewership despite broader media fragmentation.[60][61]Participants and Winners
Selection Process
The selection of participants for the MLB Home Run Derby is outlined in the league's Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which prioritizes a combination of factors to assemble an eight-player field of power hitters. The primary criterion is the current season's regular-season home run leaders, with the top performers invited first to ensure the event features the league's most prolific sluggers.[62] To promote competitive balance between the American League (AL) and National League (NL), the eight slots are typically divided as five for the league leading in home runs and three for the other, though adjustments may occur based on overall eligibility.[62] Additional considerations include prior success in the Home Run Derby, the location of the All-Star Game (to highlight host team players), All-Star Game selection or likelihood, players' career home run totals, recent milestone achievements, popularity, league representation, and the number of clubs represented to diversify the field.[62] Since 2014, the Commissioner of Baseball has had authority to grant up to four exemptions or "wild cards," often extending invitations to prominent All-Stars or host team representatives who may not rank among the absolute top home run leaders but enhance the event's appeal.[33] A key rule prohibits inviting repeat participants from the previous year until all eligible qualifiers (primarily top home run leaders) have been exhausted, preventing back-to-back appearances by the same players unless necessary.[62] This process ensures a mix of established stars and emerging talents while maintaining league parity. For the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby held at Truist Park in Atlanta, Aaron Judge—the AL home run leader—was ineligible due to his participation in the 2024 event, leading to selections such as AL catcher Cal Raleigh (with 38 home runs entering the break) and NL prospect Junior Caminero (19 home runs), who filled slots based on their strong first-half performances and the no-repeat rule.[63][7][64]List of Winners
The Home Run Derby, an annual highlight of Major League Baseball's All-Star festivities since 1985, has produced a series of memorable champions, with the event skipped in 1988 and 2020 due to rain and pandemic-related reasons, respectively.[2] The inaugural winner was Dave Parker of the Cincinnati Reds, who hit 22 home runs total across rounds at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis.[65] In the most recent edition, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners claimed victory in 2025 at Truist Park in Atlanta, hitting 54 home runs total and 18 in the final round against runner-up Junior Caminero of the Tampa Bay Rays.[5] The following table summarizes all winners from 1985 to 2025, including the year, champion and team, runner-up, host city, total home runs hit by the winner during the event, and home runs in the final round (where format details are available; early years used untimed formats with fixed pitches, while modern versions are timed).[26][65]| Year | Winner | Team | Runner-up | Host City | Total HR by Winner | Final Round HR by Winner |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Dave Parker | Cincinnati Reds | Andre Dawson (Montreal Expos) | Minneapolis, MN | 22 | 9 |
| 1986 | Wally Joyner, Darryl Strawberry (tie) | California Angels, New York Mets | N/A | Houston, TX | 17 | 7 |
| 1987 | Andre Dawson | Chicago Cubs | Mark McGwire (Oakland Athletics) | Oakland, CA | 16 | 10 |
| 1989 | Eric Davis, Ruben Sierra (tie) | Cincinnati Reds, Texas Rangers | N/A | Anaheim, CA | 4 | N/A |
| 1990 | Ryne Sandberg | Chicago Cubs | Matt Williams (San Francisco Giants) | Chicago, IL | 17 | 5 |
| 1991 | Chris Sabo | Cincinnati Reds | Fred McGriff (Atlanta Braves) | Toronto, ON | 18 | 6 |
| 1992 | Mark McGwire | Oakland Athletics | Juan Gonzalez (Texas Rangers) | San Diego, CA | 20 | 8 |
| 1993 | Juan Gonzalez | Texas Rangers | Mike Piazza (Los Angeles Dodgers) | Toronto, ON | 19 | 7 |
| 1994 | Ken Griffey Jr. | Seattle Mariners | Fred McGriff (Atlanta Braves) | Pittsburgh, PA | 21 | 9 |
| 1995 | Frank Thomas | Chicago White Sox | Ken Griffey Jr. (Seattle Mariners) | Arlington, TX | 18 | 6 |
| 1996 | Barry Bonds | San Francisco Giants | Mark McGwire (Oakland Athletics) | Philadelphia, PA | 17 | 5 |
| 1997 | Tino Martinez | New York Yankees | Ken Griffey Jr. (Seattle Mariners) | Cleveland, OH | 19 | 7 |
| 1998 | Ken Griffey Jr. | Seattle Mariners | Jim Thome (Cleveland Indians) | Denver, CO | 20 | 8 |
| 1999 | Ken Griffey Jr. | Seattle Mariners | Manny Ramirez (Cleveland Indians) | Boston, MA | 22 | 9 |
| 2000 | Sammy Sosa | Chicago Cubs | Troy Glaus (Anaheim Angels) | Atlanta, GA | 21 | 8 |
| 2001 | Luis Gonzalez | Arizona Diamondbacks | Sammy Sosa (Chicago Cubs) | Seattle, WA | 19 | 7 |
| 2002 | Jason Giambi | New York Yankees | Sammy Sosa (Chicago Cubs) | Milwaukee, WI | 20 | 8 |
| 2003 | Jason Bay | Pittsburgh Pirates | Garrett Anderson (Anaheim Angels) | Chicago, IL | 18 | 6 |
| 2004 | Miguel Tejada | Baltimore Orioles | Vladimir Guerrero (Anaheim Angels) | Houston, TX | 19 | 7 |
| 2005 | Bobby Abreu | Philadelphia Phillies | Derrek Lee (Chicago Cubs) | Pittsburgh, PA | 41 | 24 |
| 2006 | Ryan Howard | Philadelphia Phillies | David Ortiz (Boston Red Sox) | Pittsburgh, PA | 35 | 21 |
| 2007 | Vladimir Guerrero | Los Angeles Angels | Alex Rios (Toronto Blue Jays) | San Francisco, CA | 17 | 5 |
| 2008 | Justin Morneau | Minnesota Twins | Ryan Braun (Milwaukee Brewers) | New York, NY | 15 | 4 |
| 2009 | Prince Fielder | Milwaukee Brewers | Nelson Cruz (Texas Rangers) | St. Louis, MO | 23 | 12 |
| 2010 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox | Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers) | Anaheim, CA | 20 | 9 |
| 2011 | Robinson Cano | New York Yankees | Prince Fielder (Milwaukee Brewers) | Phoenix, AZ | 18 | 7 |
| 2012 | Prince Fielder | Detroit Tigers | Robinson Cano (New York Yankees) | Kansas City, MO | 16 | 5 |
| 2013 | Yoenis Cespedes | Oakland Athletics | Chris Davis (Baltimore Orioles) | New York, NY | 33 | 9 |
| 2014 | Yoenis Cespedes | Oakland Athletics | Troy Tulowitzki (Colorado Rockies) | Minneapolis, MN | 29 | 9 |
| 2015 | Todd Frazier | Cincinnati Reds | Joc Pederson (Los Angeles Dodgers) | Cincinnati, OH | 40 | 15 |
| 2016 | Giancarlo Stanton | Miami Marlins | Aaron Judge (New York Yankees) | San Diego, CA | 23 | 11 |
| 2017 | Aaron Judge | New York Yankees | Giancarlo Stanton (Miami Marlins) | Miami, FL | 47 | 11 |
| 2018 | Bryce Harper | Washington Nationals | Kyle Schwarber (Chicago Cubs) | Washington, D.C. | 29 | 13 |
| 2019 | Pete Alonso | New York Mets | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays) | Cleveland, OH | 51 | 13 |
| 2021 | Pete Alonso | New York Mets | Trey Mancini (Baltimore Orioles) | Denver, CO | 35 | 16 |
| 2022 | Juan Soto | San Diego Padres | Julio Rodriguez (Seattle Mariners) | Los Angeles, CA | 41 | 19 |
| 2023 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | Toronto Blue Jays | Adolis Garcia (Texas Rangers) | Seattle, WA | 26 | 7 |
| 2024 | Teoscar Hernández | Los Angeles Dodgers | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (Toronto Blue Jays) | Arlington, TX | 46 | 19 |
| 2025 | Cal Raleigh | Seattle Mariners | Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays) | Atlanta, GA | 54 | 18 |
Multiple-Time Winners
Ken Griffey Jr. stands as the most successful participant in Home Run Derby history, securing three victories in 1994, 1998, and 1999, which elevated the event's prominence during the 1990s. His performances, including a memorable swing-for-the-fences style that captivated audiences at venues like Three Rivers Stadium and Fenway Park, helped transform the Derby from a niche exhibition into a marquee All-Star highlight, drawing widespread media attention and fan engagement. Griffey's repeated triumphs, achieved while with the Seattle Mariners, underscored his prodigious power and consistency, amassing a career total of 74 home runs across all Derby appearances.[67][5] Pete Alonso has two victories in 2019 and 2021, becoming a prominent figure in the event. As a New York Mets rookie in 2019, Alonso set a single-round final record with 23 home runs to edge Vladimir Guerrero Jr., marking the first time a newcomer claimed the crown and boosting the event's appeal to younger fans. His 2021 first-round outburst of 35 home runs remains the single-round benchmark, while each success tied to charitable pledges that amplified the event's philanthropic reach.[68][5][69] Prince Fielder captured back-to-back non-consecutive titles in 2009 with the Milwaukee Brewers and 2012 with the Detroit Tigers, showcasing explosive power that nearly positioned him for a repeat attempt in intervening years before format changes intervened. In 2009 at Busch Stadium, he outdueled Chase Utley with 23 total home runs, and in 2012 at Kauffman Stadium, he unleashed 16 in the final to defeat Jose Bautista, becoming only the second multi-time winner at that point. Fielder's feats highlighted the Derby's evolution toward timed formats and his ability to adapt across leagues, contributing to its growing spectacle value.[70][71] Yoenis Céspedes achieved the rare back-to-back wins in 2013 and 2014, the first consecutive titles since the event's modern inception, while playing for the Oakland Athletics. His 2013 victory at Citi Field saw him hit 32 home runs to top Bryce Harper, and in 2014 at Target Field, he defended the crown with 30 total, including a dominant 9-1 final over Todd Frazier, all as a non-All-Star participant that year. Céspedes' international flair and underdog narrative added diversity to the Derby's legacy, with his 2014 performance alone generating $465,000 in charitable donations through sponsor tie-ins.[72][73][74] These multi-time winners have profoundly shaped the Home Run Derby's cultural and charitable impact, with Griffey's icon status inspiring participation surges and Alonso's donations—such as $100,000 split between the Wounded Warrior Foundation and Tunnel to Towers in 2019—exemplifying how victories amplify off-field contributions. Their repeated dominance not only boosted viewership but also tied the event to broader MLB initiatives, raising millions for causes like Boys & Girls Clubs through home run-linked pledges, ensuring the Derby's role as a blend of athletic prowess and goodwill.[69][75]Records and Statistics
Single-Event Records
The single-event records in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby capture extraordinary displays of power and precision by individual participants during a single edition of the competition, often under the pressure of timed rounds with specific out or time limits. These feats emphasize momentary peaks rather than sustained careers, with metrics tracked by Statcast since 2015 providing detailed data on distances, exit velocities, and pacing. Notable categories include home runs per round, total home runs across all rounds, maximum distances, and batted ball speeds, reflecting the event's evolution from untimed formats in the 1980s to the current three-minute rounds with bonus time. The record for most home runs in a single round stands at 41, achieved by Julio Rodríguez of the Seattle Mariners in the first round of the 2023 Derby at T-Mobile Park. This surpassed the previous mark of 40 set by Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2019 semifinals. Rodríguez's performance, which included 41 homers in three minutes plus bonus time, advanced him to the semifinals before he was eliminated. Earlier benchmarks, such as Pete Alonso's 35 in the 2021 first round, highlight the increasing volume enabled by format changes like the 2015 timed structure. For total home runs in one Derby, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. holds the record with 91 across four rounds (including a swing-off) in 2019 at Progressive Field. Guerrero hit 20 in the first round, 40 in the semifinals (a then-record), 22 in the finals, and 9 in the swing-off to secure the win against Joc Pederson. This total eclipsed prior highs like Giancarlo Stanton's 61 in 2016, underscoring the stamina required in multi-round events. Distance records showcase raw power, with the longest home run measured at 520 feet, hit by Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals in the first round of the 2021 Derby at Coors Field. Soto's blast, tracked by Statcast, benefited from the venue's altitude but remains the farthest in event history. Other notable long balls include Pete Alonso's 514 feet in 2021 and Aaron Judge's 513 feet in 2017, both exemplifying elite launch angles and exit velocities over 110 mph. In the 2025 Derby, Oneil Cruz hit a 513-foot home run in the first round, tying Judge's mark for one of the longest in Derby history.[76] In terms of speed, the hardest-hit home run in Derby history exited the bat at 120.4 mph, struck by Giancarlo Stanton of the Miami Marlins during his 61-homer performance in 2016 at Petco Park. This mark, part of Stanton's 20 hardest-hit balls that night, has stood as the benchmark for exit velocity, though recent Derbies have approached it—such as Oneil Cruz's 119 mph homer in the 2025 first round. Pacing records, like the fastest to 10 home runs, add to the intensity; Aaron Judge reached 10 in 38 seconds during his 2017 first-round outburst of 23 total. The 2025 Derby at Truist Park featured a historic final-round performance by Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners, who hit 18 home runs to defeat Junior Caminero 18-15 and become the first catcher to win the event. Raleigh's finals total contributed to his overall 54 home runs (17 in the first round, 19 in the semifinals), marking a milestone for positional representation in the competition.| Category | Record | Player (Year) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most in a round | 41 | Julio Rodríguez (2023) | First round, 3:00 + bonus time |
| Most total in one Derby | 91 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2019) | Four rounds including swing-off |
| Longest home run | 520 feet | Juan Soto (2021) | First round at Coors Field |
| Hardest-hit home run | 120.4 mph | Giancarlo Stanton (2016) | During 61-homer total |
Career Records
Pete Alonso holds the all-time record for most home runs hit in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby across multiple participations, with a career total of 186. His totals include 57 in 2019 (winning with 23 in the final round), 74 in 2021 (defending his title with 16 in the final), 43 in 2022 (reaching the semifinals), and 12 in 2024 (eliminated in the first round).[68][77][78][79] Ken Griffey Jr. leads in career appearances with eight participations between 1990 and 2000, during which he won three times (1994, 1998, 1999). Other notable multi-time participants include Mark McGwire with seven appearances and Albert Pujols with six, highlighting the event's appeal to consistent power hitters over their careers.[5] Alonso also boasts the highest career average of home runs per round at 7.2, reflecting his efficiency in the timed format despite varying round structures across eras. The 2025 Derby added to career catcher statistics, as Cal Raleigh's debut performance included 54 total home runs (17 in the first round, 19 in the semifinals, and 18 in the final to defeat Junior Caminero), marking the first win by a catcher in event history and boosting positional totals for backstops.[76]| Category | Leader | Total/Details | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Career Home Runs | Pete Alonso | 186 (4 appearances) | MLB.com, Sporting News, ESPN |
| Most Appearances | Ken Griffey Jr. | 8 (1990-2000) | ESPN |
| Highest Avg. HR per Round | Pete Alonso | 7.2 | MLB records |
| Most HR by a Catcher (Career) | Cal Raleigh | 54 (1 appearance) | MLB.com |
Team and Positional Breakdowns
The New York Yankees lead all MLB teams in Home Run Derby victories with four, accomplished by Tino Martinez in 1997, Jason Giambi in 2002, Robinson Cano in 2011, and Aaron Judge in 2017. The Seattle Mariners match this total with four wins, including three by Ken Griffey Jr. in 1994, 1998, and 1999, and one by Cal Raleigh in 2025.[5] These teams exemplify the strong representation from power-hitting franchises, with the Yankees also holding the record for most appearances at 25 across the event's history.[76] Outfielders have dominated Home Run Derby wins, capturing approximately 60% of the titles since the event's inception in 1985, due to their combination of power and swing mechanics suited for the competition's format. First basemen follow as the next most successful position, with multiple winners like Pete Alonso (three times) and Prince Fielder (twice). The 2025 victory by Cal Raleigh marked the first time a catcher has won the event, highlighting a rare breakthrough for the position.[1] The American League holds a commanding lead over the National League in Derby wins, 25-15 as of 2025, reflecting the league's historical emphasis on designated hitters and robust outfield production. Recent years have shown a mix of catcher and outfielder successes, contributing to broader positional diversity. Post-2010, non-outfielders have claimed an increasing share of titles, including second basemen like Cano and designated hitters like David Ortiz in 2010, signaling evolving participation trends beyond traditional power positions. Total home runs hit by outfielders across all Derbies exceed 1,200, underscoring their cumulative impact on the event's spectacle.[5]Event Results
1980s and 1990s
The Home Run Derby during the 1980s and early 1990s was characterized by modest home run totals, often under 20 per winner, due to the event's initial format of limited outs per round (typically 5 outs per inning over two innings) and occasional adverse conditions like wind or rain. The inaugural 1985 Derby at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis featured Tom Brunansky of the Minnesota Twins edging out Dave Parker of the Cincinnati Reds 10-9 in the final round, marking the first competitive individual showdown in the event's history.[5][2] Subsequent events in the decade maintained this low-scoring trend, with winners like Wally Joyner of the California Angels and Darryl Strawberry of the New York Mets tying in 1986 at the Astrodome, and Andre Dawson of the Chicago Cubs claiming victory in 1987 at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, both with totals below 15 home runs. The 1988 Derby was canceled due to rain at Riverfront Stadium, while 1989 saw another tie between Eric Davis of the Cincinnati Reds and Rubén Sierra of the Texas Rangers, each hitting three home runs at Anaheim Stadium.[5][65] The 1990 Derby at Wrigley Field stands out as the lowest-scoring ever, with all eight participants combining for just five home runs amid stiff winds; Ryne Sandberg of the Chicago Cubs won with three. The format evolved slightly in 1991 to three rounds with 10 outs each, allowing Cal Ripken Jr. of the Baltimore Orioles to dominate at SkyDome with 12 home runs, the highest total to that point. Mark McGwire of the Oakland Athletics followed with a win in 1992 at Jack Murphy Stadium, hitting 12 home runs in the final. The mid-1990s brought gradual increases in output, exemplified by Juan González of the Texas Rangers winning the 1993 event at Oriole Park at Camden Yards in a sudden-death playoff against Ken Griffey Jr., where González blasted 12 home runs to Griffey's 11.[80][5][81] Entering the late 1990s, the Derby gained momentum amid the era's home run surge, with Ken Griffey Jr. of the Seattle Mariners securing his first title in 1994 at Three Rivers Stadium (9 home runs total) and repeating in 1998 at Coors Field (19 total), where the participation of Sammy Sosa and Mark McGwire during their iconic 1998 home run chase heightened national interest and viewership. Frank Thomas of the Chicago White Sox won in 1995 at The Ballpark in Arlington with 11 home runs, while the 1996 event at Veterans Stadium in Philadelphia introduced greater international flavor through diverse participants like Roberto Alomar and Barry Bonds, who defeated McGwire 17-15 in the final. Tino Martinez of the New York Yankees took the 1997 crown at Jacobs Field with 13 home runs, and Griffey completed his three-peat in 1999 at Fenway Park (17 total). These years laid the groundwork for the event's rising popularity, transitioning from niche exhibition to marquee spectacle.[2][65][82]| Year | Winner(s) | Finalist(s) | Final Round Score(s) | Total HR by Winner(s) | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Tom Brunansky (MIN) | Dave Parker (CIN) | 10-9 | 12 | Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome (MIN) | Inaugural individual Derby; low-scoring opener.[5] |
| 1986 | Wally Joyner (CAL), Darryl Strawberry (NYM) | Tie | N/A | 7 each | Astrodome (HOU) | First tie; under 20 total HR event-wide.[5] |
| 1987 | Andre Dawson (CHC) | Ozzie Virgil (ATL) | 6-5 | 10 | Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum (OAK) | Low totals; Dawson's solo effort highlighted.[5] |
| 1988 | Canceled (rain) | N/A | N/A | N/A | Riverfront Stadium (CIN) | Only cancellation in history.[5] |
| 1989 | Eric Davis (CIN), Rubén Sierra (TEX) | Tie | N/A | 3 each | Anaheim Stadium (CAL) | Second tie; minimal output due to format.[65] |
| 1990 | Ryne Sandberg (CHC) | Mark McGwire (OAK), Matt Williams (SF) | 3-2-2 | 3 | Wrigley Field (CHC) | Lowest-scoring Derby (5 total HR event-wide).[81] |
| 1991 | Cal Ripken Jr. (BAL) | Paul O'Neill (CIN) | 12-5 | 12 | SkyDome (TOR) | Format change to 10 outs; Ripken also ASG MVP.[83] |
| 1992 | Mark McGwire (OAK) | Ken Griffey Jr. (SEA) | 12-9 | 15 | Jack Murphy Stadium (SD) | McGwire's power display in semifinals.[26] |
| 1993 | Juan González (TEX) | Ken Griffey Jr. (SEA) | 3-3 (playoff: 12-11) | 15 | Oriole Park at Camden Yards (BAL) | First playoff; Griffey hit warehouse.[80] |
| 1994 | Ken Griffey Jr. (SEA) | Frank Thomas (CHW) | 7-5 | 9 | Three Rivers Stadium (PIT) | Griffey's first win; rising totals.[5] |
| 1995 | Frank Thomas (CHW) | Manny Ramírez (CLE) | 6-5 | 11 | The Ballpark in Arlington (TEX) | Thomas edged out in close final.[65] |
| 1996 | Barry Bonds (SF) | Mark McGwire (OAK) | 17-15 | 17 | Veterans Stadium (PHI) | International participants; Bonds-McGwire duel.[84] |
| 1997 | Tino Martinez (NYY) | Larry Walker (COL) | 9-4 | 13 | Jacobs Field (CLE) | Steady increase in power output.[26] |
| 1998 | Ken Griffey Jr. (SEA) | Jeromy Burnitz (MIL) | 7-2 | 19 | Coors Field (COL) | Sosa/McGwire hype; first live TV broadcast.[82] |
| 1999 | Ken Griffey Jr. (SEA) | Manny Ramírez (CLE) | 5-2 | 17 | Fenway Park (BOS) | Griffey's third consecutive win.[5] |
2000s
The Home Run Derby in the 2000s marked a period of heightened excitement and power displays, coinciding with Major League Baseball's steroid era, where the lingering impact of Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa's 1998 home run chase fueled expectations for prolific hitting. The event adopted a standard 8-player field starting in 2000, with timed rounds that promoted high-volume swings and led to winners averaging more than 25 home runs across all rounds, a sharp increase from prior decades. This era's derbies often featured future Hall of Famers and set benchmarks for total output, emphasizing endurance and distance in non-MLB host stadiums like Turner Field in 2000.[5][2] In 2000 at Turner Field in Atlanta, the derby introduced its modern bracket format after an initial timed round of 1 minute 15 seconds, with the top four advancing to seeded semifinals. Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs won the inaugural 8-man event, defeating Ken Griffey Jr. of the Cincinnati Reds in a swing-off after both hit two home runs in the 45-second final; Sosa tallied 19 total home runs, including six in the first round and 11 in the semifinal against Carl Everett of the Boston Red Sox. The field included powerhouses like Mark McGwire and Jason Giambi, underscoring the era's talent depth.[85][86] The 2001 derby at Safeco Field in Seattle saw Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Luis Gonzalez claim victory with 33 total home runs, edging Barry Bonds of the San Francisco Giants 3-2 in the final after Bonds had advanced by defeating Jason Giambi 3-2 in the semifinal. Gonzalez hit six in the semifinal against Sammy Sosa, capitalizing on the hitter-friendly dimensions. Giambi led the first round with 14 home runs, setting a tone for the decade's escalating totals.[87][2] Jason Giambi of the New York Yankees won in 2002 at Miller Park in Milwaukee, hitting 21 total home runs to outpace Sammy Sosa 7-1 in the final; Giambi's semifinal win over Lance Berkman featured eight home runs in 1 minute. The event highlighted the American League's dominance that year. In 2003 at U.S. Cellular Field in Chicago, Garret Anderson of the Anaheim Angels surprised the field, winning with 19 total home runs by defeating Albert Pujols of the St. Louis Cardinals 9-8 in the final after a 6-4 semifinal victory over Jim Edmonds; Anderson's clutch performance came on a non-traditional host field outside California.[88][89] Miguel Tejada of the Baltimore Orioles took the 2004 title at Minute Maid Park in Houston with 19 home runs, beating Lance Berkman 5-4 in the final following a semifinal rout of Vinny Castilla. The 2005 derby at Comerica Park in Detroit produced a record-setting performance as Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Bobby Abreu won with a then-record 41 total home runs, including 24 in the first round (a single-round mark) and 16 in the semifinal against Derrek Lee, before needing just one in the final against David Wright. Abreu's display epitomized the era's offensive peaks.[2][5] Ryan Howard of the Philadelphia Phillies defended the National League's honor in 2006 at PNC Park in Pittsburgh, winning with 23 home runs after defeating Jermaine Dye 12-4 in the final; Howard's first-round 15 home runs tied for the round lead. Vladimir Guerrero of the Los Angeles Angels won in 2007 at AT&T Park in San Francisco with 17 home runs, outlasting Alex Rios of the Toronto Blue Jays 2-1 in the final in a low-scoring affair compared to prior years. The 2008 event at Yankee Stadium in New York saw Minnesota Twins first baseman Justin Morneau prevail with 15 home runs, defeating Josh Hamilton—who set a first-round record with 28 (later broken)—in a 5-3 final; Hamilton's semifinal 35 total home runs across rounds stole much of the spotlight despite the loss.[2] Prince Fielder of the Milwaukee Brewers closed the decade in 2009 at Busch Stadium in St. Louis, hitting 23 home runs to beat Nelson Cruz of the Texas Rangers 5-3 in the final after a first-round 23 that tied the single-round record at the time. The 2000s derbies consistently delivered dramatic finishes and elevated the event's popularity amid baseball's power surge.| Year | Winner (Team) | Total HR | Runner-Up (Team) | Total HR | Notable Moment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Sammy Sosa (CHC) | 19 | Ken Griffey Jr. (CIN) | 10 | Inaugural 8-player bracket; swing-off final.[85] |
| 2001 | Luis Gonzalez (ARI) | 33 | Barry Bonds (SFG) | 19 | Giambi's 14 in first round; Bonds' 476-ft longest drive.[87] |
| 2002 | Jason Giambi (NYY) | 21 | Sammy Sosa (CHC) | 11 | Giambi's 8 in semifinal.[2] |
| 2003 | Garret Anderson (LAA) | 19 | Albert Pujols (STL) | 25 | Anderson's 9-8 final thriller.[88] |
| 2004 | Miguel Tejada (BAL) | 19 | Lance Berkman (HOU) | 18 | Tejada's 5 in final.[2] |
| 2005 | Bobby Abreu (PHI) | 41 | David Wright (NYM) | 17 | Abreu's record 41 total, 24 in first round.[5] |
| 2006 | Ryan Howard (PHI) | 23 | Jermaine Dye (CWS) | 15 | Howard's 15 in first round.[2] |
| 2007 | Vladimir Guerrero (LAA) | 17 | Alex Rios (TOR) | 13 | Low-total final at 2-1.[2] |
| 2008 | Justin Morneau (MIN) | 15 | Josh Hamilton (TEX) | 35 | Hamilton's 28 in first round (record at time).[2] |
| 2009 | Prince Fielder (MIL) | 23 | Nelson Cruz (TEX) | 15 | Fielder's 23 in first round ties record.[5] |
2010s
The 2010s marked a transformative era for the Home Run Derby, with significant format innovations aimed at enhancing pace and excitement, alongside the emergence of young power hitters who captivated audiences. In 2014, MLB introduced a seeded bracket system for 10 participants, reducing outs to seven per round and incorporating head-to-head matchups to replace the previous cumulative scoring approach, which had slowed the event. This change, coupled with the 2015 shift to a three-minute timed format per round (with bonuses for reaching eight home runs and for the longest drive), injected urgency and drama, setting the stage for record-breaking performances by rising stars like Aaron Judge and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.[90][32] The decade opened with David Ortiz securing his sole Derby victory in 2010 at Angel Stadium, where he hit eight home runs in the first round, 13 in the semifinals, and nine in the final to edge Hanley Ramirez 9-5, showcasing his clutch power in a traditional out-based format. The following year, 2009 winner Prince Fielder attempted a repeat but fell short in a dramatic 2011 final at Chase Field, tying Robinson Cano at 12 home runs before losing a sudden-death swing-off 2-1, highlighting the pressure of defending a title. Yoenis Céspedes, a Cuban defector making his MLB debut season, then claimed back-to-back wins in 2013 and 2014, defeating Bryce Harper 9-8 in the 2013 final at Citi Field after a first-round record-tying 17 homers at the time, and defending his crown in 2014 at Target Field by outlasting Todd Frazier 1-0 in a swing-off following a 9-9 tie, becoming the first international player to win consecutive Derbies.[91][92][72][93] Mid-decade experiments emphasized distance and speed, as seen in the 2015 Derby at Great American Ball Park, where host Todd Frazier won in front of hometown fans by defeating Joc Pederson 15-14 in the final under the new timed rules. The event featured bonus time for "long ball" achievements, with Frazier's semifinal 462-foot drive earning him 30 extra seconds against Josh Donaldson. Below is a round-by-round summary of the 2015 bracket:| Round | Matchup | Home Runs (Winner-Loser) | Notable Long Ball |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Round | Josh Donaldson def. Anthony Rizzo | 9-8 | Donaldson's 438 ft |
| First Round | Todd Frazier def. Prince Fielder | 12-10 | Frazier's 462 ft (bonus time) |
| First Round | Joc Pederson def. Carlos González | 11-6 | Pederson's 466 ft |
| First Round | Albert Pujols def. Byron Buxton | 13-2 | Pujols' 465 ft |
| Semifinals | Todd Frazier def. Josh Donaldson | 17-15 | Frazier's 462 ft |
| Semifinals | Joc Pederson def. Albert Pujols | 12-9 | Pederson's 470 ft (final bonus) |
| Final | Todd Frazier def. Joc Pederson | 15-14 | Frazier's 435 ft game-winner |
2020s
The 2020 T-Mobile Home Run Derby was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, marking the first time the event was not held since its inception in 1985.[5][2] The competition resumed in 2021 at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado, where New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso defended his 2019 title by winning his second Derby. Alonso hit 74 total home runs across three rounds, defeating Baltimore Orioles first baseman Trey Mancini 16-8 in the final, showcasing his power in the thin air of the high-altitude venue.[101][102] In 2022, at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto claimed his first Derby victory, edging Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodríguez 19-18 in a thrilling final after both hit 41 home runs in the semifinals. Soto's win highlighted the event's competitive intensity under the timed format, with his performance including a longest home run of 521 feet.[103] Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Toronto Blue Jays won the 2023 Derby at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, defeating New York Mets outfielder Pete Alonso 25-14 in the final after Alonso's semifinal exit. Guerrero's triumph, which included 26 home runs in the first round, made him the first Blue Jays player to win the event and added to the international flavor of recent champions.[65][2] The 2024 edition, held at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, saw Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernández secure the title, defeating Baltimore Orioles outfielder Adley Rutschman 14-13 in the final. Hernández's victory, marked by 19 home runs in the first round, represented the first win for a Colombian-born player and underscored the growing diversity among Derby champions from varied backgrounds and positions.[65][5] In 2025, at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh became the first catcher to win the T-Mobile Home Run Derby, defeating Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero 18-15 in the final. Raleigh, who entered as the MLB home run leader with 38, advanced by hitting 19 home runs to defeat Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz in the semifinals (19-13), while Caminero hit 8 to beat Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton (8-7). The event featured eight participants competing individually in the first round (3 minutes or 40 pitches, with bonus time), with the top four advancing to the seeded bracketed semifinals based on home run totals (ties broken by longest home run distance). Notable first-round performances included Oneil Cruz and Junior Caminero each with 21 home runs, Byron Buxton with 20, and Cal Raleigh with 17 (advancing over Brent Rooker, also 17, via a tiebreaker of 470.62 feet to 470.54 feet).[7][104][105]| Round | Details | Home Runs |
|---|---|---|
| First Round (Individual; top 4 advance) | Oneil Cruz (PIT) | 21 (advanced, #1 seed) |
| Junior Caminero (TB) | 21 (advanced, #2 seed) | |
| Byron Buxton (MIN) | 20 (advanced, #3 seed) | |
| Cal Raleigh (SEA) | 17 (advanced, #4 seed on tiebreaker) | |
| Brent Rooker (OAK) | 17 (did not advance) | |
| James Wood (WSN) | 16 (did not advance) | |
| Matt Olson (ATL) | 15 (did not advance) | |
| Jazz Chisholm Jr. (NYY) | 3 (did not advance) | |
| Semifinals (#1 vs #4) | Cal Raleigh def. Oneil Cruz | 19-13 |
| Semifinals (#2 vs #3) | Junior Caminero def. Byron Buxton | 8-7 |
| Finals | Cal Raleigh def. Junior Caminero | 18-15 |