By Emmanuel Espinal
July 17, 2025
Leer en español: Se rompe la hegemonía dominicana en el Derby de Jonrones MLB 2025, pero el legado sigue firme
Truist Park, Atlanta, Georgia – For three consecutive years, Dominican players dominated MLB’s most explosive All-Star Game spectacle: the Home Run Derby. In 2025, the dream scenario for many Dominican baseball fans was to see Oneil Cruz (Pittsburgh Pirates) and Junior Caminero (Tampa Bay Rays) face off in the Home Run Derby finale. But the outcome was different: only Caminero reached the final, and although he put up a fight, he fell to Cal Raleigh (Seattle Mariners), who extinguished Dominican hopes and broke the historic Dominican streak in MLB.
Despite the defeat, Dominican representation left its mark once again: four consecutive years with a Dominican in the Home Run Derby final. A record that continues to enhance the Dominican legacy in this Major League event.
FIRST ROUND OF THE 2025 HOME RUN DERBY: FIREWORKS AND SURPRISE
The 2025 All-Star Game night began with James Wood (Washington Nationals), nicknamed by many as the “new Juan Soto,” who connected 16 home runs. Then came Brent Rooker (Oakland Athletics) with 17. But it was Junior Caminero, the young Dominican prospect, who set the stadium ablaze with 21 home runs. Not long after, Oneil Cruz responded with 21 blasts of his own, including the longest of the night: 513 feet.
The second half of the round brought more drama to this 2025 MLB Derby. Byron Buxton (Minnesota Twins) connected 20, followed by Jazz Chisholm Jr. (New York Yankees), who had a forgettable night with only three home runs. Cal Raleigh, meanwhile, tied with Rooker (17), but advanced thanks to less than an inch difference in their longest home run distance. Matt Olson (Atlanta Braves) closed the round, eliminated with just 15 homers.
Thus the Home Run Derby semifinals were set: Buxton vs. Caminero and Raleigh vs. Cruz.
Collage: Esendom, photos courtesy of MLB Español
SEMIFINALS: ONE DOMINICAN SAYS GOODBYE, ANOTHER ADVANCES
The first duel was brief. Buxton managed only 7 home runs, and Caminero quickly surpassed him with 8. The Dominican player thus advanced to the final and became the second player in Rays history to achieve this in a Home Run Derby.
In the other bracket, Raleigh connected 19 home runs, setting a demanding mark. Cruz tried with the characteristic power of Dominican baseball but fell short with 13. However, he impressed again with the tournament’s second-longest home run: 498 feet.
2025 HOME RUN DERBY FINAL: A CONTROVERSIAL PLAY AND FAREWELL TO THE STREAK
In the final, Raleigh repeated his formula: 15 home runs in regulation time and 3 more in bonus time, for a total of 18. Caminero gave his best effort but came up short with 15 in this MLB Derby.
Controversy arose when one of the ball boys caught a Caminero home run just before it crossed the fence. Although it was counted as valid, many believe the incident broke the Dominican player’s concentration and cost him the comeback.
Collage: Esendom, photos courtesy of MLB
END OF A DOMINICAN BASEBALL ERA… OR JUST A PAUSE?
With this defeat, the Dominican hegemony that began with Juan Soto (2022), continued with Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (2023), and was consolidated with Teoscar Hernández (2024) comes to an end. Three years of Caribbean supremacy in the Derby, a feat not seen since David Ortiz (2010) and Robinson Canó (2011) conquered consecutive editions.
But beyond the result, the talent of Dominican players continues to shine on one of MLB’s most prominent showcases. Dominican sluggers not only impose their power but embody the pride of a Dominican Republic that breathes baseball. Their impact goes beyond home runs: it’s identity, it’s legacy, it’s Dominican culture.
The 2025 Home Run Derby edition didn’t bring the trophy home, but it kept the flame of Dominican baseball alive. Next year, new Dominican names will fight to raise the tricolor flag at the top of the diamond. Because if one thing is clear, it’s that as long as there’s a Dominican with a bat in his hands, the story of Dominican baseball is far from over.
Collage: Esendom