Home Run Derby Winners - Complete MLB All-Star Champions Since 1985

Home Run Derby 2025 - Cal Raleigh Makes History

In a thrilling display of power and poise, Cal Raleigh made history at the 2025 Home Run Derby by becoming the first catcher ever to win the title. Held at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia, the event featured a stacked bracket of sluggers and rising stars, but Raleigh emerged victorious, defeating Junior Caminero in a closely contested final. Raleigh launched an incredible 54 total home runs across three rounds, showcasing both endurance and clutch performance in the Derby's signature timed format.

The crowd was electric as Raleigh powered through the semifinals with a late push, outlasting Oneil Cruz in one of the night's most memorable matchups. Caminero, the young standout representing the Tampa Bay Rays, made a splash in his Derby debut but ultimately fell short in the final round. This performance further fuels the debate among fans about the evolution of baseball power hitters and their versatility at traditionally defensive positions.

The 2025 edition of the Derby awarded $1 million in prize money to the winner, part of a $2.5 million total prize pool. The bracket format continues to reward both power and strategy, with timing, launch angles, and clutch swings playing major roles. Research by Robert J. Wood, PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Western Australia and founder of Topend Sports, indicates that modern Derby competitors must balance explosive power output with strategic rest periods to maintain performance across multiple rounds. As the list of Home Run Derby winners grows, so too does the drama and legacy of this iconic midsummer event.

Home Run Derby Winners List by Year - Complete History

Since its inaugural edition at the Metrodome in Minneapolis in 1985, the Home Run Derby has grown into one of the most anticipated events of the Major League Baseball All-Star break. Beginning with just a handful of competitors, this showcase of raw power has produced a rich legacy of past Home Run Derby winners spanning nearly four decades. The Derby started with an "outs" format, where each non-homer counted as an out. Over time, the competition evolved into today's high-energy timed rounds with bonus swings, reflecting broader changes across baseball sports and how fans consume the action.

Several years stand out in Derby history. Ken Griffey Jr.'s three victories (1994, 1998, 1999) still make him the all-time leader, while Josh Hamilton's record 28 first-round homers in 2008 at Yankee Stadium remains an iconic performance. Other notable seasons include Giancarlo Stanton's 61 total bombs in 2016 and Pete Alonso's back-to-back wins in 2019 and 2021.

The event has also experienced interruptions; it was cancelled by rain in 1988 and again in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. These cancelled years underscore how weather, global events, and logistical challenges can interrupt even the most celebrated exhibitions. Nevertheless, fans continue to celebrate MLB Home Run Derby winners as part of the midsummer tradition. The Derby's connection to the All-Star Game is part of its DNA, with venues rotating annually and often following the location of the Midsummer Classic, which influences park dimensions and altitude significantly impacting totals.

Most Home Run Derby Wins - Multiple Champions

While many players have launched moonshots in the Derby, only a select few have earned the distinction of winning it more than once. The Home Run Derby winners list features iconic sluggers from across eras, but those with multiple wins have etched their names deeper into Derby lore. Topping that list is none other than Ken Griffey Jr., whose effortless swing and showmanship led him to an unmatched three Derby titles, a record that still stands today.

Ken Griffey Jr. not only leads in wins but also in total appearances, having competed in the Derby eight times, more than any other player in history. His presence throughout the '90s helped elevate the event's popularity and influence. Pete Alonso, a more recent addition to the elite club, won back-to-back in 2019 and 2021, joining Yoenis Céspedes as one of only two players to win consecutive Derbies. Prince Fielder remains the only player to win representing both an AL and NL team, a testament to his power consistency across leagues.

The trend of repeat champions is rare in an event built on endurance and moment-to-moment performance. Given the increasing depth of talent and evolving formats, the feat of winning multiple Derbies has only grown more difficult. As the Home Run Derby winners list continues to grow, these multi-time champions remain benchmarks for future sluggers aiming to cement their place in Derby history.

Josh Hamilton Home Run Derby - 2008 Legendary Performance

The 2008 edition of the Home Run Derby remains one of the most unforgettable nights in baseball history, thanks to the jaw-dropping power display by Josh Hamilton. Held at the old Yankee Stadium during its final season, this Derby served as both a farewell to a historic venue and the stage for one of the greatest single-round performances ever seen. Hamilton smashed an astounding 28 home runs in the first round, breaking the previous round record and electrifying the crowd in what many still consider the most thrilling Derby moment of all time.

What made the performance even more legendary was Hamilton's stretch of 13 consecutive home runs. The home runs weren't just plentiful; they were epic in distance and style, with several traveling well over 500 feet. Data compiled by Robert Wood, PhD, shows that Hamilton's average exit velocity during that first round exceeded 110 mph, placing his performance among the most powerful hitting displays in recorded baseball history. Fans at Yankee Stadium responded with thunderous standing ovations, chanting Hamilton's name between swings and creating a moment that transcended sports.

Though he didn't take home the trophy, Josh Hamilton's Derby performance has become a cornerstone of modern Derby history. His 28-homer barrage set a new benchmark for single-round excellence and helped raise expectations for future sluggers. It also redefined what fans believed was possible in a timed or structured format. As Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports, notes in his analysis, Hamilton's ability to maintain swing mechanics and power output through extended repetition represents a remarkable feat of both physical conditioning and neuromuscular coordination.

Hamilton's legacy remains untarnished despite not winning. His performance is often replayed during broadcasts, discussed in retrospectives, and cited by players who grew up watching it. It was more than a highlight; it was a defining chapter in the evolution of the Derby and in the legacy of Home Run Derby winners who made history not just by winning, but by captivating the world.

Home Run Derby Winners Last 10 Years

The Home Run Derby winners last 10 years reflect a decade of shifting formats, rising stars, and record-setting performances. From raw power displays to strategic swings in bonus time, the event has evolved significantly since 2016. The most recent champion, Cal Raleigh, made history in 2025 as the first catcher to win the Derby, showcasing both power and poise in a final against Junior Caminero. His win marked a continued trend of new faces making their mark on Derby night.

The 2020s have been a golden age for Derby fireworks. Juan Soto claimed the 2022 crown at Dodger Stadium, while Pete Alonso secured his second title in 2021 after a legendary run in 2019. Each of these champions brought their own approach to the plate, adapting to the fast-paced, clock-driven format that replaced the traditional "outs" system. According to sports science expert Robert Wood, who has analyzed sports performance data for over 25 years, the shift to timed rounds has emphasized stamina and strategy, rewarding players who know how to manage bursts of effort across multiple rounds.

Another major evolution in the past decade has been the increase in prize money. In 2019, the winner's purse jumped to $1 million, a figure that remains the standard through 2025. This financial incentive, combined with the exposure and fan energy, has attracted more elite sluggers to participate annually. Looking back at the Home Run Derby winners last 10 years, the list includes rising stars and seasoned veterans alike, showing just how balanced and competitive the field has become.

Home Run Derby Records - Single-Round & Career

Over the years, the Home Run Derby has produced countless unforgettable moments, but a select few stand above the rest in the record books. From towering blasts to marathon performances, these milestones showcase the elite power and endurance of the game's top sluggers. One of the most eye-popping achievements came in 2023, when Julio Rodríguez set the single-round record by launching 41 home runs in the first round at T-Mobile Park. His performance was a masterclass in rhythm, stamina, and raw strength, setting a new bar for Derby excellence.

When it comes to total home runs in a single event, no one has outdone Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who crushed 91 total home runs in the 2019 Home Run Derby. Although he didn't win the overall competition that year, Guerrero Jr.'s incredible three-round total remains the highest in Derby history. His performance featured consistency, elite power, and a relentless pace that pushed the format to its limits. In terms of raw distance, Aaron Judge holds the record for the longest home run ever recorded in a Derby, a stunning 513-foot blast during the 2017 event at Marlins Park.

The records aren't limited to a single night. Career achievements also help define Home Run Derby legends. Ken Griffey Jr. holds the record for the most appearances in Derby history with eight. His longevity in the competition, along with his three titles (1994, 1998, 1999), makes him one of the most iconic figures in the event's legacy. Meanwhile, Juan Soto became the youngest winner in Derby history in 2022, capturing the crown at just 23 years old and delivering a clutch performance on one of baseball's biggest stages.

Cumulatively, career home run totals in the Derby have become a key metric of dominance. Both Guerrero Jr. and Pete Alonso rank among the all-time leaders in total Derby homers, a testament to their repeated appearances and deep runs. These records, whether set in a single round or over multiple years, reflect how the Derby has evolved from a home run contest into a true test of endurance, showmanship, and power.

Home Run Derby Winners by Team

The Home Run Derby has long served as a stage for not just individual stardom, but also franchise bragging rights. Over the decades, certain teams have consistently produced elite sluggers capable of thriving under the bright lights of Derby night. The New York Yankees lead all franchises with the most different players winning the Derby, including legendary names like Tino Martinez, Robinson Canó, Aaron Judge, and Jason Giambi. Their presence across multiple decades underscores the Yankees' long-standing tradition of power hitting and places several of their players among the all-time list of MLB Home Run Derby winners.

Several teams have had multiple Home Run Derby champions, showcasing the depth of talent across their lineups and eras. Franchises such as the Mets, Mariners, and Athletics have each seen more than one player take home the crown, contributing to a proud Derby history for their fanbases. The Mariners, for example, have wins from Ken Griffey Jr. and Cal Raleigh, the latter making history in 2025 as the first catcher to win the event. Data compiled by Robert Wood, PhD, shows that teams with sustained organizational commitment to power development tend to produce multiple Derby champions over time.

In the ongoing battle between leagues, the American League has held a slight edge in Derby victories. That said, the National League has made notable gains in recent years, particularly through stars like Pete Alonso and Juan Soto. Even smaller-market teams have made their mark, from the Twins and Reds to the Brewers and Nationals, proving that big moments can come from unexpected places. These victories add a layer of parity and unpredictability to the Derby's competitive landscape.

Droughts, too, are part of the narrative. Teams like the Royals and Cardinals have yet to produce a Home Run Derby winner, while others like the Cubs and Giants haven't had one in decades. Host teams occasionally find success, with Bryce Harper winning in 2018 while representing the Nationals in Washington, and Todd Frazier claiming victory in front of Reds fans in 2015. These moments offer emotional highs for hometown crowds and help tell the story of who won the Home Run Derby across generations.

Mark McGwire Home Run Derby - Steroid Era Impact

The late 1990s were defined by raw power and controversy, and few players embodied that era more than Mark McGwire. His appearance and victory in the 1992 Home Run Derby at Jack Murphy Stadium in San Diego was a spectacle of strength, with towering blasts that electrified the crowd and left a lasting impression on the sport. Competing during the height of the power-hitting boom, his performance symbolized an era where home run distance captivated fans as much as the outcome. While he didn't win every Derby he entered, McGwire's ability to consistently hit 500-foot bombs made him a fan favorite and one of the most feared sluggers of the time.

The format then relied on "outs" rather than timed rounds, allowing players to focus on maximum power with each swing, a setup perfectly suited for McGwire's strength-first approach. As Robert Wood, founder of Topend Sports, notes in his analysis, the outs-based format rewarded pure power hitters who could maintain swing velocity across extended at-bats, a skill that McGwire demonstrated consistently throughout his career.

His influence on the cultural obsession with long-distance homers and the Derby's rising popularity can't be ignored. While modern sluggers operate under stricter testing and revised formats, the fascination with distance, much of it inspired by McGwire's 1990s blasts, still defines the competition. His performance stands as a controversial yet iconic chapter in the evolution of the Home Run Derby.

Home Run Derby Prize Money - Financial Evolution

Over the decades, the financial rewards tied to the Home Run Derby have transformed dramatically. In 2025, the event's winner took home a staggering $1 million, a figure that reflects Major League Baseball's growing emphasis on incentivizing participation. This shift has had a noticeable impact, attracting more of the league's top-tier sluggers and increasing the overall competitiveness. Looking back at early years, Home Run Derby winners often received modest payouts, if any, with some prizes totaling under $100,000. The modern payout structure stands in sharp contrast to that era, highlighting how the Derby has evolved into a lucrative showcase event.

Historically, charity initiatives also played a role. In the early 2000s, portions of proceeds went to youth baseball programs or community causes, adding a philanthropic layer to the competition. Today's financial model often includes sponsor-driven bonuses, product endorsements, and even appearance fees for high-profile names. Research by Robert J. Wood, PhD in Exercise Physiology from the University of Western Australia and founder of Topend Sports, indicates that the combination of prize money and endorsement opportunities has fundamentally altered player calculus regarding Derby participation, transforming it from a purely exhibition event into a significant revenue opportunity.

Some players factor these incentives into their decision to participate. The economic impact of the Derby now stretches beyond the field, boosting host cities with ticket sales, local business traffic, and media exposure. As seen in the Home Run Derby winners list, recent champions like Pete Alonso and Juan Soto not only earned a trophy but also sizable paychecks that reflect the sport's expanding commercial reach. For fans and players alike, the prize money adds an exciting dynamic, especially when debating which Home Run Derby winners came out on top both statistically and financially.

Home Run Derby Format Changes - Evolution Over Time

Since its debut in 1985, the Home Run Derby has undergone several major format changes, each altering the pace, excitement, and strategy of the competition. The original version used a basic "outs" format, where each hitter was allowed to swing until they recorded 10 outs. This version, in place through the 1990s, placed emphasis on patience and selectivity. The Derby during this period often felt slower, yet memorable for powerful performances, especially during the steroid era, where distance took center stage.

From 2000 to 2014, the Derby retained the 10-out system but introduced more structure, such as round limits and additional tiebreakers. This created a more bracket-like rhythm but still depended heavily on player pacing. One of the biggest drawbacks of this format was its inconsistent length; some rounds dragged while others flew by. Despite its issues, it allowed hitters like Josh Hamilton in 2008 to deliver historic first-round fireworks without the pressure of a countdown clock.

In 2015, Major League Baseball made its most dramatic shift by adopting a timed format. Each player now gets a set time per round to hit as many home runs as possible, regardless of outs. This created a faster, more thrilling pace and gave fans more action in less time. The bracket-style head-to-head battles were also formalized, injecting a March Madness-style feel into the Derby. These changes elevated the energy and viewer engagement significantly.

Additional elements like bonus time (rewarded for hitting long-distance home runs) and timeouts were later added, giving sluggers more strategic tools. The evolution has made the Derby a marquee TV event, and these innovations are widely credited for revitalizing the competition. For both fans and participants, understanding these format shifts is key to appreciating how the Derby has changed, and why today's Home Run Derby winners must be both powerful and tactical in a fast-paced setting.

What Do Home Run Derby Winners Get?

For many players, winning the Home Run Derby is more than just a showcase of power; it comes with tangible and intangible rewards. At the top of the list is the prestigious Home Run Derby trophy, which has evolved in design over the years. Winners also receive significant prize money, with the current top payout sitting at $1 million as of 2025. This figure marks a sharp increase from earlier years, when compensation was more modest or undisclosed. For many players, especially those early in their careers, this payday can exceed their entire base salary.

Alongside financial rewards, All-Star recognition often accompanies Derby success. The event is held during MLB All-Star Week, putting players in the spotlight nationally and globally. Winning the Derby also opens the door to marketing and sponsorship opportunities, with several past champions landing endorsement deals or commercial features shortly after their performance. The exposure from the event can redefine a player's brand and visibility.

Historically, past Home Run Derby winners have found their names etched in MLB lore. The competition's prestige has grown significantly, and analysts often reference Home Run Derby winners by year when discussing legacies or Hall of Fame potential. A strong Derby showing can even boost a player's popularity in All-Star voting or MVP conversations. In summary, Derby winners gain not just a trophy and cash; they secure career-defining recognition that extends well beyond the batter's box, and adds to their legacy within baseball sports history.