Aaron Judge’s socks may have played a surprising role in Cal Raleigh’s Derby win originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Forget launch angle. Forget exit velocity. If you ask ESPN analyst Eduardo Perez, the secret to Cal Raleigh’s Home Run Derby breakout might have been… Aaron Judge’s socks?

There's not much better than the game's best power hitters showing off their strength and skill during the Derby. Tonight, we'll get to witness James Wood, Byron Buxton, Oneil Cruz, Jazz Chisholm, Cal Raleigh, Matt Olson, Junior Caminero and Brent Rooker battle it out to decide the 2025 champion.

Raleigh will become the second-ever player to switch hit in the Derby ( Adley Rutschman in 2023, lost 2nd round), plus no catcher has ever won the derby. This is year 39 of the event, so odds are against Raleigh despite him being the favorite.

Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh agreed to play for the U.S. team at next year’s World Baseball Classic, joining captain Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes and Bobby Witt Jr.

Eight sluggers squared off in the annual MLB Home Run Derby on Monday, July 14, 2025, and Cal Raleigh beat Junior Caminero to win it all.

Seattle slugger Cal Raleigh beats Tampa Bay's Junior Caminero in finals to win MLB Home Run Derby. in this topic

Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh, nicknamed ‘Big Dumper’, put up a top show at the 2025 T-Mobile Home Run Derby on Monday

This article was originally published on www.si.com as Cal Raleigh Advanced Past Brent Rooker in Home Run Derby in Questionable Fashion.