BREAKING: “Ohtani Avoids Derby – Raleigh Dare To Shine?”: Controversial Win At The 2025 Home Run Derby!

Cal Raleigh has just won the 2025 Home Run Derby crown, becoming the first catcher in history to do so. But even before the fireworks had died down, a wave of controversy erupted:

“Could Raleigh have won if Shohei Ohtani had participated?”

The winner… or the one who was “given the way”?
Cal Raleigh played brilliantly: defeating Pete Alonso in the semifinals, knocking out Junior Caminero with his 18th home run in the final. But for many, this victory still has a sweet taste… mixed with doubt.

“Without Ohtani – who owns the most powerful hitter in MLB – who calls this Derby?”
– A Dodgers fan commented on X.

Ohtani – The talent to dodge?
Shohei Ohtani participated in the 2021 Home Run Derby and became a global sensation. He created a drive that flew nearly 500 feet, but was eliminated in the first round due to lack of strategy and energy management.

After that, Ohtani continuously refused to participate in the next Derby – including 2025.

Official reason: “Focus on mid-season physical recovery.”

Fan speculation: “Avoid losing image if losing again.”

Raleigh – The winner… in a game without a king?

There is no denying that Cal Raleigh is in excellent form (38 HR as of mid-July), but fans still ask:

Will he maintain his composure if Ohtani appears right next to him, hitting a 115 mph drive?

Will Raleigh’s mentality be stable when having to “fight against a global icon” like Ohtani?

“It feels like winning the championship without having to face the final boss.”

– An analyst on Bleacher Report shared.

What would happen if Ohtani participated?

Imagine a final round between Ohtani and Raleigh:

Ohtani’s bat is on fire, the ball flies almost to the ceiling of Truist Park dome.

Raleigh is forced to increase the rhythm, change the tempo, hit the limit.

At that time, will the “hero catcher” still stand firm?

* Conclusion: A beautiful victory, but not complete
Cal Raleigh has made his name in history. But the echo of victory will always be accompanied by a question mark:

“If Ohtani had not withdrawn, would the rankings have reversed?”

The 2025 Home Run Derby has ended, but the hypothetical match between the two biggest bats in the tournament… has only just begun in the minds of fans.