MLB Home Run Derby was a big hit for ESPN. ESPN and ESPN2 televised the annual contest on Monday. Seattle Mariners All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh continued his torrid start to the 2025 season by winning without any room to spare.

First, NFL-punter-turned-podcaster Pat McAfee and producer Ty Schmit handled the introductions for the Home Run Derby participants, to the dismay of fans, many of whom felt McAfee's amped-up emceeing was loud and unnecessary.

MLB Home Run Derby stood as one of the marquee sporting events of July, but somebody apparently forgot to tell the ESPN broadcast planners. The team's presentation of Monday dinger derby at the Atlanta Braves' Truist Park drew widespread jeers on social media from fans who hated the way the broadcast was laid out and how the cameras were positioned.

Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber made history Tuesday night, pulverizing three home runs on three swings in the first-ever swing-off to decide an All-Star Game, giving the National League a 4-3 win over the AL.

Oneil Cruz enters the Derby with just 16 home runs on the season, but possesses the best raw power in all of baseball with the fastest bat speed and exit velocities that regular stretch towards 120 mph. He could take over this competition if he finds a groove.