Mariners Cal Raleigh claimed the final spot in the first round of the Home Run Derby over Athletics all-star Brent Rooker by an inch. Here is Rooker's reaction.

With the top four advancing from the first round, Raleigh tied Brent Rooker (17 home runs) for fourth. The tiebreaker was based on longest home run distance, meaning Raleigh (470.61 feet) advanced, while Rooker (470.53) was eliminated. To be clear: .08 feet is .96 inches. Raleigh advanced by less than one inch.

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.

Home Run Derby takes place Monday, July 14 to kick off the MLB All-Star break. The format for this year's competition remains the same as it did in 2024, where the top four hitters from the opening round will advance to the knockout bracket where there will be head-to-head matchups.

Raleigh and Athletics star Brent Rooker both hit 17 home runs in the first round at Truist Park. Both had hit their longest home run at 471 feet. Rather than a swing-off to break the tie, MLB turned to the microscope, finding that Raleigh's homer traveled 470.62 feet, compared to Rooker's 470.54 feet.

The MLB Home Run Derby received a lot of flak online for its production. However, it is perfect for our brain-rotted attention spans.

Raleigh fulfilled another dream by participating, and winning, Monday's Home Run Derby and he brought his family along again. Todd was rewarded with the job of throwing to him. His 15-year-old brother, Todd Jr., took Cal's usual spot behind the plate.

The Seattle Mariners catcher, nicknamed the “Big Dumper,” beat out Tampa Bay Rays third baseman Junior Caminero in Monday night’s Home Run Derby.