Overview

• MLB announced on Friday that Seattle catcher Cal Raleigh will compete in the Home Run Derby on July 14 at Truist Park.
• Raleigh’s 32 home runs top the majors, and he became the first catcher and first switch-hitter to reach 30 homers before the All-Star break.
• He will be the first catcher ever to compete in the Derby, aiming to end the position’s winless streak since the event began in 1985.
• His father, Todd Raleigh, is set to pitch batting-practice pitches to him during the contest, adding a family narrative to his debut.
• Only Ronald Acuña Jr. has also committed so far, as several marquee sluggers including Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernández have declined and the field remains open.