Some of the biggest power hitters in MLB will gather at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on July 10.
That’s the day of the 2023 Home Run Derby, a big part of the All-Star Game festivities.
The derby is one of the most compelling competitions leading up to the game itself, and fans have many interesting memories of it over the years.
In 2022, Juan Soto won the competition, but Julio Rodríguez, the rising star of the Seattle Mariners, was the one who stole the show with more than 80 total home runs.
The league is still defining the entry list for the 2023 edition, but there are already three exciting names on it.
The first to confirm his availability for the competition was J-Rod himself.
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman and 2021 AL MVP runner-up Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will also appear.
On Friday, a third name gave fans the good news: Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts.
He @T Mobile #HRDerby the lineup is loading. 💪@MookieBetts is locked to attack tanks in Seattle. pic.twitter.com/Hukl1OalN2
-MLB (@MLB) June 30, 2023
Betts used to be more of a complete performer who could do it all on a baseball diamond.
Well, he’s still billed as such, but he’s added more power in the past two seasons and is now a legitimate home run threat.
Last year, he hit a career-high 35 balls over the fence, and he’s already hit 20 this season.
Despite his relatively small frame, Betts packs incredible power and definitely shows up in games.
The world is now ready to see what he looks like in batting practice, in the form of the Home Run Derby.
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