SEATTLE — If you have an inclination towards the art of hitting home runs, you are in for an exquisite experience. The highly anticipated 2023 MLB Home Run Derby is scheduled to take place on Monday at Seattle’s illustrious T-Mobile Park (8 p.m. ET on ESPN). Although last year’s champion, Juan Soto, will not be defending his title, Julio Rodríguez, the runner-up of the remarkable 2022 event, aims to captivate the audience with an extraordinary performance on his home turf.
But he’s not the only strong contender in the field. Let’s take a closer look at this year’s Derby participants.
No. 1: Luis Robert Jr., Chicago White Sox
Home runs in 2023: 26
Previous Derby appearances: None
That’s an impressive feat for Robert! His final home run in the first half of the season brought his total to 26, which is twice as many as his previous single-season record. It’s always exciting to see athletes break their own records and achieve new milestones. Robert must have had an outstanding performance to achieve such a significant increase in his home run count.
As a native of the Pacific Northwest, specifically Oregon, Robert had an easy decision to make when it came to participating in the Derby in Seattle. Another easy choice for him was having his father, Randy, pitch to him. What sets Robert apart is that he’s a switch-hitter and can choose which side of the plate he wants to hit from. According to MLB.com, he mentioned that he’ll “probably start out left-handed.” This decision is backed by his numbers, as 20 of his 24 career home runs have come from the left side. However, there’s an intriguing possibility of him switching sides during the contest. — ZC
Pete Alonso recently expressed his admiration for Josh Hamilton’s performance in the 2008 Home Run Derby, where Hamilton set a record with 28 homers in the first round.
The format back then was different, with contestants having a set number of “outs” instead of a time limit. Alonso has had a successful Derby career, with two wins and three appearances prior to 2023, all in the timed era. This evolution has made the Derby more captivating and demanding.
“I definitely think it’s more about endurance,” Alonso commented on the new format that requires quick swings. However, the appeal is undeniable: “I think it’s fun because you have the chance to hit more home runs. It’s truly amazing for the fans in the stadium since they witness consistent displays of power, and it’s also exhilarating for the viewers at home because it’s high-octane.”
This year, Alonso will be vying for his third Derby title, hoping to match Ken Griffey Jr.’s record for the most ever.
