Pete Alonso will participate in his fifth straight Home Run Derby, with the New York Mets first baseman trying to win for the third time. Baltimore's Gunnar Henderson and Philadelphia's Alec Bohm also have committed to the July 15 event at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Pete Alonso, the New York Mets' slugging first baseman, is set to make his fifth consecutive appearance in the Home Run Derby, as he aims to become just the second player in history to win the event three times.
Alonso made the announcement on Sunday night via Instagram, joining Baltimore Orioles infielder Gunnar Henderson and Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm as the first three participants confirmed for the July 15 event at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Alonso is no stranger to the Derby spotlight, having won the competition in both 2019 and 2021. In 2019, he edged out Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. 23-22 in a thrilling final round at Progressive Field in Cleveland. Two years later, he repeated his triumph at Coors Field in Denver, defeating Baltimore's Trey Mancini by the same score.
However, Alonso's reign was halted in 2022, when he was eliminated in the semifinals by Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles. Rodriguez went on to finish second to Washington Nationals star Juan Soto, who claimed the title.
Alonso will be looking to add to his impressive Derby resume, which includes a total of 112 home runs in four appearances. He is currently tied with Prince Fielder and Sammy Sosa for the fifth-most homers in Derby history.
Ken Griffey Jr. is the only player to have won the Derby three times, having triumphed in 1994, 1998, and 1999. Should Alonso emerge victorious this year, he would join Griffey as the only three-time champions in the event's 39-year history.
The 2023 Home Run Derby promises to be a star-studded affair, with Alonso, Henderson, and Bohm representing a formidable trio of power hitters. Other potential participants include reigning champion Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves, Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, and St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt.
The Derby has become a highlight of MLB's All-Star Game festivities, showcasing the league's most prolific home run hitters in a battle for individual glory. Alonso's participation will undoubtedly generate excitement among fans, who will be eager to witness another chapter in the slugger's storied Derby career.
