The 2022 MLB Home Run Derby keeps welcoming participants.
The event, which will be held in Los Angeles on July 18, already has defending two-time champion Pete Alonso and Atlanta Braves slugger Ronald Acuna Jr., plus other interested players like Giancarlo Stanton.
Another star is joining the party: Washington Nationals slugger Juan Soto.
“The #HRDerby field continues to grow. See ya in LA, @JuanSoto25_,” MLB tweeted.
The #HRDerby field continues to grow.
See ya in LA, @JuanSoto25_. pic.twitter.com/1U28vHPIqg
— MLB (@MLB) July 12, 2022
If Soto is taking part in the festivities, the show is almost guaranteed.
Soto Is No Stranger To Starring In A Home Run Derby
The young thumper already had a fantastic showing last year.
However, he couldn’t keep up with finalists Pete Alonso and Trey Mancini.
In any case, people at Coors Field last year could watch the great Soto knocking balls out of the park left and right.
The 2019 World Series champion and perennial MVP candidate is not having his best year in 2022.
As of Tuesday afternoon, he is slashing .243/.398/.473 with 17 round-trippers.
That’s not bad by any means, but last year, he finished second in the National League MVP voting with a .313/.465/.534 line and 29 blasts.
The Nationals traded and/or let most of their stars go, so opposing hurlers have no problem pitching around Soto.
That’s a problem for his personal stats, though.
It’s amazing he has been able to put together such a strong OPS given the circumstances (.870), mainly because of the walks.
Next Monday, however, that won’t matter: he will be alone with his pitching partner, letting his natural talent and raw power do the talking.
Can Soto have an inspired night and overcome the great Alonso, who is looking for his third consecutive crown?
Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: fun is guaranteed.
