Mets first baseman Pete Alonso announced his participation in this year’s Home Run Derby and now we all know who he’ll face in the first round.
Alonso and his 25 home runs — entering Wednesday — will go up against the Seattle Mariners’ young phenom Julio Rodriguez. Alonso, who is the No. 2 seed in this year’s derby with the White Sox’s Louis Robert taking the top seed, will have the Seattle crowd against him when he steps up to the plate during All-Star week.
Rodriguez has 13 home runs entering Wednesday, but has had success in his short career in the derby. Last season, as a rookie, Rodriguez went all the way to the finals before falling to Juan Soto.
In total, Rodriguez hit a rookie-record 81 long balls in the exhibition.
This year will mark Alonso’s fourth appearance in the derby. In 2019, Alonso hit 57 homers en route to his first derby win, defeating Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the finals.
In 2021, Alonso defended his crown after hitting a thrilling 74 home runs including 23 against Trey Mancini in the finals.
Last season, Alonso’s attempt at a three-peat was cut short. As the No. 2 seed, Alonso would fall to Rodriguez in the second round.
In total, Alonso has hit 174 home runs across all three derbies he’s participated in.
The 2023 Home Run Derby will take place Monday, July 10 at 8 pm