Pete Alonso is certainly no stranger to the Home Run Derby.
The New York Mets slugger has competed in each of the last three events, winning in 2019 and again in 2021.
Last year, he reached the semi-finals before getting eliminated.
Juan Soto eventually won the derby.
But Alonso’s defeat last season hasn’t stopped him from competing again this year.
In fact, it appears Alonso will be back in the derby in Seattle next week as he looks to get back on top and win his third title.
MLB announced the news of Alonso’s participation in this year’s Home Run Derby on Twitter.
Pete the polar bear is ready to crush a baseball in the PNW.
Pete Alonso joins @T Mobile #HRDerby Make a row pic.twitter.com/Lkt8jW535W
— mlb (@mlb) 2 July 2023
Alonso has hit home 25 times this season.
In 2019, he hit 53 home runs to win the National League Rookie of the Year Award, breaking Aaron Judge’s rookie record from two years earlier.
Alonso has shown his strengths this season and looks to be on track for another solid finish as the first half comes to an end.
Veteran slugger Mookie Bates will join Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Randy Arrozarena and Seattle’s own Julio Rodriguez.
The derby will take place at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, home of the Seattle Mariners.
There are still three spots open for this year’s derby.
Eight players compete and are split into their respective bouts.
The top scorers from each matchup move on to the next round.
After being dethroned by Soto last year, Alonso will look to reclaim his status as the king of the home run derby next week.
next:
Today Is a Special Mets Anniversary