Julio Rodriguez and Mookie Betts are confirmed participants in the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby. Here's who else will be competing at the anticipated event during the All-Star Game festivities.
The 2023 MLB All-Star Game is almost upon us. Last year, the festivities were held in Los Angeles, Calif., with the Dodgers playing as hosts. This year, the event will remain on the west coast, with the Seattle Mariners hosting the Midsummer Classic at T-Mobile Park.
There will be plenty of events held during All-Star week. But the most anticipated has got to be the Home Run Derby. It's essentially the anti-Slam Dunk Contest, as fans are excited to see which player will make it out of the tournament with the Home Run Derby trophy.
Last year, Juan Soto won the Home Run Derby after defeating Julio Rodriguez 19-18 in the finals. Who will take home the twin bat trophy this year?
For those wondering who will be participating in the Home Run Derby, we have you covered.
MLB Home Run Derby 2023 participants: Julio Rodriguez and Mookie Betts confirmed for the event
Rodriguez, who narrowly lost last year's Home Run Derby, will look to win it this time around. The Mariners outfielder is hoping that the home-field advantage will help him take home the trophy.
Mookie Betts, the superstar outfielder for the Dodgers, was confirmed for the event. This will be the first time that Betts will participate in the Derby.
One player who had vouched to participate in the Home Run Derby is Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena. After being voted a starting outfielder for the American League, Arozarena expressed his desire to receive an invitation for the Derby.
"I think I deserve to be there," Arozarena said, h/t the Tampa Bay Times. "I hope they call me. When they announce it, I hope I get a chance. I feel in my heart it's 99 percent I'm going to be in it — I think."
On Saturday, Arozarena's wish came true, as he was a confirmed participant in the tournament.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. made quite the statement back in the 2019 Home Run Derby. He set the record for most home runs hit in the Derby with 91 but lost to New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso in the finals.
For the first time since making a name for himself on the national stage, the Toronto Blue Jays first baseman will be participating in the Derby this time around.
As for who won't be in this year's Derby, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. confirmed that he will be declining the invitation. Acuna had competed in the 2019 and 2022 Home Run Derby, where he was eliminated both times by Alonso (second round in 2019, first round in 2022).
"I think this year I'm going to take a break from it," Acuña said through a translator, h/t ESPN. "I think there's other players out there that deserve to be part of it and want to be showcased in it, but I think this year I'm going to take a break."
MLB Home Run Derby 2023 confirmed participants
Here are the confirmed participants in the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby. We will update this list when more players are announced for the eight-player tournament.
- Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners
- Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
- Randy Arozarena, Tampa Bay Rays
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays