SEA Julio Rodriguez declares participation in Home Run Derby

Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez has announced his participation in the Home Run Derby.

“See you in Seattle on July 10,” Rodriguez wrote on Twitter on Thursday, along with a video announcing his participation in the Home Run Derby.

The Mariners also announced Rodriguez’s participation in the Home Run Derby on their official social media channels.

Julio Rodriguez will participate in the Home Run Derby. Photo via AFPBBNews = News1
Rodriguez is the first player to officially confirm his participation in the Home Run Derby.

This will be his second time participating. He participated last year as a rookie, defeating Corey Seager and Pete Alonso to reach the final. He was dominant in the first two rounds, hitting a combined 63 home runs, before falling to Juan Soto 18-19 in the final.

His 81 home runs remain the second-most in a single tournament, behind only Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s (Toronto) 91 in 2019.

This time, he’ll be playing in a derby at his home stadium, T-Mobile Park. Expect one-sided support from the home fans.

Since the Home Run Derby began as an All-Star Eve event in 1985, only three players – Bryce Harper (2018, Washington), Todd Frazier (2015, Cincinnati), and Ryne Sandberg (1990, Cubs) – have won the title in their home ballpark.메이저놀이터

Rodriguez, last season’s American League Rookie of the Year, is batting .238 with a .300 on-base percentage, .415 slugging percentage, 12 home runs and 39 RBIs in 71 games this year.

To put it bluntly, a tough performance for an All-Star selection. Instead, the Home Run Derby will celebrate the All-Star Game being held in Seattle for the first time since 2001.