Blue Jays' Guerrero Will Compete In 2023 MLB Home Run Derby
Star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will participate in the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby, the Blue Jays announced Thursday.
Guerrero, who is in a down year power-wise with 11 HRs, broke the single-round home run record with 40 home runs at the derby in 2019. He finished second that year behind Pete Alonso and has not participated in the event since, despite receiving an invitation in 2021.
The home-run and slugging (.447) numbers in 2023 don't suggest Guerrero is still among the most feared power hitters in baseball, but the 24-year-old's average exit velocity and hard-hit percentage remain top-notch. The power is in there; it just hasn't materialized this year.
When Is The MLB Home Run Derby?
MLB All-Star Weekend begins July 8 in Seattle. The home run derby takes place July 10.
Who Is Participating In The 2023 MLB Home Run Derby?
Guerrero other verbally committed MLB sluggers Mookie Betts and Julio Rodriguez.
Ethan Diamandas is a contributing writer who covers the Toronto Blue Jays for Sports Illustrated. He also writes for Yahoo Sports Canada and MLB.com. Follow Ethan on Twitter @EthanDiamandas