Report: Vlad Guerrero Jr. Will Not Participate in MLB's Home Run Derby
Major League Baseball's home run leader will not be heading to the home run derby this season.
Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vlad Guerrero Jr. has reportedly declined an invitation to participate in the derby, according to Sportsnet's Hazel Mae.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has decided not participate at this year's Home Run Derby.
— Hazel Mae (@thehazelmae) June 21, 2021
He's looking forward to being at the All Star Game in Colorado but told me he'd like to use the time to regroup, refresh mentally for the second half of the season. #BlueJays
While Guerrero didn't win the 2019 derby, he certainly stole the show in Cleveland, hitting 91 home runs, the most of any player. Unfortunately for Toronto, New York Mets' first baseman Pete Alonso eeked by Guerrero with 23 home runs in the final round of the derby to claim the crown.
Since then, Guerrero has blossomed into a superstar with the Blue Jays. Not only is he leading the Majors in home runs this season with 23, but he's at or near the top of almost every offensive category. His 1.111 OPS, 59 RBIs, and .440 on-base percentage all lead the Majors. He also leads the Majors in All-Star fan voting with almost 50% of the American League first base votes and will be a shoe-in for the All-Star game.
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