Padres News: Juan Soto Shares Audacious Request Before Committing to 2023 Home Run Derby

Last year's champion has yet to decide if he will participate.

In last year's nationally-televised Home Run Derby, many viewers saw Juan Soto rock a Nationals jersey for the last time. Just a few weeks after an electric face-off between Soto and Julio Rodriguez, Soto was traded to San Diego.

Soto has yet to decide if he will participate in this year's competition.

"I am still thinking about it," Soto said. "You've got to be an All-Star to be in the Home Run Derby ... If I'm going to take that long trip, I have to be an All-Star."

(Via

The San Diego Union-Tribune

)

While players are allowed to participate in the Derby without having to be selected to the All-Star Game, Soto seems to be set on competing only if he is also named to the NL All-Star team. Soto missed out on Phase 2 of fan voting, meaning he will not be a starter for the game. However, he still could be named as a participant.

With a busy second half of the season following the All-Star break, a season in which the Padres will be determined to right the many wrongs that have sprung up thus far, fatigue is a factor in Soto's mind.

"The reason to do it is the fans," Soto said. "It's really tiring. But it's fun at the same time. It's something new you want to experience. I've already done it twice. But it's always fun to be there."

(Via

The San Diego Union-Tribune

)

The complete All-Star rosters will be announced at 2:30 p.m. PDT on ESPN on Sunday, July 2.