Giancarlo Stanton showed everyone last year why he is one of the most feared sluggers in the game. And at the 2017 Home Run Derby, the Miami Marlins outfielder will defend his crown on his home turf.
The Marlins announced that Stanton will be competing in the contest when the MLB descends upon Miami for the all-star festivities in the second week of July. Last season Stanton took home the title with 61 home runs, destroying the previous record of 41 set by Bobby Abreu in 2005.
Now with the derby coming to his home field, Stanton is ready to welcome all challengers to his title.
.@Giancarlo818 is ready to defend his @tmobile #HRDerby title on his home turf.
: @espn pic.twitter.com/dMmjZQzeOB
— MLB (@MLB) June 25, 2017
So far this season Stanton has 20 home runs, putting him in a tie with multiple players — including Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak — for fifth in the majors.
No other player has confirmed if they will be competing in the derby yet, but Yankees star outfielder Aaron Judge told reporters earlier this week that he had been invited.
Judge leads all players with 26 home runs this season and would definitely be a tough challenge for Stanton.
Just look at that swing.
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