Mets' Pete Alonso to defend Home Run Derby crown at Coors Field

Pete Alonso, of the New York Mets, celebrates after winning the 2019 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby in Cleveland. (John Minchillo/AP)

New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso is officially set to defend his Home Run Derby crown at next month's MLB all-star festivities in Denver.

Alonso is the second confirmed entrant into the competition, joining Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani.

Alonso defeated Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 23-22 in the final round of the 2019 competition to become just the second rookie ever to win the event. MLB didn't hold any all-star events last season due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Guerrero, who is leading MLB's fan vote for the all-star game as of Monday, recently told Sportsnet's Hazel Mae that he will not participate this year.

Only three players have ever won the event twice -- Yoenis Cespedes, Prince Fielder and three-time winner Ken Griffey Jr.

Alonso has 11 home runs and 35 RBIs in 58 games this season.

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