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.
Theis in.
Who else do you want to see in this year's @TMobile #HRDerby? pic.twitter.com/lvgWMYviKv— MLB (@MLB) June 23, 2021
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.