Pete Alonso is aiming for No. 3.
The New York Mets slugger was named an All-Star on Sunday for the third time. He took the opportunity and the presence of ESPN cameras to announce that he will also be seeking his third Home Run Derby crown.
Alonso confirmed during Sunday’s Mets game against the San Francisco Giants that he will be participating in the upcoming Home Run Derby at MLB All-Star Week in Seattle.
“You guys can count on me,” Alonso told the Sunday Night Baseball team. “…I’m super happy to do it. It’s a super talented area. It’s going to be a great competition. I think this one will be unforgettable.”
Alonso entered Sunday’s game with 24 home runs this season. Four innings after his announcement, he pitched his 25th, a two-run outburst against Giants reliever Ryan Walker that proved to be the last runs scored in an 8-4 Mets victory.
The 433-foot shot propelled Alonso into sole possession of third place in MLB’s home run. Shohei Ohtani (31) and Matt Olson (28) stand in front of him.
Who will he compete against? The field is undefined, but names have been pouring in.
Seattle Mariners sophomore slugger Julio Rodríguez will enter the competition after stealing the show last summer. The reigning AL Rookie of the Year electrified the 2022 Derby in a second-place finish to Juan Soto that included 32 first-round homers. The screening turned out to be his national coming-out holiday.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Mookie Betts and Randy Arozarena have also confirmed their participation. This adds up to five confirmed places with three still to be claimed. All confirmed participants except Rodríguez were also named to the All-Star rosters.
This year will mark Alonso’s second shot at the Derby’s No.3 crown. After winning in 2019 and 2021, he failed to claim a treble last summer, with a second-round exit against Rodríguez. If the bracket lines up, Alonso could find a chance to return the spoiler’s favor as Rodríguez looks to secure the crown at his stadium.