The 2023 Home Run Derby is shaping up to be one for the books!
The Texas Rangers announced Wednesday that outfielder Adolis García will compete in the iconic event, which will take place on July 10 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle — the site of the highly anticipated MLB All-Star Game (July 11 at 8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).
Chicago White Sox outfielder Luis Robert also announced Wednesday that he will be taking part in the event.
The Baltimore Orioles confirmed on Monday that star catcher Adley Rutschman will be participating in the event. He will also be making his All-Star debut for the first time in his two-year career.
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New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso confirmed his participation on Sunday, saying: “You can count me in, guys.”
Alonso is a two-time derby champion, having won in 2019 and 2021, and he’s looking to join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only MLB player to win the Home Run Derby three times in his career.
The Tampa Bay Rays confirmed this past Saturday that left fielder Randy Arozarena will be participating for the first time. He’s just the third player in Rays history to take part in the home run derby and the first to do so since 2009.
The 28-year-old former AL Rookie of the Year launched 20 homers in both 2021 and 2022.
Los Angeles Dodgers star outfielder Mookie Betts will also be taking part in the derby for the first time, the team confirmed last week.
The seven-time All-Star and two-time World Series champion will be up against some tough competition.
Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. threw his hat in the ring last week, announcing that he’ll be taking part in this year’s competition.
Seattle Mariners star outfielder and 2022 American League Rookie of the Year Julio Rodríguez was the first to confirm his involvement in this year’s event, which will take place at his home ballpark.
Rodríguez, more affectionately known as “J-Rod,” is the reigning runner-up, having narrowly lost last year’s competition to three-time Silver Slugger Juan Soto in Los Angeles.
What time does the Home Run Derby start?
The 2023 MLB Home Run Derby will start at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, July 10.
How can I watch the MLB Home Run Derby?
The 2023 Home Run Derby will be shown live on ESPN, ESPN.com, MLB.com and MLB.TV.
2023 MLB Home Run Derby participants, bracket
The eight-man field has filled up with an exciting list of talented players (seeds in parentheses):
— Luis Robert, OF, Chicago White Sox (1) vs.
— Adley Rutschman, C, Baltimore Orioles (8)
— Pete Alonso, 1B, New York Mets (2) vs.
— Julio Rodríguez, OF, Seattle Mariners (7)
— Mookie Betts, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers (3) vs.
— Vladimir Guerrero Jr., 1B, Toronto Blue Jays (6)
— Adolis García, OF, Texas Rangers (4) vs.
— Randy Arozarena, OF, Tampa Bay Rays (5)
Baseball fans can expect fireworks in Seattle, which is hosting the event for the first time since 2001.
The slugfest will precede the highly anticipated MLB All-Star Game, which recently announced its full rosters.
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