Juan Soto beats Julio Rodriguez to win Home Run Derby
Juan Soto has been in the headlines a lot these days since he turned down a 15-year deal to stay with the Washington Nationals and the MLB trade deadline comes closer.
But the 23-year-old slugger made headlines for a different reason on Monday night, as he won the 2022 Home Run Derby at Dodgers Stadium.
Soto defeated rookie and fellow Dominican Republic countryman Julio Rodriguez in the final round of the Derby with 19 home runs catapulted into the outfield seats.
En route to that final round, Soto had to advance past veteran slugger and five-time Derby participant Albert Pujols.
In addition to having bragging rights for the next year, both Soto and Rodriguez will receive sizable paydays for making it so far in the mid-season event.
Next up on the agenda is the MLB All-Star Game, with first pitch between the American and National League set for 7:30 p.m. ET.
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