Pete Alonso has established himself as the man to beat in the Home Run Derby for two seasons running, and the New York Mets first baseman will be defending his title again in Los Angeles.
Alonso confirmed on Instagram Monday that he will take part in the 2022 event, making a bid to defend his back-to-back titles.
Perhaps most importantly, Alonso also confirmed that former Mets bench coach Dave Jauss will be pitching to him again this year. Jauss, now a player development advisor for the Washington Nationals, was heralded for his contribution to Alonso’s 2021 title.
Alonso won the event in 2019 and 2021. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no Home Run Derby was held in 2020, so Alonso is still the back-to-back reigning champ. If Alonso were to win, he would become the first player to claim the crown three times in a row. Ken Griffey Jr. is the only player to have ever won three Home Run Derbies at all.
Alonso has 23 home runs so far on the season, so he remains in fine form. While no other participants have officially confirmed their involvement, anyone who enters will have a tough time beating the experienced Mets infielder.
More must-reads: