Mets star Pete Alonso will attempt to defend back-to-back Home Run Derby titles

Members of the baseball community can officially begin using their "three-Pete" jokes and puns. 

Per Anthony DiComo of the MLB website, New York Mets slugger and first baseman Pete Alonso will participate in this year's Home Run Derby scheduled to take place next Monday at Dodger Stadium. Alonso is the reigning and defending two-time winner of the event, having claimed the crowns in 2019 and 2021. 

There were no All-Star festivities in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Mets bench coach Dave Jauss pitched to Alonso last summer for the Home Run Derby held at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies. Alonso told reporters that Jauss will again be his pitcher this year. The 27-year-old was the first confirmed participant in the upcoming Derby. 

"It's a really fun event," Alonso said of the Derby ahead of Monday's game at the division-rival Atlanta Braves, according to an ESPN piece. "It's going to be super exciting, so I'm really looking forward to it."

DiComo added that no player has ever successfully defended back-to-back Home Run Derby titles. All-time great Ken Griffey Jr. is the only three-time winner of the event. 

As noted by ESPN stats, Alonso began Monday tied for fifth in all of MLB with 23 home runs on the season.