White Sox rookie Yermin Mercedes wants in Home Run Derby
Back in April, New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso admitted he wants to defend the 2019 Home Run Derby title he won at Progressive Field in downtown Cleveland at this year's All-Star festivities held at Coors Field in Colorado after last year's Midsummer Classic was scrapped due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Chicago White Sox rookie Yermin Mercedes, who crushed a 485-foot homer earlier this season, recently told the official MLB website he'd like to compete against Alonso and other would-be challengers.
"I want to be there," Mercedes said of the upcoming Derby, per Scott Merkin. "[MLB], hear me right now. I want to be in the HR Derby for sure. I want to show my fans and everybody I can hit homers.
"Yes, yes, I want to be there."
Following the weekend's action, Mercedes is batting .292 with seven home runs and 31 RBI, and he's left no doubt this spring he can take slow pitches deep during meaningful action and, presumably, a home run battle:
At the very least, the 28-year-old wouldn't have to worry about violating any "unwritten rules" during a Home Run Derby.
More must-reads: