Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto Gary Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Juan Soto beats Julio Rodriguez to win Home Run Derby

By Chelena Goldman | Last updated 7/18/22

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.

Shufflin’ his way to a #HRDerby crown!@JuanSoto25_ is your 2022 champion! pic.twitter.com/BFsI5t2dO1
— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2022

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.

The moment Juan Soto became a #HRDerby champ! pic.twitter.com/VoSXTeczj9
— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2022

En route to that final round, Soto had to advance past veteran slugger and five-time Derby participant Albert Pujols.

Nothing but love between Juan Soto and Albert Pujols. #HRDerby pic.twitter.com/TBy2RbFf1D
— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2022

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.

Seattle #Mariners rookie Julio Rodriguez earned more money ($750,000) by finishing runner-up in the Home Run Derby tonight that he will his entire salary this year ($700,000).#Nats OF Juan Soto, who's earning $17.1 million, gets a $1 million bonus as winner of the HR Derby.
— Bob Nightengale (@BNightengale) July 19, 2022

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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