New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Mets' Pete Alonso confirms he will participate in Home Run Derby

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 7/11/22

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.

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A post shared by Pete Alonso (@polarpete20)

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.

Pete Alonso says he’ll be in the Home Run Derby again (obviously) and his pitcher will be Dave Jauss.

Jauss asked for “two pots of coffee for before and a case of Bud Light for after and he said he’s good to go,” Alonso said.

— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) July 11, 2022

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.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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