Mets' Pete Alonso wants to defend Home Run Derby crown at Coors Field

This year's All-Star festivities were moved to the batter-friendly Coors Field in Colorado, and Alonso confirmed on Thursday that he will be looking to defend his 2019 crown if possible. 

The 2020 All-Star celebrations were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

"I'm all in," Alonso said of the Home Run Derby, per Jesse Rogers of ESPN. "I'm ready. If I get invited, I'd love to do it. I'd love to defend my title."

Alonso also talked about his blast on Wednesday that was measured at 429 feet but was overshadowed by the fact that the Mets were trounced by the Chicago Cubs 16-4. "I'm very happy that ball went far," he said. "I think Statcast kind of stumped me. I think that ball did not (only) go 429 feet, but that's what the computer says, and I think the computer is wrong." 

Alonso set a rookie record when he hit 53 homers in 2019 and has three home runs this month. Assuming that he and his teammates can find some momentum at the plate once the weather warms up, he'll likely be a favorite to repeat at the Derby if he's asked to participate.