Dodgers News: Mookie Betts Will Participate in 2023 HR Derby with One Condition
Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder — and occasional infielder — Mookie Betts told MLB Network’s Harold Reynolds on Sunday that he’ll participate in the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby — as long as one crucial condition is met.
You heard it here first!
If @mookiebetts is an All-Star, he'll participate in the @TMobile Home Run Derby!!! pic.twitter.com/AaDLPX46qy— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 18, 2023
“I’m doing the Home Run Derby too, you got any advice for me?
“Imma do it, Imma do it, Imma do it. As long as I’m an all star. I gotta be an all star first and then Imma do it.”
And with that, Betts essentially committed to participating in his first Home Run Derby, provided that he’s a part of the MLB All Star Game.
As to that condition, Betts is essentially a lock to meet that as he’s the raked in the third highest amount of votes in the National League behind Atlanta Braves OF Ronald Acuna Jr. and a Dodger teammate in first baseman Freddie Freeman.
He’s hit 17 home runs this season, good enough to be in a tie for eighth in all of MLB and certainly would be a worthy contender for the crown.
Provided he does make the All Star Game, he would be the fourth different Dodger in the past few seasons to get some hacks in at the Derby, joining Joc Pederson in 2016, Corey Seager in 2017, and Max Muncy in 2018.
No Dodger has ever won MLB’s annual home run showcase, and Betts figures to be the latest in a line of Dodgers to try his hand at bringing home their first trophy.
We’ll see what he can do in a few weeks, but for now, keep up the voting to confirm Mookie’s spot in the Midsummer Classic in Seattle!
