Mets' Alonso to participate in HR Derby: 'A dream come true'
Pete Alonso has left quite an impression on baseball through the first half of his rookie season and the New York Mets slugger will attempt to continue his success during All-Star festivities.
Alonso will participate in the Home Run Derby on July 8 at Progressive Field.
"It's going to be a blast, a dream come true," the first baseman told Mike Mazzeo of Yahoo Sports.
Alonso has been salivating at the idea of participating in the event - which will reward the winner with $1 million - for much of the season.
"It's one of those things that would be extremely fun to compete in, against the prolific power hitters from other teams and the other league," he said in April. "If I got invited, I'd love to do it. ... I'm sure during All-Star week it'd be an electric environment."
Alonso is entering play on Friday tied with Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers for second in major-league home runs with 27, which is also tops among MLB rookies.
The 24-year-old, who nearly didn't make the big-league squad out of spring training, recently passed Darryl Strawberry for most homers by a Mets rookie. Strawberry hit 26 in 1983; Alonso surpassed the club legend in less than half a season.
While the entire field has not yet been announced, a recent report claims Toronto Blue Jays rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has also agreed to participate.
Bryce Harper won last season's derby while still a member of the Washington Nationals.