New York Mets slugger Pete Alonso wants a chance to defend his crown in the Home Run Derby.
The allure for Alonso and others is particularly strong this year, when hitters can enjoy blasting fly balls into the thin air of Coors Field in Denver.
“I’m all-in,” Alonso said Thursday before the Mets faced the Chicago Cubs. “I’m ready. If I get invited, I’d love to do it. I’d love to defend my title.”
There was no Home Run Derby last year amid the coronavirus pandemic. Alonso captured the title in 2019, defeating Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the final round.
Alonso spoke about the 2021 event one day after he launched a home run out of Wrigley Field and onto the neighborhood streets beyond the bleachers. The homer was estimated at 429 feet, although Alonso asserted that the ball traveled farther than that.
“That was one of my favorite home runs I’ve hit,” Alonso said. “That’s top five for me.”
–Field Level Media