White Sox rookie Mercedes eyeing HR derby: 'I want to be there'

Chicago White Sox designated hitter Yermin Mercedes wants to participate in the 2021 Home Run Derby at Coors Field on July 12.

"I want to be there," Mercedes said, according to Scott Merkin of MLB.com. "(MLB), hear me right now. I want to be in the Home Run Derby for sure. I want to show my fans and everybody I can hit homers. Yes, yes, I want to be there."

Mercedes has only gone deep seven times this season, but his 485-foot blast in early April is the longest homer in the majors this year.

The 28-year-old, who's only played 56 career games, said he could maybe hit a ball 500 feet if given the opportunity, according to Merkin.