Betts commits to Home Run Derby if he makes All-Star team
Mookie Betts let it slip that he could compete in next month's Home Run Derby.
"Oh, I'm doing the Home Run Derby, too. You got any advice for me?" the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar nonchalantly dropped at the end of a segment on MLB Network with Harold Reynolds, adding, "As long as I'm an All-Star. I gotta be an All-Star first, and then I'mma do it."
You heard it here first!
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 18, 2023
If @mookiebetts is an All-Star, he'll participate in the @TMobile Home Run Derby!!! pic.twitter.com/AaDLPX46qy
A six-time All-Star, this would be Betts' first time participating in the derby in his 10-year career.
The 2023 Home Run Derby is slated to take place Monday, July 10, at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, one day before the Midsummer Classic.
In the most recent All-Star voting update published on Monday, Betts was second in fan voting among NL outfielders behind only Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr.
The 30-year-old former MVP is hitting .264/.365/.513 with 17 homers and five stolen bases over 69 games this year. Typically a right fielder, Betts has made 13 starts at second and also made 10 appearances at shortstop for a beleaguered Dodgers club. He boasts a perfect fielding percentage in right and at second while making only two errors at short.
Over his decade-long career, Betts has won five Silver Slugger awards and hit 230 homers.
Providing he does get elected to his seventh All-Star Game, Betts is the first confirmed participant for the 2023 Home Run Derby.
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