Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts has nearly done it all over the course of his career, winning an MVP award, two World Series Championships, and six Gold Glove awards. However, one thing that has eluded him is a chance to compete in the MLB Home Run Derby. That may happen this year if all goes right for Betts.
Betts discussed the possibility on Sunday in an interview on MLB Network, revealing that he will participate in the 2023 Home Run Derby as long as he is named to the All-Star Game.
“I’m doing the Home Run Derby, do you have any advice for me?” Betts asked MLB Network personality and former MLB player Harold Reynolds. “I’m gonna do it. As long as I’m an All-Star. I gotta be an All-Star first and then I’m gonna do it.”
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
Betts is pretty much a surefire All-Star selection this season unless there is a drastic change in fan votes. Atlanta Braves beat reporter Mark Bowman posted an update of the All-Star game voting on Twitter earlier this week, which shows Betts sitting in second in National League voting for outfielders.
National League All-Star balloting update. Acuña leads all MLB players in vote total. Murphy and Arcia lead at their respective positions. Riley and Albies are second at their positions pic.twitter.com/uD9y8RZyGM
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 12, 2023
Fans took notice of Betts’ announcement and certainly appear eager to see how well he can do in the highly anticipated competition.
When* #Dodgers Mookie Betts is named an All Star, he'll be doing the Derby. https://t.co/v46ikasoZV
— Juan Toribio (@juanctoribio) June 18, 2023
Guess this is a good time to announce that if I'm an All-Star, I too will participate in the TMobile Home Run Derby https://t.co/oEG8W1t3Yk
— Molls (@mollyburkhardt) June 18, 2023
I’m worried about him going cold after the derby but this will be such fun to watch https://t.co/UQq9qMWRax
— Mathieu (@BucketHatMookie) June 19, 2023
https://twitter.com/liveDI696/status/1670577657808031747
So… he's doing the HR Derby. #VoteMookie https://t.co/GUMMmhK2je
— Stu Mitchell (@stumitchellQB7) June 18, 2023
Betts is largely seen as more of a complete hitter rather than simply a true home run threat. That being said, he is one of the best overall hitters in baseball, so he could surely do some serious damage when he does compete in this year’s Home Run Derby.
