It took some prodding, but Chicago White Sox slugger Luis Robert Jr. will participate in the 2023 Home Run Derby after all.
The White Sox outfielder, who entered the day tied for third in MLB with 25 home runs, recently declined to participate. But after being named to his first All-Star team, the Cuban native talked to some of his fellow compatriots in the Derby. And well, they changed his mind.
“I talked with a couple of my countrymen who said they are going to participate in the Derby, and then they convinced me,” Robert said through a translator (via the Chicago Sun-Times). Randy [Arozarena] and and Adolis [Garcia]. “We all said, “Let’s do it.”
Luis Robert Jr. on the Home Run Derby. Last week he said he wasn’t interested in participating. He changed his mind. pic.twitter.com/opiA0IZ5BU
— Daryl Van Schouwen (@CST_soxvan) July 5, 2023
Robert, better known for his speed and stellar outfield defense before this season, has transformed into a gifted power hitter at age 25. Although he’d never hit more than 13 home runs in his first three seasons, he’s doubled that already and has been on a tear lately.
Luis Robert Jr. cranks his 4th home run in three games.
He ranks 2nd in the AL in HR. pic.twitter.com/KkVYc48lBk
— MLB (@MLB) June 27, 2023
Some White Sox fans seemed strangely apprehensive about Robert joining the Derby.
It is cool that Luis Robert is doing the Home Run Derby, but it would be very White Sox if he either gets injured due to his participation or irrevocably messes up his swing due to his participation. https://t.co/ea7ZCZQk3l
— Walker Carey (@walkerRcarey) July 5, 2023
Me after putting half my paycheck on Luis Robert Jr to win the Home Run Derby pic.twitter.com/diQdDniLqq
— ⚫️𝗪𝗦𝗫𝗠𝗔𝗧𝗧⚪️ (@wsxmatt) July 5, 2023
Sox bullpen catcher Luis Sierra is likely to be throwing to Luis Robert Jr. in the Home Run Derby.
— Vinnie Duber (@VinnieDuber) July 5, 2023
Good thing the pitchers don’t throw sliders in the home run derby
— King Caleb SZN 👑 (@Ca1ebWilliams) July 5, 2023
Just like his home run last night, no doubt Luis Robert Jr. would be number 1 for the #WhiteSox https://t.co/mMn7O6ZNJF pic.twitter.com/hx8gyIWC4w
— Drew Bogs (@DrewBogs623) July 5, 2023
Everything considered, Robert’s All-Star appearance continues his turnaround since late April, when he was benched during a game for not running out a grounder.
The 2023 MLB Home Run Derby will be held at Seattle’s T-Mobile Park on July 10, 2023, and will air on ESPN at 8 p.m. (ET).
[Daryl Van Schouwen, Chicago Sun-Times]
