For the first time since 2019, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will compete in Major League Baseball’s home run contest.
The Toronto Blue Jays power-hitter took to his Instagram on Thursday to announce that he will be in Seattle for the popular All-Star Game side event on July 10.
-Also read: Perfection for Domingo German
-Also read: Blue Jays defeat Giants
In his rookie year, Guerrero Jr. surprised the baseball world by setting an all-time record, just 61 games behind. Despite hitting 91 long balls, a mark that will be difficult to beat, he hadn’t won the competition. In the final, Pete Alonso defeated him 23:22.
After the canceled 2020 edition, Alonso won for the second straight year. Last year it was Juan Soto of the Washington Nationals who emerged victorious. The American League will be counting on Guerrero Jr. to end the hegemony of the national hitters who have dominated for four years.
The first baseman isn’t having his best home run season, having had just 11 out-of-bounds on 304 at-bats this year. However, he maintains a very good batting average of .280.
Only Julio Rodriguez of the Seattle Mariners has also confirmed his participation in the home run competition.