The participants for the 2017 Home Run Derby haven’t yet been announced, but we do know the defending champion will be in the field. Miami Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton announced on Sunday that he would compete in this year’s festivities, which happen to be in his home part in Miami.
Home Run Derby 2017: Giancarlo Stanton to defend his crown at home
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Stanton stole the show last year in San Diego, hitting a record 61 home runs in the three-round event, including 20 home runs in the final round to beat Todd Frazier for the championship.
This will be the third Home Run Derby for Stanton, who also participated in 2014.
Stanton has long been one of baseball’s most feared power hitters, launching some of the longest and hardest-hit home runs in the game. The three-time All-Star averaged 31 home runs per season from 2011-16, and this season is hitting .274/.357/.551. He hit his 20th home run on Sunday against the Cubs.
The rest of the Home Run Derby field will be announced in the next week or two, and is expected to include young sluggers Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees and Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers, who lead their respective leagues in home runs as rookies.
The Home Run Derby will take place at Marlins Park on Monday, July 10, and will be televised by ESPN.
One can only hope that the massive home run structure in center field at Marlins Park will get a nice workout during the event.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
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