This years Home Run Derby was one of the most entertaining in recent memory. Records were shattered and the contest was close up until the final swings. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of the Blue Jays has now joined his father, Vlad Sr., as a Home Run Derby Champion, with his victory this past weekend.
Vlad Jr., who had the third lowest regular season home run total out of the 8 contestants, smashed a total of 72 dingers. Surprisingly, this total is less than his record-setting 91 homers in the 2019 Home-Run Derby, where he was ultimately defeated in the final round by 2x Derby Champion, Pete Alonso.
Seattle’s own Julio Rodriguez dispatched Alonso in the first round, hitting a record-breaking 41 homers in one round. The previous record holder was none other than Vlad Jr. himself, who hit 40 bambinos in 2019. Vlad Jr. would go on to defeat Rodríguez in the semifinals by one home run in a close round. The Toronto slugger hit 5 440+ foot homers in the semifinal round alone, with 2 exceeding 450 feet.
Randy Arozarena of the Rays had an impressive run, defeating the 4th seeded Adolis García in the 1st round and 1st seeded Roberts Jr. in the semifinals. García’s pitcher had trouble delivering hittable pitches and was criticized for hurting his hitter’s chances.
In the final round, Vlad Jr. defeated Arozarena to win the Derby. He crushed 14 homers in the final 1:13 of regulation time. His hardest hit homer was a whopping 112 MPH. Vlad Jr. looks to carry this momentum into the last 60 or so games of the season, where he has been struggling offensively and power wise. His Blue Jays sit at 3rd place in the toughest division in the MLB.
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