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Dodgers Mookie Betts to compete in 2023 Home Run Derby

All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts will represent the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time in MLB’s 2023 Home Run Derby.

Jeffrey May
Jeffrey MayJeff_DiarioAS
Update:
All-Star outfielder Mookie Betts will represent the Los Angeles Dodgers for the first time in MLB’s 2023 Home Run Derby.
Ron ChenoyUSA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

Nabbing a spot in the National League’s starting lineup was a coup for Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts, but now he has revealed that he will take the third spot in this year’s Home Run Derby as well.

Betts will join the Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez and the Blue Jays’ Vlad Guerrero Jr in what will be his first ever Home Run Derby competition.

“It’s the last thing I haven’t done. My wife kind of compared it to LeBron not doing the dunk contest. And that’s not a knock or anything, but she just feels like for what I’m trying to do in baseball, bring awareness to Black culture, I should probably be more involved.”

Betts added with a twinkle in his eye that his mother ordered him not to finish last. “I’m a 5-9, 170-pound player, I don’t think many guys my size will win the Home Run Derby.”

At one of only eight players in MLB to hit over 20 home runs this season, Betts has more than a fair shot at taking the top honors in the competition.

So far, Betts is slashing .255/.355/.513 with 50 RBIs on only 62 strikeouts.