MLB Home Run Derby winners: Full list of long ball champions
Any MLB fan knows that few things can compare to the excitement of the annual Home Run Derby. An exhibition of athleticism and pure strength.
The gladiatorial way in which those who participate in MLB’s Home Run Derby take to the field is something to behold. A showcase of long-ball prowess that both players and fans alike love. With this year’s event set for Monday, July 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas it’s time to take a look at all of the past champions.
MLB’s Home Run Derby is special
There’s nothing quite like a home run to bring fans to their feet when it comes to baseball. Indeed, over the years we’ve seen several players become legends because of their ability to deliver them constantly, as they molded themselves into heavy hitters.
To that end, it’s no surprise that the league’s annual Home Run Derby has continued to captivate audiences to this day, as some of the most famous names in the game have participated and made an unforgettable mark on the sport. With no further ado, here’s a look at the full list of who those men are.
MLB Home Run Derby Champions
Year | Player | Team |
---|---|---|
1985 | Dave Parker | Cincinnati Reds |
1986 | Darryl Strawberry & Wally Joyner (joint champions) | New York Mets & California Angels respectively |
1987 | Andre Dawson | Chicago Cubs |
1988 | No Home Run Derby due to rain. | NA |
1989 | Eric Davis & Rubén Sierra | Cincinnati Reds & Texas Rangers respectively |
1990 | Ryne Sandberg | Chicago Cubs |
1991 | Cal Ripken Jr. | Baltimore Orioles |
1992 | Mark McGwire | Oakland Athletics |
1993 | Juan González | Texas Rangers |
1994 | Ken Griffey Jr. | Seattle Mariners |
1995 | Frank Thomas | Chicago White Sox |
1996 | Barry Bonds | San Francisco Giants |
1997 | Tino Martinez | New York Yankees |
1998 | Ken Griffey Jr. | Seattle Mariners |
1999 | Ken Griffey Jr. | Seattle Mariners |
2000 | Sammy Sosa | Chicago Cubs |
2001 | Luis Gonzalez | Arizona Diamondbacks |
2002 | Jason Giambi | New York Yankees |
2003 | Garret Anderson | Anaheim Angels |
2004 | Miguel Tejada | Baltimore Orioles |
2005 | Bobby Abreu | Philadelphia Phillies |
2006 | Ryan Howard | Philadelphia Phillies |
2007 | Vladimir Guerrero | Los Angels Angels |
2008 | Justin Morneau | Minnesota Twins |
2009 | Prince Fielder | Milwaukee Brewers |
2010 | David Ortiz | Boston Red Sox |
2011 | Robinson Canó | New York Yankees |
2012 | Prince Fielder | Detroit Tigers |
2013 | Yoenis Céspedes | Oakland Athletics |
2014 | Yoenis Céspedes | Oakland Athletics |
2015 | Todd Frazier | Cincinnati Reds |
2016 | Giancarlo Stanton | Miami Marlins |
2017 | Aaron Judge | New York Yankees |
2018 | Bryce Harper | Washington Nationals |
2019 | Pete Alonso | New York Mets |
2020 | No MLB Home Run Derby due to global pandemic | NA |
2021 | Pete Alonso | New York Mets |
2022 | Juan Soto | Washington Nationals |
2023 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr | Toronto Blue Jays |
Who has the most Home Run Derby wins?
As you can probably see from the list, it’s the great Ken Griffey Jr. who holds the record for the most Home Run Derby wins with three victories. Prince Fielder, Yoenis Céspedes, Vladimir Guerrero Jr, and Pete Alonso have each won the derby twice.
Who has hit the most home runs in a single round?
Julio Rodriguez added historic excitement to last year’s Derby. Even though he eventually lost overall to Vlad Guerrero Jr, Rodriguez managed to set the single round home run record with 41 dingers. Below you can see those who came close:
Player | Home Runs Hit |
---|---|
Julio Rodriguez | 41 |
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | 40 |
Joc Pederson | 39 |
Pete Alonso | 35 |
Randy Arozarena | 35 |
Julio Rodríguez | 32 |
Juan Soto & Julio Rodríguez | 31 |
Who has hit the most home runs in a Home Run Derby?
As you can probably see, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. takes the home run business very seriously. Indeed, he still holds the record for most home runs hit in a single derby with 91 back in 2019. Here’s a list of the top ten results:
Player | Home Runs Hit | Year |
---|---|---|
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | 91 | 2019 |
Randy Arozarena | 82 | 2023 |
Julio Rodríguez | 81 | 2022 |
Pete Alonso | 74 | 2021 |
Vladimir Guerrero Jr | 72 | 2023 |
Julio Rodriguez | 61 | 2023 |
Giancarlo Stanton | 61 | 2016 |
Joc Pederson | 60 | 2019 |
Trey Mancini | 59 | 2021 |
Pete Alonso | 57 | 2019 |
Kyle Schwarber | 55 | 2018 |
Juan Soto | 53 | 2022 |
Aaron Judge | 47 | 2017 |