Who won the 2022 MLB All-Star game Home Run Derby?

The MLB All-Star Week continued to thrill baseball fans in the run-up to Tuesday’s big Game, with Washington Nationals star outfielder Juan Soto outslugging his last opponent and taking home the crown in the 2022 MLB Home Run Derby.

Soto edged out Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodriguez in the final round of the contest, 19-18, to bag the $1 million prize. He is now the second youngest player to ever win the competition. It’s the first Derby win for the two-time Silver Slugger awardee, whose trade status has recently been the subject of speculation.

With the victory, the 23-year-old also thwarted Pete Alonso’s pursuit of a Derby three-peat. The New York Mets first baseman had won the competition in 2019 and 2021, and was looking to be the first player to win the Home Run Derby three years in a row.

Albert Pujols adds to Derby excitement

Though the last round was a battle of the young hitters, veteran Albert Pujols had his own moment of glory as the oldest Home Run Derby competitor ever. The 11-time All-Star had a tough first round rival in Kyle Schwarber, who is currently the home run leader in the National League.

Pujols knocked out 13 homers during his turn, which Schwarber was only able to match. This led to a swing-off, which the 42-year-old won, earning him another place in history by becoming the first player to move past the first round of the Home Run Derby five times.