Chicago White Sox star outfielder Luis Robert Jr. is going to participate in the 2023 Home Run Derby during this year’s All-Star week in Seattle.
The center fielder broke the news himself on Instagram, posting a video on Wednesday when he confirmed his appearance in this year’s home run derby.
The 25-year-old was named to his first All-Star team this past week, as Robert has tapped into his star potential with the White Sox in 2023. Health has obviously been the biggest key for the slugger, as Robert has played in 84 of Chicago’s 87 games so far this season.
Robert hit his 25th home run of the year on Wednesday night against the Toronto Blue Jays. It was a huge blast in the sixth inning that gave the White Sox a 3-2 lead.
Heading into Wednesday, Robert is tied with New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso for third-most home runs in all of MLB with 25. Only Atlanta Braves first baseman, Matt Olson, and Los Angeles Angels superstar, Shohei Ohtani, have hit more dingers this season with 28 and 31, respectively.
Robert seems to have had a change of heart during the past week because he was recently quoted as saying he did not want to do the home run derby.
Robert has a slash line of .276/.336/.580, to go along with 25 home runs through his first 353 plate appearances in 2023.
Along with Robert, the following players have been confirmed for this year’s Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park.
Julio Rodríguez Vladimir Guerrero Jr Mookie Betts Randy Arozarena Pete Alonso Adley Rutschman.
The winner of the contest will get $1 million. The Home Run Derby will be on July 10.
Juan Soto won the event in 2022, taking the crown away from Pete Alonso, who had one the two previous home run derby contests in a row.
Frank Thomas is the only player in White Sox history to win a home run derby, doing it in 1995, when it was hosted by the Texas Rangers.
Todd Frazier was the last White Sox slugger to participate in the home run derby back in 2016. The right-handed hitter won the contest in 2015, when he was the Cincinnati Reds and made it to the final round in 2016. Ultimately, Frazier was defeated by Giancarlo Stanton, who hit 20 home runs to Frazier’s 13.
