Pete Alonso Wins Home Run Derby

Alonso took home a million-dollar prize.

Alonso took home a million-dollar prize.

The Major League Baseball All-Star game is scheduled to run tonight at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado. It’s slated to be quite the clash between the American and National teams, with all eyes on the Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels. However, before the All-Star Game, there was a custom to attend to the night prior: the Home Run Derby. Held every year the night before the All-Star Game, the Home Run Derby is a showcase of one thing only: pure, smashing power.

This year’s big winner is none other than Pete Alonso, first baseman of the New York Mets. Alonso smashed 23 big ones out of the park, just barely beating out the 22 homers swung by the Baltimore Orioles’ first baseman Trey Mancini. In addition to a shiny trophy, Alonso was awarded with a $1 million cash prize, which is actually more than he’s currently making on his first contract with the Mets.

“This is awesome, it never gets old,” Alonso told ESPN after the game.

This is the second consecutive Home Run Derby Alonso has taken home, winning the Derby previously in 2019. Due to the wonky MLB season caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, he wasn’t able to play a derby in 2020, so he was happy to get back to the plate this year.