What Are Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Odds of Winning the Home Run Derby?

It was announced officially by MLB on Thursday that Blue Jays superstar Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will partake in the 2023 Home Run Derby as part of the All-Star Game festivities. The Home Run Derby itself will be held on July 10. The 2023 All-Star Game is in Seattle at T-Mobile Park where the Mariners play.

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Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. In Home Run Derby

The last time Vladdy participated in the popular competition was in 2019. He made it to the final round but lost 23-22 to Pete Alonso of the New York Mets.

Guerrero Jr. shared his thought process that went into the decision with the media on Thursday.

“My family, they’ve been asking me for the last two years to participate. They asked me again this year and I said ‘O.K, if you guys want me to go, I’ll be there this year.”

It was also announced that Toronto manager John Schneider will be pitching to his star player during the contest. Schneider was on the Blue Jays staff in 2019 as catching coach and has since been promoted.

Said Schneider:

“I think it’s just cool for him to be in that environment with the best players in the world. It kind of reminds you of how talented and good you are when you’re in that atmosphere, whether it’s the game or the derby or both.”

In a sign of the kind of season Toronto is having, no Blue Jays players were announced as part of the American League starting lineup for this year’s game. Fans can look forward to Sunday when the complete rosters are revealed.

So far in 2023, Guerrero Jr. is hitting .281, with 51 RBIs and 12 home runs. He had been in a significant home run slump – 16 games – up until the last two series against the Athletics and Giants, during which he sent three balls out of the park.