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Blue Jays' Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Says He Will Compete in 2019 MLB Home Run Derby
June 21, 2019
The 2019 Major League Baseball Home Run Derby has found its first participant.
Per Sportsnet's Hazel Mae, Toronto Blue Jays rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has agreed to take part in the power-hitting exhibition July 8.
Guerrero came into 2019 as the most-hyped prospect in MLB. He's the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero and turned heads in the minors last year thanks to a .381/.437/.636 slash line with 20 home runs in 95 games as a 19-year-old.
The Blue Jays finally promoted Guerrero to the big leagues April 26. The third baseman is still adjusting to big league pitching, but his .249/.319/.426 slash line and seven homers in 45 games is very promising given his age.
Having Guerrero into the Home Run Derby seems like the perfect way for MLB to showcase one of its brightest and most popular young stars. ESPN.com's Keith Law wrote the Montreal native boasts "plus-plus power" and an 80-grade hit tool.
Given Guerrero's name recognition thanks to his father and the attention he has commanded coming up through the minors and into the big leagues, having him take part in MLB's most popular exhibition event is good news for everyone involved.
The 2019 Home Run Derby will be held at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
