The results of the 2022 MLB Home Run Derby are in--get the highlights! Cubs draft Mason McGwire, son of slugger Mark McGwire, plus trade rumors for Washington Nationals' Juan Soto and more baseball news.
2022 MLB Home Run Derby results and highlights
The 2022 MLB Home Run Derby delivered an exciting duel on Monday evening at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, ESPN reported.
First round
In the first round, reigning champion New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso drove in 20 homers to squeak by Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr., who had 19.
Seattle Mariners rookie center fielder Julio Rodriguez walloped 32 homers to defeat Texas Rangers shortstop Cory Sager who had a great at-bat with 24.
St. Louis Cardinals designated hitter Albert Pujols knocked in 20 homers to upset Philadelphia Phillies left fielder Kyle Schwarber with 19.
Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto slammed 18 homers to defeat Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramirez with 17.
Second round
In the second round, Julio Rodriguez delivered a surprise defeat of back-to-back champion Pete Alonso, 31-22
Juan Soto delivered a surprise defeat of Albert Pujols, 16-15
Finals
A battle of the young bats, as 23-year-old Juan Soto knocked in 19 homers to defeat 21-year-old rookie Julio Rodriguez with 18 homers.
Soto became the second youngest player ever to win the Home Run Derby, the second Nationals player to do so after Bryce Harper in 2018, and the first Dominican-born champion since Robinson Cano in 2011.
HR Derby victory puts spotlight on Juan Soto trade rumors
Not only was the home run Derby title a sweet victory for Juan Soto, but it drew further attention to news that emerged last Saturday that the outfielder will be made available in trade talks, CBSSports reported. Soto reportedly rejected a 15-year extension offer from Washington that was worth $440 million. The 23-year-old is already on a Hall of Fame track according to many. The nationals are expected to ask a lot in return for any Soto trade.
Cubs draft son of slugger Mark McGwire
The Chicago Cubs drafted Mason McGwire, son of 12-time All-Star slugger Mark, who was selected in the eighth round of baseball’s amateur draft on Monday, KSDK reported.
Mason McGwire, 18, is a right-handed pitcher out of Capistrano Valley High School in California. He has committed to the University of Oklahoma, where his 19-year-old brother Max plays infield. No indication yet if Mason plans to turn pro.
In his 16 major league seasons, Mark McGwire spent five with the rival St. Louis Cardinals, including the sensational 1998 season when he and Cubs star Sammy Sosa raced to break the single-season home run mark held by Roger Maris.