Home Run Derby 2023: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wins

The Home Run Derby 2023 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle: Dodgers’ Struggles and Betts’ Performance. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wins 2023 Home Run Derby.

Mookie Betts becomes 10th Dodgers player in Home Run Derby.

The Home Run Derby 2023 at T-Mobile Park in Seattle was an exciting event that featured five first-time participants, including Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Mookie Betts.

This marked the 10th time a Dodgers player had competed in the event since its inception in 1985.

Unfortunately, the Dodgers’ history in the Home Run Derby has not been very successful, and Betts had the misfortune of adding onto that record.

Let’s take a closer look at the Dodgers’ history in the Home Run Derby and Betts’ performance in the 2023 event.

Read More: Victor Wembanyama NBA Summer League debut scores 9 points

Dodgers History in the Home Run Derby 2023

Mookie Betts (2023)

Betts became the latest Dodgers player to struggle in the Home Run Derby as he hit 11 home runs and declined to use his timeout during the initial three-minute period.

None of Betts’ homers traveled 440 feet, which left him with only 30 seconds in the bonus round. Unfortunately, he failed to hit another home run during that span.

Joc Pederson (2019)

In the 2019 Home Run Derby at Progressive Field, Joc Pederson represented the Dodgers well. He eliminated Alex Bregman in the first round before engaging in a thrilling semifinal against Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Max Muncy (2018)

Max Muncy participated in the 2018 Home Run Derby at Nationals Park. He showed great performance by eliminating Javier Báez in the first round but was eventually knocked out by the eventual champion Bryce Harper in the semifinals.

Cody Bellinger (2017)

Cody Bellinger took part in the 2017 Home Run Derby at Marlins Park. He defeated Charlie Blackmon in the first round but was eliminated by the eventual champion Aaron Judge in the semifinals.

Corey Seager (2016)

Corey Seager showcased his power in the 2016 Home Run Derby at Petco Park. He hit an impressive 15 home runs in the first round but fell short of eliminating Mark Trumbo, who slugged 16 long balls.

Joc Pederson (2015)

Joc Pederson changed the Dodgers’ fortunes in the 2015 Home Run Derby at Great American Ball Park. He advanced to the final round under the new format, defeating Manny Machado and Albert Pujols along the way but came up just short against Todd Frazier.

Yasiel Puig (2014)

Yasiel Puig competed in the 2014 Home Run Derby at Target Field but failed to advance past the first round. He couldn’t hit a single home run during his showing.

Matt Kemp (2011, 2012)

Matt Kemp is one of only two Dodgers players to participate in multiple Home Run Derby events. In both 2011 and 2012, Kemp hit a total of three home runs, failing to advance past the first round each time.

Hee-Seop Choi (2005)

Hee-Seop Choi represented the Dodgers in the 2005 Home Run Derby but only managed to hit five long balls. Unfortunately, he was eliminated in the first round.

Raúl Mondesí (1995)

Raúl Mondesí participated in the 1995 event but did not advance past the first round after hitting two home runs.

Mike Piazza (1993, 1994)

Mike Piazza, a notable Dodgers player, took part in both the 1993 and 1994 Home Run Derby but failed to hit a home run in either competition.

Mookie Betts’ Performance in the Home Run Derby 2023

Mookie Betts entered the Home Run Derby 2023 as the No. 3 seed, having hit 23 home runs during the designated period before the bracket was set.

However, he faced tough competition in the first round against eventual champion Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Betts had low expectations going into the Derby, with his main goal being to avoid finishing in last place.

Despite his efforts, Betts struggled to find his rhythm during the event. He hit 11 home runs but declined to use his timeout during the initial three-minute period.

This decision left him with only 30 seconds in the bonus round, where he failed to hit another home run. None of Betts’ homers traveled the required 440 feet, further limiting his chances of scoring additional points.

FAQs

Conclusion

The 2023 Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park in Seattle showcased the struggles of the Los Angeles Dodgers, as their history in the event has not been very successful.

Mookie Betts joined the list of Dodgers players who faced difficulties in the Derby. Despite earning the No. 3 seed, Betts fell short and failed to advance past the first round, hitting 11 home runs and declining to use his timeout during the initial three-minute period.

It remains a goal for the Dodgers to have one of their players claim the Home Run Derby crown in the future.