Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodriguez grabs the limelight in his first ever Home Run Derby and falls just short of winning it all.
When Julio Rodriguez announced he would be taking part in the 2022 Home Run Derby, there was a lot of understandable anticipation among Mariners fans. His subsequent showing was arguably more than anyone could have expected.
As the first hitter of the evening, Rodriguez set the tone by hitting 32 home runs in his first round match-up with Corey Seager. The Rangers All-Star couldn’t match the torrid pace, finishing with 24.
Rodriguez’s effort elicited memories of Ken Griffey Jr., who won the Home Run Derby on three occasions. The 21-year-old also made history, with his 32 homers being the most ever by a rookie in any round that didn’t included a swing-off.
Rodriguez’s second round match-up with two-time defending Home Run Derby champion Pete Alonso provided more fireworks. The Mariners rookie outscored the prohibitive favorite 31-23, to advance to the final versus fellow Dominican Republic native, Juan Soto.
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In the final, Rodriguez put in another spectacular effort, with 18 more home runs. However, the Nationals’ Soto met the challenge with 19 of his own, to win the 2022 Home Run Derby at a sold-out Dodger Stadium.
Rodriguez spoke to the media afterwards and was typically humble as he described his performance. As per Jeff Passan of ESPN, he said:
“What did I show the fans? Who I am, I guess. They know a little bit now.”
Rodriguez certainly introduced himself on the national stage, with his 81 total homers becoming the second-most in Home Run Derby history. In addition, he is the first player in the event’s history to have two 30-home run rounds in a single Derby.
In some respects, the outfielder’s overall performance was in keeping with who he is and what he has done during his impressive rookie season. Since coming to the Majors, he has met every challenge he’s faced with a calm and mature demeanor which belies his age.
Further, Rodriguez tries to keep things simple which — in part — might help explain his early success. When speaking to the MLB Network and other media outlets prior to the Home Run Derby and asked about how he was going to approach the event, he said:
“Just see the ball, hit the ball. Just drive it out.”
Rodriguez did just this, and then some. As per Martin Gallegos of MLB.com, his 32 home runs versus Seager combined for a total of 2.54 miles, which was by far the largest total distance of any competitor in the first round.
On the season, Rodriguez has so far hit 16 homers and 52 RBI, to go along with 21 stolen bases and top-level defense from center field. He will make his All-Star debut on Tuesday evening, with first pitch scheduled for 5 p.m. PT.
Were you surprised by how well Rodriguez did in the Home Run Derby, or were you expecting it? Let us know in the comments section below.
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