The Home Run Derby held during All-Star Week usually relies on star power to be successful. Last year it had plenty with the Yankees’ Aaron Judge blasting 23 home runs in the first round — one of the highest totals for a round in the event — and taking the overall championship.
But with Judge and teammate Giancarlo Stanton, a former champion when he was with the Marlins, saying they won’t participate, it’s crucial for the event to have a local slugger step up. And Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper told the Washington Post that he’ll participate if he makes the NL team.
“So count me in for the Derby if and only if I make the team,” he texted to the Post on Friday.
Harper was comfortably in second — behind former Oriole Nick Markakis — in NL outfielder voting through June 18. New results will be released today.
Although he’s hitting just .219 this season, Harper does lead lead the NL in home runs with 19. He also had three doubles Sunday night in the Nationals’ come-from-behind victory over the Phillies, so he might be heating up.
