The 2022 MLB Home Run Derby concluded with Washington Nationals star Juan Soto winning the prestigious event. Soto outslugged seven other competitors on his way to his first Derby win.
Soto and his peers exploded with excitement once the outcome was sealed. Soto was spotted waving the Dominican national flag and being congratulated by rapper Bad Bunny.
The moment Juan Soto became a #HRDerby champ! pic.twitter.com/VoSXTeczj9
— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2022
Soto debuted as the fourth seed and defeated Cleveland Guardians star Jose Reyes in the first round. Soto hit 18 homers compared to Reyes' 17 homers.
In the second round, Soto defeated St. Louis Cardinals legend Albert Pujols, who participated in his final Derby. Soto defeated Pujols with 16 home runs to Pujols' 15 homers.
In the final round, Soto knocked off Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodriguez to seal his victory with 19 homers to Rodriguez's 18 home runs.
Soto's win makes him the second-youngest winner of the Derby in MLB history. The win also marks the end of a two-year run for New York Mets star Pete Alonso who was seeking to become the first player to win three derbies in a row.
Soto has had a phenomenal season up to this point. In 91 games, Soto has 20 HR and 43 RBI. He is also batting .250.
While Soto has been dominant on the diamond, he has also been the subject of heavy trade speculation. The speculation intensified when he rejected a 15-year $440 million offer from the Nationals.
Soto's victory is sure to boost his value. The only question is whether the Nationals will meet his demands because another team sure will.
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