2023 MLB Home Run Derby highlights: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. wins first title
One of the most exciting nights on the MLB calendar did not disappoint.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. held off a late Randy Arozarena rally to win the 2023 Home Run Derby at T-Mobile Park in Seattle on the eve of the All-Star Game (8 p.m. ET on FOX and the FOX Sports app).
The entertainment went far beyond the final result, though. Baltimore's switch-hitting catcher Adley Rutschman crushed baseballs from both sides of the plate, while hometown hero Julio Rodríguez sunk two-time derby champ Pete Alonso with a record-setting 41-homer first round.
Here are the top moments from Monday's Derby.
Final round
No. 6 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (25) vs. No. 5 Randy Arozarena (23)
Vladdy's final round gets approval of two-time derby champ dad
The son of 2004 and 2007 MLB Home Run Derby title winner Vladimir Guerrero Sr. has won the event for the first time. It's also the first time in MLB history the son of a past Home Run Derby champion has won one himself. Here's how social media — including Vlad Sr. — reacted.
Semifinals
No. 6 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (21) No. 7 Julio Rodríguez (20)
Rodríguez ran out of gas after a record-setting 41 homers in round one, falling to the man whose single-round record he beat — Guerrero.
No. 5 Randy Arozarena (35) beats. No. 1 Luis Robert (22)
Randy keeps raking!
Arozarena improved upon his 24-homer first-round performance with an impressive 35 home runs to start the semifinals. That was enough to knock out top-seeded Robert, who had only 22 balls go out despite a full minute of bonus time.
First Round
No. 7 Julio Rodríguez (41) beats No. 2 Pete Alonso (21)
HOME. FIELD. JULIO.
In front of a hugely pro-Mariners crowd at T-Mobile Park, Rodríguez gave the home fans plenty to cheer for with a historic 41-homer round, setting a new single-round record. The two-time derby champion Alonso simply could not keep up.
No. 6 Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (26) beats No. 3 Mookie Betts (11)
Vladdy shines!
In a battle between the biggest guy and the smallest, Guerrero started off slow but rallied for 26 homers, thanks in part to a pep talk from Juan Soto and Bo Bichette.
That was more than enough to take out the first-timer Betts, who hit only hit 11 in the first round.
No. 1 Luis Robert (28) beats No. 8 Adley Rutschman (27)
Oh my, Robert!
After an electrifying first round from the eighth-seeded Rutschman, Robert stepped up to the plate and showed everyone why he is the top seed in this derby.
Adley and dad… with a twist!
The Orioles catcher — who is no stranger to hitting home runs in this ballpark, put together an impressive 21-home run performance with his father pitching to him.
But then Rutschman added an extra twist, as the switch-hitter moved to the right side of the plate for his 30 seconds of bonus time — and hitting all six baseballs he saw out of the park to finish with 27.
No. 5 Randy Arozarena (24) beats No. 4 Adolis García (17)
Randy gets us started!
The Tampa Bay Rays slugger kicked off the event with an impressive 23-home run first round, earning and taking advantage of 30 seconds of extra time with five homers in the bonus period.
Arozarena advanced to the next round when Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia, his close friend and former Cardinals teammate, only mustered 17 home runs
Before the derby