Juan Soto outperforms Julio Rodriguez to clinch Home Run Derby title
Juan Soto outperforms Julio Rodriguez to clinch Home Run Derby title
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SportsWriters
Washington Nationals superstar Juan Soto proved that all the contract and trade rumors did not affect him as he secured the 2022 Home Run Derby title after defeating Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodriguez 19-18 in the final round on Monday in Los Angeles.
Following reports that stated Soto chose to reject a $440-million contract extension, he just wanted to focus on the present and did not want to comment on his situation in Washington.
“Right now I’m not even thinking about it,” Soto told ESPN. “I’m a champion and I’m a champion with the Nationals.”
Soto beat a lot of outstanding players on his way to the final round. The Childish Bambino passed through great names like St. Louis Cardinals’ legend Albert Pujols in the second round. In the process he became the second youngest (by one day!) to win the Home Run Derby.
Youngest Home Run Derby Winners
| Year | Batter | Age |
| 1993 | Juan Gonzalez | 23 years, 8 months, 23 days |
| 2022 | Juan Soto | 23 years, 8 months, 24 days |
| 1986 | Darryl Strawberry | 24 years, 0 months, 28 days |
| 1986 | Wally Joyner | 24 years, 4 months, 2 days |
| 2019 | Pete Alonso | 24 years, 7 months, 1 day |
| 1994 | Ken Griffey Jr. | 24 years, 7 months, 20 days |
| 2009 | Prince Fielder | 25 years, 2 months, 4 days |
| 2017 | Aaron Judge | 25 years, 2 months, 14 days |
| 2018 | Bryce Harper | 25 years, 9 months, 0 days |
| 2021 | Pete Alonso | 26 years, 7 months, 5 days |
Pujols goes out in style!
Pujols, who is back with the Cardinals where he spent his first 11 seasons, will hang his bat up after 22 seasons in the MLB.
Nothing but love between Juan Soto and Albert Pujols. #HRDerby pic.twitter.com/TBy2RbFf1D
— MLB (@MLB) July 19, 2022
“Right now I’m not even thinking about it, I’m a champion and I’m a champion with the Nationals,” Soto told ESPN in reference to his contract negotiations.
- Juan Soto
Julio Rodriguez impresses in runner up finish
Meanwhile, Rodriguez’s journey to the final round cannot be underestimated either as he also outplayed two-time defending champion Pete Alonso. The 21-year-old beat Alonso 31-24 to advance to the semifinal. Rodriguez has been outstanding this season where he has contributed to the Mariners’ 14-game win streak and hit a total of 81 home runs over three rounds.
Julio Rodriguez 32 HOME RUNS ‼️
(via @MLB)pic.twitter.com/h99jHYPxaO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 19, 2022
Sweet Victory!
