On Monday night (July 18), Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto became the 2022 Major League Baseball (MLB) Home Run Derby champion.
In the final round inside Dodger Stadium, Soto, who became the second-youngest player to ever win the competition, edged fellow Dominican outfielder Julio Rodriguez, who plays for the Seattle Mariners. The final score was 19-18. Soto became the first Dominican-born champion to win the Derby since Robinson Canó won it in 2011 as a member of the New York Yankees.
“It’s another thing that I add to my trophy case, and I’m going to have it there forever,” Soto said. “And I will be a Home Run Derby champion forever.”
After Soto’s win, Bad Bunny gave him a chain with a sparkling pendant that read “Derby Champ.” The piece included a king’s crown on the top of it. The superstar also delivered Soto the Home Run Derby champion trophy.
This past Saturday (July 16), Bad Bunny made his own headlines when he participated in the All-Star Celebrity Softball Game. Although he gave up his first two at-bats to pinch hitters and former MLB players Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and David Ortiz, he was able to get on base when he connected for a hit at the top of the fifth inning.
Maybe in the off-season, Juan Soto can give Bad Bunny a few tips on how to turn those base hits into home runs.