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Kansas City Royals outfielder Bobby Witt Jr. and Atlanta Braves outfielder Marcell Ozuna will compete in the Home Run Derby, it was announced Monday.
Witt, 24, and Ozuna, 33, had already headed to Arlington, Texas, as All-Stars. It was Witt’s first time on the team and Ozuna’s third, having last joined in 2017. Witt, who grew up in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, arrives in just his third season in the majors.
“It’s an honor to be asked to do this and represent the Royals,” Witt said of being selected to play in the Derby.
Other players confirmed to participate in the tournament include Philadelphia Phillies’ Alec Bohm, Baltimore Orioles’ Gunnar Henderson and two-time champion New York Mets pitcher Pete Alonso. More players will be announced in the coming days.
Ozuna, in the midst of a resurgent season, entered Monday with 23 home runs and 72 RBIs in the National League.
Whitt hit a .324 batting average with 15 home runs, 61 RBIs and 22 stolen bases in 92 games this season. By Monday, he led the majors with 119 hits and led the American League with 25 doubles.
Whitt will become the fifth Royals player to compete in the Home Run Derby and the first since Salvador Perez in 2021.
The derby will air on July 15 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Field Level Media contributed to this story.
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