Like Father, Like Son

07/11/2023

By: Jeff Yoder

Blue Jays’ Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Wins 2023 MLB Home Run Derby, Joins Vlad Sr. (2007) to Become First Father-Son HR Derby-Winning Duo

The 2023 MLB Home Run Derby was one for the ages Monday in Seattle. A two-time champion, hometown hero, and the son of a HR Derby legend filled out the lineup to send a barrage of dingers into the night sky amid a packed T-Mobile Park — 341 homers to be exact. At the end of it all, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stood victorious. The Blue Jays slugger topped Mookie Betts in Round 1 (26-11) and hometown favorite Julio Rodriguez in the semifinals (21-20) before clinching the title against Randy Arozarena (25-23). And one of the greatest HR Derby possibilities became reality — like father, like son.

Vlad & Dad — HR Derby Champs

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Vladimir Guerrero Sr. are the first father-son duo to each win a Home Run Derby in MLB history. Vlad Sr.’s HR Derby win came in San Francisco just 16 years ago (2007) as a member of the Angels. It was a special moment for a father-son baseball story. Vlad Jr. looked into the camera during a post-event interview and said, “Dad, we did it!” Vlad Sr. tweeted congratulations. All the feels.

When all was said and done, seven of the eight sluggers put on a show — Mookie Betts (11 HRs) was the only batter who never got it going.

Full HR Derby Results

1st Round

#7 J. Rodriguez (SEA) def. #2 P. Alonso (NYM): 41-21

#6 V. Guerrero Jr. (TOR) def. #3 M. Betts (LAD): 26-11

#1 L. Robert Jr. (CWS) def. #8 A. Rutschman (BAL): 28-27

#5. R. Arozarena (TB) def. #4 A. Garcia (TEX): 24-17

Semifinals

#6 V. Guerrero Jr. (TOR) def. #7 J. Rodriguez (SEA): 21-20

#5 R. Arozarena (TB) def. #1 L. Robert Jr. (CWS): 35-22

Finals

#6 V. Guerrero Jr. (TOR) def. #5 R. Arozarena (TB): 25-23

2023 HR Derby Fun Facts

Most HRs in a Round: Seattle’s Julio Rodriguez set a derby record with 41 homers in the opening round.
1st Toronto Winner: Vlad Guerrero Jr. is the first Toronto player to win the HR Derby since the event began in 1985.
Most HRs in Final Round: Vlad Guerrero Jr.’s 25 final-round HRs broke Pete Alonso’s previous record (23).
Most HRs Overall: Despite Guerrero Jr. winning with 72 home runs, Arozarena hit more total through three rounds (82). That’s the second-most overall in Derby history behind Guerrero Jr.’s 91 when he finished runner-up in 2019.
Biggest Blast: Luis Robert hit the longest homer of the night at 484 feet. He accounted for six home runs beyond 440 feet in the semifinals.

Watch: Vlad Guerrero Jr. Wins 2023 MLB Home Run Derby

Hats off to all the sluggers, and congrats to Vlad Guerrero Jr.! Next up on the MLB All-Star slate is the All-Star Game itself (Tonight, 8:00 pm ET, ESPN).

SI: Blue Jays Star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Flexes His Power in Home Run Derby

USA Today: Gerrit Cole (Yankees) & Zac Gallen (Diamondbacks) Named All-Star Starting Pitchers

Photo: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty Images