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Mets' Alonso wants to participate in Home Run Derby

Logan Riely / Getty Images Sport / Getty

New York Mets rookie first baseman Pete Alonso has made quite an impression during his first three weeks as a major leaguer, and he wants to open more eyes this summer in Cleveland.

Alonso said on Thursday he'd love to take part in this year's Home Run Derby scheduled for July 8 at Progressive Field. Participants likely won't be announced for several months.

"I'd be honored to do it," the 24-year-old told Newsday's Tim Healy. "It'd be fun. It'd be a really cool show."

"It's one of those things that would be extremely fun to compete in, against the prolific power hitters from other teams and the other league," he added. "If I got invited, I'd love to do it. ... I'm sure during All-Star week it'd be an electric environment."

Alonso forced his way onto the Mets' Opening Day roster with a red-hot spring training performance, and he hasn't let up yet. Over 75 big-league plate appearances, he's crushed six homers - good for sixth in the NL entering play on Thursday - while slashing .323/.413/.708.

His raw power would make him a welcome addition to the Derby field. Last week, Alonso displayed his powerful stroke with a 454-foot home run in Atlanta that left his bat at 118.3 mph, the second-highest exit velocity of any homer so far this season.

He's also barreled 12 balls, and his 28.6 barrels per batted ball event ranks fifth in the league, according to StatCast.

If Alonso is selected to participate in the Derby, he'll attempt to become just the second rookie to win the event outright, following Yankees slugger Aaron Judge in 2017. Wally Joyner was a co-champion during his rookie season in 1986.

This year's Home Run Derby winner will take home $1 million.

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