Reigning NL MVP Yelich to compete in HR Derby

MLB's home run leader will be swinging for the fences in Cleveland next month.

Milwaukee Brewers outfielder and reigning National League MVP Christian Yelich confirmed on Saturday that he'll compete in this year's Home Run Derby on July 8 at Progressive Field.

"I'm going to do it," Yelich said after his team's 3-1 win over the Pirates, according to Tom Haudricourt of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. "I thought it would be something that would be fun. I grew up watching it on TV. I feel like now is as good a time as any. We'll see how it goes."

Yelich wore a microphone during Saturday's nationally televised game, and the mic picked up him briefly discussing a derby strategy with Pittsburgh Pirates slugger Josh Bell, another potential contestant.

Yelich added that he's not concerned about hurting his swing by participating in the home run hitting contest, words that he later backed up on Twitter.

"I think maybe it applies to certain guys," Yelich said of the so-called post-Derby slump. "But, for the most part, I'm really not too worried about it. I kind of do the same thing every day in batting practice anyway. For me, it's no different. It should be fun."

The 27-year-old is following up his 2018 MVP campaign with an even more impressive 2019 season. He's slashing .327/.423/.704 with an MLB-best 29 homers, and Yelich also leads the league in slugging.

Besides Yelich, New York Mets rookie Pete Alonso and Indians first baseman Carlos Santana have both confirmed they'll participate in the derby. The rest of the eight-man field hasn't been revealed, though Toronto Blue Jays rookie Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will reportedly participate.

This year's Home Run Derby winner will receive a $1-million prize.