Indians' Ramirez itching to compete in HR Derby: 'I would win it'
Over the last several seasons, Cleveland Indians third baseman Jose Ramirez has developed from a light-hitting utility man into an MVP candidate with tremendous power. Already this season he's hit 19 home runs - he crushed No. 19 on Tuesday - putting him one shy of the league leaders and leaving him well on pace to surpass his career high of 29 set just last year.
Ramirez wants to put this newfound power on display come All-Star week, as he told Zack Maisel of The Athletic that he wants to participate in this year's Home Run Derby. He's pretty confident about his chances in the event, too.
"I want to do it," Ramirez said. "I've wanted to do it. If they put me there, I would win it."
If Ramirez is invited to the Derby, he might have a relatively clear path to lifting the trophy. Last year's champion, Aaron Judge, is not planning on defending his title, while Mike Trout said last month that he's "probably not" going to participate.
Ramirez's 19 homers lead all Indians hitters, and he's only the second Cleveland player to have finished May with at least 18 big flies, joining Albert Belle in 1996. The 25-year-old led all major leaguers with 91 extra-base hits in 2017, and is now tied for the league lead with 37 so far this year.
The 2018 Home Run Derby is slated to take place on July 16 at Nationals Park. Participants have not been announced.