Washington Nationals right fielder Juan Soto (22) gestures after hitting a home run against the San Diego Padres during the sixth inning at Petco Park. Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Nationals' Juan Soto to compete in 2021 Home Run Derby

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/7/21

Washington Nationals outfielder Juan Soto wants to make his first All-Star Game appearance memorable for more than whatever he achieves during the exhibition contest.

Soto confirmed Wednesday that he will compete in this coming Monday's Home Run Derby at Coors Field, home of the National League's Colorado Rockies.

It's official... @MLB @Nationals #baseball #HRD #ASG #blessed #SotoShuffle ⚾️️️ pic.twitter.com/FtEBQSl5BY
— Juan José Soto Pacheco (@JuanSoto25_) July 7, 2021

Heading into the Wednesday night's game against the San Diego Padres, Soto has 10 home runs and 39 RBI for Washington on the season. He's smashed 79 career round-trippers in his four MLB regular seasons, all with the Nationals.

According to David Adler of the league's website, Bryce Harper was the first and, to date, only Nationals player in history to win the Derby when he achieved the feat in 2018. Soto's announcement comes one day after Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson declared he's participating in the Derby.

Soto and Olson will take on Colorado shortstop Trevor Story, Los Angeles Angels two-way player Shohei Ohtani, Baltimore Orioles first baseman Trey Mancini, Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez and defending champion Pete Alonso of the New York Mets.

One more contestant will join the field before Monday.

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