It's official: Mets' Pete Alonso will compete in 2021 Home Run Derby, defend his title

Pete Alonso will defend his Home Run Derby crown next month in Denver.

The New York Mets' slugging first baseman announced Wednesday that he will participate in the Home Run Derby on July 12 at Coors Field, home of the Colorado Rockies.

Two seasons ago, Alonso won the derby in Cleveland, hitting 23 home runs in the finals to beat Vladimir Guerrero Jr.. Alonso hit a total of 57 homers across three rounds that night. He would go on to finish his rookie season with 53 home runs, setting a rookie record in the process.

The Derby was canceled last year due to COVID-19.

Alonso becomes the fourth player in Mets history to participate in multiple Home Run Derby contests. Howard Johnson competed for the Mets in 1989 and 1991 in Anaheim and Toronto, respectively. Darryl Strawberry was co-winner of the 1986 Home Run Derby in Houston's Astrodome, and also took part in the 1990 edition at Chicago's Wrigley Field. David Wright reached the finals in 2006 in Pittsburgh before competing again in 2013 at Citi Field.

All things Mets: Latest New York Mets news, schedule, roster, stats, injury updates and more.

Alonso has 11 home runs in 59 games of his third season with the Mets. The reigningderby champion is the second notable name to confirm his participation in the annual event, joining Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani.

Last week, Yankees slugger Aaron Judge spoke to reporters about the event. Judge confirmed he could participate as a previous winner if he chose to, but opted not to join.

Twitter: @robertaitkenjr