For the first time since 2009, three-time National League Most Valuable Player Albert Pujols may participate in the MLB Home Run Derby.
Projecting Who Should Start For AL In 2015 MLB All-Star Game
The Los Angeles Angels first baseman told MLB.com that if he is selected to play in the All-Star Game, he'd be open to participating in the homer contest for the fourth time in his career.
"I think it would be the last one," Pujols told MLB.com.
Predicting Who Should Start For NL In 2015 MLB All-Star Game
Pujols wants one final crack at the derby and he had his best go-round during the 2003 installment of the contest at U.S. Cellular Field, home of the Chicago White Sox, where he was runner-up to then-Angels outfielder Garret Anderson.
The slugger said he wouldn't do it, however, if he wasn't part of the actual All-Star Game at Great American Ball Park, home of the Cincinnati Reds.
"Like I told you last year, I won't do it if I'm not at the [All-Star] Game," he said, adding that he wants his sons A.J. and Ezra to watch him in the derby.
Pujols leads the American League with 23 long-balls on the season.
Pujols' road to the All-Star Game could be tough as Miguel Cabrera (Detroit Tigers), Prince Fielder (Texas Rangers), Jose Abreu (Chicago White Sox) and Eric Hosmer (Kansas City Royals) are all worthy of getting the nod.
The MLB revamped the rules to the Home Run Derby format this year, having a single-elimination tournament style bracket with timed rounds rather than outs.
The 2015 MLB Home Run Derby takes place live from Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati on July 13.
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