Bryce Harper will participate in Home Run Derby under one condition

Bryce Harper hasn’t competed in the Home Run Derby since 2013. It looks like this is the year he’ll make his return.

The Home Run Derby during the MLB All-Star break has had its fair share of debate regarding its participants over the last few years. It’s designed to put the league’s most powerful hitters on display and create a captivating show for its viewers.

Unfortunately for fans, some of the top sluggers in the game have spurned the derby in recent years. Concerns over the effects of hitting in the derby on a player’s second half of the season have scared guys away, and rightfully. Mike Trout, Joey Votto, Miguel Cabrera and Kris Bryant have turned down a spot in the derby in recent years, just to name a few.

So, Major League Baseball needs Bryce Harper in the 2018 Home Run Derby. This summer’s All-Star festivities are being held in Harper’s home stadium in Washington, D.C. Harper is arguably the most recognizable face in baseball and he’s a future Hall of Famer. Not to mention, he’s one of the biggest personalities in the game.

Luckily for baseball, the Washington Nationals‘ star outfielder said Friday that he will participate in the July derby as long as he makes the All-Star team. He is a pretty safe bet to make the team, considering he had over a million votes in the last update.

Harper choosing to participate in the derby is a phenomenal marketing avenue for the league. From defending his home turf to one final treat for the fans as his impending free agency looms, the media and fans will take this one and run with it.

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During each of Harper’s past six All-Star seasons, he’s promised to show up for the derby in his home park in 2018. He’s staying true to his promise, and it’s a win for all of baseball.