Does MLB need Giancarlo Stanton in the Home Run Derby?

New York Yankees slugger Giancarlo Stanton revealed that he is open to participating in the 2022 MLB Home Run Derby.

The starters for the 2022 MLB All-Star Game were revealed on July 8, and there will be some heavy hitters on the American League team. New York Yankees star Aaron Judge already clinched a spot by way of receiving the most votes from fans, but he is now joined by fellow slugger Giancarlo Stanton, who defeated finalist George Springer to be named the starting left fielder.

He is already in the All-Star Game, but will he participate in the Home Run Derby at Dodger Stadium? After the Yankees‘ game against the Boston Red Sox, Stanton said that while nothing’s official, he “could definitely could be there.”

Does Giancarlo Stanton need to participate in the Home Run Derby?

Does the MLB need Stanton in the Home Run Derby? Well, the more star power, the better. Anything to avoid the NBA’s dilemma with the Slam Dunk Contest, which has become uninteresting in recent years.

Stanton is no stranger to participating in the Home Run Derby, as he was a participant three times. He was eliminated in the third-round of the 2014 tournament by Todd Frazier. In 2016, Stanton won the Derby after hitting 20 home runs to Frazier’s 13 in the Finals. He went to defend his title the following year, hitting 16 homers in the opening round. The issue was, then-Yankees catcher and future teammate Gary Sanchez hit 17 to advance.

Yankees fans may be wary of Stanton participating in the Home Run Derby after Judge went in a slump and dealt with a shoulder injury. But, you never know what will happen. Take a look at the numbers Stanton put up post 2017 All-Star week.

With the Home Run Derby taking place on Monday, July 18, it is only a matter of time until MLB announces who will be taking part in the event. Keep your eyes open for Stanton, as he says that he is interested.