​CHICAGO — For the first time in 15 years, a Red Sox player will compete in the Home Run Derby. A day after expressing interest in Monday night’s event in Philadelphia, slugger Willson Contreras was confirmed as one of the eight participants for the annual Derby, with Boston announcing his involvement on X.
“They asked me if I wanted to participate,” Contreras said Wednesday, referring to MLB officials. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do. I’ve done it before in Venezuela, not here. I always wanted to at least participate in one in MLB, and I’m really excited to get the opportunity. I’m looking forward to having fun and hopefully putting on a good show.”
Contreras will be mentored at the plate by Red Sox first-base coach José David Flores, who will be doing the pitching duties during the event. The catcher initially approached his brother William, who is the Brewers’ catcher and a National League All-Star, but William declined the invitation.
This appearance marks the first Derby participation by a Red Sox player since Adrian Gonzalez and David Ortiz took part in 2011 in Phoenix. A year prior, Ortiz won the competition in Anaheim. Boston’s franchise history with the Home Run Derby has been sparse; Ortiz also competed in 2004, 2005, and 2006. Overall, the Red Sox have produced a relatively small number of Derby competitors—six hitters in the franchise’s history: Jim Rice (1985), Nomar Garciaparra (1999), Carl Everett (2000), Ortiz (five appearances), and Gonzalez (2011).
Contreras, who was a late addition to the American League All-Star roster Tuesday after Vladimir Guerrero Jr. of Toronto withdrew to rest a nagging back issue, will join three other American Leaguers in the eight-man field. Kansas City’s Jac Caglianone announced his participation Wednesday, joining Ben Rice (Yankees) and Junior Camerino (Rays), who had already committed. There’s speculation that two Phillies stars—Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber—could join the field in front of the home crowd at Citizens Bank Park.
Betting lines reflected early interest in the Derby as well, with Red Sox moneyline listed at -105 on BetMGM for Wednesday’s contest against the White Sox. A comprehensive BetMGM Sportsbook review offers guidance on how to navigate their app for fans looking to place bets on the event.
This Derby marks Contreras’s first career appearance in the Home Run Derby. The four-time All-Star earned selection as a member of the Chicago Cubs in 2018, 2019, and 2022. “For me, the key in the Home Run Derby is not to try to do too much,” Contreras said. “I’ve already got a plan in mind. I hope it works out. We’re going to compete, and everyone who competes wants to win. If it doesn’t happen, at least I’ll have fun. I’m a little nervous, I won’t lie, but I think it’s going to be fun.”
Contreras has been a standout slugger for Boston this season, leading the Red Sox with 20 homers through 87 games. He is hitting .287 with 16 doubles, 61 RBIs, a .545 slugging percentage, and a .926 OPS. At 34 years old, Contreras stands as one of three Red Sox All-Stars this season and is poised to bring a high-energy, veteran presence to the Derby stage. With his connection to the franchise and his proven power, Contreras could deliver a memorable performance in Philadelphia and add another notable chapter to the Red Sox’s Derby history.