Los Angeles Angels two-way star Shohei Ohtani was the headliner at the 2021 Home Run Derby, but he was eliminated in the first round and New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso went on to steal the show by winning the competition for a second consecutive time.
Alsonso joined Ken Griffey Jr. (three), Yoenis Céspedes (two) and Prince Fielder (two) as multi-time Home Run Derby winners. Alonso (2019, 2021), Griffey (1998, 1999) and Céspedes (2013, 2014) have won back-to-back Derbies.
Although Max Muncy gave consideration to participating in the event, which seemingly was tailor-made for Coors Field, he ultimately decided against putting strain on his body as he continues to recover from a minor right oblique strain.