Julio Rodriguez didn't technically win the 2022 MLB Home Run Derby, but it's hard to not call him a winner after Monday.
The Seattle Mariners outfielder, the overwhelming favorite to win AL Rookie of the Year, came up short in the final with a loss to Washington Nationals star Juan Soto, but managed to double his salary this season just by reaching that far.
As USA Today's Bob Nightengale noted after the event, the $750,000 payout Rodriguez receives as runner-up is more money than he will receive from the Mariners this season, as Rodriguez is being paid the $700,000 MLB minimum salary, like every other rookie.