Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper said he plans to compete in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby in his home confines at Nationals Park on July 16, but on one very specific, and potentially uncertain, condition: He'll only take part if he's named a National League All-Star.
"So count me in for the Derby if and only if I make the team," Harper said in a text message to the Washington Post on Friday. "But if I do I will be a participant in the 2018 HR Derby."
Harper's participation in the marquee event has been an intriguing possibility, as Harper hasn't taken part in the Derby since his sophomore season in 2013, when he reached the final round and finished as runner-up to Yoenis Cespedes at Citi Field.