Breaking down the personal pitcher for every player competing in the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby.
Yes, the MLB Home Run Derby is very much about the best power hitters in baseball trying to launch bombs all night long, which they will again try to do on Monday night in Seattle as T-Mobile Park hosts the 2023 Home Run Derby. But pitching plays a role too.
Just a year ago, we saw Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. get a bit hosed by some erratic pitching during his first round loss to Pete Alonso. Put simply, pitching matters.
So as Luis Robert Jr., Alonso, Mookie Betts, Adolis Garcia, Randy Arozarena, Mookie Betts, Julio Rodriguez and Adley Rutschman all step up to the plate on Monday night for the 2023 MLB Home Run Derby, let's take a look at who each player is having pitch to them and who those pitchers are.
MLB Home Run Derby pitchers 2023: Every player's personal pitcher
1. Luis Robert Jr. (OF, Chicago White Sox) – Luis Sierra (White Sox Pitching Coach)
When looking at these pitchers for the MLB Home Run Derby, you'll notice a theme of guys who have experience as catchers. Many hitters in the contest prefer the style of delivery that breeds. So it's no shock that White Sox bullpen coach Luis Sierra, who played catcher in the minors, will be throwing to Luis Robert Jr. on Monday night.
2. Pete Alonso (1B, New York Mets) – Mike Friedland (former travel ball coach)
While Alonso is trying to tie Ken Griffey Jr. as the only player to win the Home Run Derby three times, he'll be going about it with the third different pitcher that the Mets slugger has used in the event. Mike Friedland will take the mound for the first time with Alonso, the New York star's former travel ball and Tampa Heat coach.
3. Mookie Betts (OF/IF, Los Angeles Dodgers) – Clayton McCullough (Dodgers 1B Coach)
One of several cases of familiarity, Betts asked Dodgers first base coach Clayton McCullough to take the mound in Seattle for him as McCullough has reportedly thrown every batting practice outdoors to the LA star outfielder this season.
4. Adolis Garcia (OF, Texas Rangers) – Tony Beasley (Rangers 3B Coach)
Anyone who's watched Garcia knows that the star outfielder generates monstrous power. But he'll have familiarity working for him on Monday night. Not only does he play frequently in Seattle as an AL West destination, but Tony Beasley throws batting practice to the Rangers at every practice, so there will be no surprises for Garcia.
5. Randy Arozarena (OF, Tampa Bay Rays) – Tomas Francisco (Rays staffer, former catcher)
With catchers being lauded for their batting practice tosses, Arozarena approached Rays major league field coordinator (ironic given the ire directed toward The Trop) Tomas Francisco to pitch to him at the Home Run Derby. As a former catcher, the Tampa outfielder is hoping that the deliver will help him get hot and take the crown.
6. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B, Toronto Blue Jays) – John Schneider (Blue Jays manager)
When Vladdy nearly won the 2019 derby (and set the record for most home runs in a single round), it was manager John Schneider on the mound for him. So it only makes sense that he runs it back with that combination this year in Seattle.
7. Julio Rodriguez (OF, Seattle Mariners) – Franmy Peña (Friend)
Rodriguez put on an absolute show in Los Angeles last year with his personal friend, Franmy Peña, on the bump throwing to him. So with the hometown hero looking to capture the victory this time around, he's not switching it up or messing with that formula with his pal once again taking the mound.
8. Adley Rutschman (C, Baltimore Orioles) – Randy Rutschman (Father)
Rutschman, who is competing in the Home Run Derby for the first time, will have his father, Randy, throwing to him. While that is a big stage for such a pairing, the Orioles catcher — who plans to bat left-handed for the contest as he had to decide with his switch-hitting approach — has spoken highly of how his father delivers a routine short-arm delivery, describing it as "Catcher-esque".
