Toronto Blue Jays slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. advanced to his second career Home Run Derby final appearance after defeating Seattle Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez in the semifinal of the 2023 event.
In the head-to-head matchup, Guerrero Jr. belted 21 long balls to eclipse Rodriguez, who knocked out 20.
The two-time All-Star previously defeated Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Mookie Betts in the first round by a 26-11 score.
Rodriguez hit 41 home runs and broke the single-round record, previously held by Guerrero Jr., in his first-round win against two-time champion Pete Alonso.
Guerrero Jr. has appeared in one other Home Run Derby, finishing as the runner-up in 2019 to Alonso.
The 24-year-old put on a show in that Derby, crushing 91 total homers across the three rounds, including a 40-home run showing in the semifinal against San Francisco Giants designated hitter Joc Pederson.
Guerrero Jr. will face Tampa Bay Rays left fielder Randy Arozarena in the final.
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