Colorado Rockies rumors: Nolan Arenado eyeing 2020 Home Run Derby?

As this year’s All-Star Game festivities draw near, there is talk that one Colorado Rockies All-Star is already thinking about 2020’s Home Run Derby.

In a tweet from Kyle Newman of The Denver Post, it’s said that Nolan Arenado is eyeing a spot in the 2020 Home Run Derby as part of Major League Baseball’s All-Star Game festivities. Despite being one of the National League’s annual contenders for the home run title, the Colorado Rockies third baseman has yet to participate in a Home Run Derby. However, that could change next season.

With the 2020 All-Star Game being played at Dodger Stadium, it’s likely that Arenado, a native of southern California, would have plenty of family and friends in attendance to help cheer him on. It would also mark the first time since 2017 when Charlie Blackmon stepped to the plate in Miami that a Rockies player had participated in the Home Run Derby. A complete list of Rockies players who have been a part of the Home Run Derby can be found here.

More from Colorado Rockies Rumors

• Colorado Rockies: Could recent injuries change their offseason philosophy?
• 3 free agents the Colorado Rockies should already be targeting
• The Colorado Rockies should take a flier on outfielder Franmil Reyes
• MLB trade rumors: Rockies could deal Chad Kuhl, Carlos Estévez on Trade Deadline Day
• 7 trade destinations for Colorado Rockies closer Daniel Bard

Arenado has led the National League (or tied for the lead) in home runs on three different occasions, hitting 42 in 2015, 41 in 2016 and 38 in 2018. He was also just named to his fifth consecutive All-Star Game after slashing .321/.389/.579 in 330 at-bats heading into Friday’s road series opener against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

With 20 homers already this season, Arenado seems on his way to recording his fifth consecutive season with at least 37 home runs in a season.

Last season, Arenado slashed .297/.374/.561 to earn his fourth consecutive Silver Slugger award at third base. He finished third in the National League MVP voting, marking the third straight year he has finished in the top five.

This season’s Home Run Derby field is filled with National League sluggers such as Josh Bell and Christian Yelich, among others, who will once again be in competition with Arenado for the NL MVP honor.