He wasn't named an All-Star starter, but Mets 1B Pete Alonso will be participating in the 2022 Home Run Derby during All-Star Week in Los Angeles.

Alonso noted earlier this week that if he was named an All-Star Game starter, he would "100 percent" go for a three-peat and join Ken Griffey Jr. as the only ones to win three titles. Paul Goldschmidt was named the starting NL first baseman, but since he is still an All-Star, Alonso is ready to defend his title.

"It's a really fun event and it's going to be super exciting," Alonso said. "I'm really looking forward to it."

Dave Jauss will pitch to Alonso for the second straight year. Jauss, who now works in the Nationals organization, recently threw batting practice during the Home Run Derby X in London.

Alonso leads the Mets with 23 dingers on the season, and that puts him at fifth in MLB.

But when it comes to the Derby, Alonso has a very simple swing approach that has gotten him crowned twice. Last year, it was against Trey Mancini in the Finals. And in 2019 (there was no All-Star festivities in 2020), Alonso beat out Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

The other competitors have yet to be announced, but the 2022 Home Run Derby will take place Monday, July 18.

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