Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper will participate in the Home Run Derby — on one condition.
Harper said Friday that he would be willing to participate in the derby at Nationals Park if he makes it onto the National League All-Star team.
“So count me in for the Derby if and only if I make the team,” Harper told Barry Svrluga of the Washington Post via text message. “But if I do I will be a participant in the 2018 HR Derby.”
Normally Harper making the team would be a foregone conclusion, but he’s only hitting .213, though his 19 home runs do lead the National League. He’ll probably have to rely on the fan vote, where he sat second overall in the most recent update, which would be sufficient.
This will come as music to Major League Baseball’s ears. It’s also a nice incentive for the Nationals, who can now offer up a tangible reward if their fans stuff the ballot boxes for Harper.
