SF Giants rising star campaigns to be in the Home Run Derby

SF Giants outfielder Heliot Ramos was officially elected to the All-Star game over the weekend. However, he is looking to add to his young career résumé as he is campaigning to be invited to the Home Run Derby at some point.

SF Giants rising star campaigns to be in the Home Run Derby

Ramos told Matt Lively of KPIX TV that he would like to compete in the Home Run Derby at some point. Since he will be in Texas for the All-Star festivities and given his power, it would make sense for him to be a participant.

However, that door has closed for now. MLB has announced its Home Run Derby participants for 2024. This includes Gunnar Henderson, Pete Alonso, Alec Bohm, Bobby Witt Jr., Marcell Ozuna, José Ramírez, and Adolis García.

Alonso will look to add his third Home Run Derby title. After winning in 2019 and 2021, the right-handed bat has not reached the finals in each of the past two seasons.

On the other hand, Ramos ended one drought, becoming the first homegrown Giants outfielder to reach the All-Star game with the club since Chili Davis in 1986. However, can you remember the last time the Giants had a Home Run Derby participant?

You can probably guess who it was. Barry Bonds participated in the Home Run Derby at Minute Maid Park in 2004. Miguel Tejeda took home the title that year with Lance Berkman coming in second place. Despite the loss, Bonds does have a win to his record, defeating Mark McGwire at Veterans Stadium in 1996.

The 20-year drought is the longest active streak for a team in the Home Run Derby. Ramos would have been a prime candidate to break the streak. He is in the midst of an impressive season at the plate, slashing .302/.372/.535 (156 wRC+) with 13 home runs, 42 RBI, and 27 runs in 242 plate appearances.

Since he was recalled on May 8, Ramos' 13 home runs is tied with six other players for the ninth-most home runs in baseball. He has the power to compete. However, the invite did not come this time around. The Giants hope that this is just the first of many All-Star appearances for the 24-year-old outfielder.