MLB Home Run Derby 2019: A history of the Minnesota Twins in the Home Run Derby

NEW YORK - JULY 14: Justin Morneau #33 bats during the 2008 MLB All-Star State Farm Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium on July 14, 2008 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
NEW YORK - JULY 14: Justin Morneau #33 bats during the 2008 MLB All-Star State Farm Home Run Derby at Yankee Stadium on July 14, 2008 in the Bronx borough of New York City. (Photo by: Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
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MIAMI, FL – JULY 10: Miguel Sano #22 of the Minnesota Twins competes in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Marlins Park on July 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL – JULY 10: Miguel Sano #22 of the Minnesota Twins competes in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Marlins Park on July 10, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

2017: Miguel Sano

The most recent appearance by a Twins player came in 2017 when Miguel Sano stepped onto a national stage. As one of the most hyped players in Twins history, many figured this would be the first appearance of many for the then 24-year old. With a first half that featured 21 HR, this was a chance to show the nation why Minnesota was so enamored with their third baseman.

Sano’s appearance would be the first since the Home Run Derby adopted a round-by-round format and many expected a showdown between Stanton and New York’s Aaron Judge. Those plans would be ruined by Judge’s teammate Gary Sanchez as he upset Stanton in the first round and Sano would oblige taking out Kansas City’s Mike Moustakas and Sanchez to head to the finals.

Sano would have a respectable showing in the finals hitting 10 home runs to wrap up a total of 31  in the event. The euphoria of Judge’s breakout summer would be too much, however, as Sano would fall by a score of 11-10.

Schedule