Who will pitch to Willson Contreras in the Home Run Derby?

Willson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox is set to fulfill a lifelong dream by competing in the Home Run Derby, a prestigious event held as part of Major League Baseball's All-Star festivities. Despite a recent bout of left foot soreness that sidelined him briefly, Contreras is cleared to participate. He becomes the first Venezuelan to feature in the derby since Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2022, carrying the hopes of his nation.

MLB's portal ranks Contreras seventh among the eight participants, a list that includes notable power hitters like Junior Caminero, Jac Caglianone, Ben Rice, Jordan Walker, Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, and Munetaka Murakami. While the competition is fierce, Contreras, the Red Sox's first baseman, should not be underestimated. He has been a driving force in his team's offense this season, already reaching 20 home runs and nearing his personal best of 24. Notably, he boasts the longest career home run among all derby participants, with a blast of 491 feet.

The choice of who will pitch to Contreras has generated buzz in Boston. Each participant selects their own pitcher, typically a family member or coach. Contreras has chosen José David Flores, the interim bench coach for the Red Sox and a fellow Puerto Rican. Their connection dates back to Contreras's minor league days with the Chicago Cubs, with Contreras describing Flores as one of the best batting practice pitchers he has ever encountered. Flores's ability to maintain a good rhythm by throwing hittable balls is crucial for a competition like the Home Run Derby.

Flores, who started the season as Boston's first base coach before moving up to interim bench coach following staff changes, expressed his pride in Contreras's success. "I've known Willson since he was a youngster," Flores told MLB.com. "I try to throw him easy-to-hit balls, hoping to put them right in the sweet spot of the bat so he can get into a good rhythm. It's all about rhythm. Seeing the success he's had this season, both offensively and defensively, fills me with pride. Hopefully, I can help him be in a good position to succeed and become one of the finalists in the Derby."

Contreras aims to follow in the footsteps of Bob Abreu, the only Venezuelan to have won the Home Run Derby, which he achieved in 2005. The competition takes place at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.

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I've known Willson since he was a youngster. I try to throw him easy-to-hit balls, hoping to put them right in the sweet spot of the bat so he can get into a good rhythm. It's all about rhythm. Seeing the success he's had this season, both offensively and defensively, fills me with pride. Hopefully, I can help him be in a good position to succeed and become one of the finalists in the Derby.