The 23-year-old Soto hit 53 total homers, beating each of his three opponents by a homer in the midseason power showcase. Soto was locked in at the plate even after spending an hour earlier at Dodger Stadium answering repeated questions about potentially leaving the Nats after turning down a huge contract extension. “It feels amazing. It feels tiring,” Soto said. “I just tried to concentrate to put the balls away, because I know I have the power.” Soto beat Cleveland’s Jose Ramirez 18-17 in the first round before outlasting 42-year-old Albert Pujols 16-15 to reach the final. Soto then got off to a slow start while batting second behind the 21-year-old Mariners phenom in the final round, failing to hit his first homer until his 10th swing. He finally caught fire to win a spirited Derby that began with a fireworks display on the field that spooked the competitors. Soto’s longest homer of the night traveled 471 feet and he hit the game-winning 415-foot homer with 20 seconds left and then hit his bat in the air before being swarmed by other Dominican All-Stars. Soto earns a $1 million prize and another highlight on his resume as his time with Washington likely comes to an end. The Athletic reported over the weekend that Soto turned down a $440 million, 15-year contract to remain with the Nationals and could be traded by the end of the month. “Right now, I’m not even thinking about it,” Soto said, raising the trophy above his head. “I am a champion and I will be a champion for the Nationals.” Rodriguez marked his arrival on baseball’s biggest stage with a strong three-inning performance at Chavez Ravine, where he has yet to pitch for the Mariners. Only four players had hit 30 homers in a single Derby round before Rodriguez did it in each of his first two rounds and finished the night with 81 of them. His 32 dingers against Texas’ Corey Seager in the first round were the second most in that round, and the rookie added 31 in the semifinals to oust two-time defending champion Pete Alonso, who had 23. Pujols beat top seed Kyle Schwarber in a thrilling upset in the first round before Soto capped off his night in a victory that probably didn’t bother Pujols too much, an idol of other Dominican stars like Soto and Rodriguez.
