Juan Soto learned a valuable lesson after losing in last year's Home Run Derby: "I don't only have to pull the ball, I can go either way." It paid off as he captured the championship, defeating Seattle rookie Julio Rodriguez, 19-18. He talked about what an honor it was to compete against the legendary Albert Pujols, defeating him in the second round. Asked to describe his day, after it began with questions about rejecting the Nationals' contract offer, Soto replied: "I've been going through all this stuff and I'm still here, standing up, with my chin up all the time."