Mexico City is ready to host the final stop of the FTX MLB Home Run Derby X Tour, the newest and most electrifying way to enjoy baseball. The historic Campo Marte, site of the equestrian events at the 1968 Summer Olympics, will be the home for this celebration of dingers on October 15th.
Four of the most iconic franchises will be represented in the tournament, with the Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees taking part. Each team will have four members: a former MLB Legend, a Wild Card that is brand new to the sport, a Superstar from women's baseball or softball, and a Rookie from the development system. Here are the rosters:
Boston Red Sox
Jonny Gomes, MLB Legend
Paige Halstead, Superstar
Liv Cooke, Wild Card
Kennard Dawson, Rookie (London only)
Chicago Cubs
Geo Soto, MLB Legend
Alex Hugo, Superstar
Spencer Owen, Wild Card
Jordan Edmonds, Rookie (London only)
Los Angeles Dodgers
Adrián González, MLB Legend
Ashton Lansdell, Superstar
Yoongy Kwak, Wild Card
Zach Stroman, Rookie (London only)
New York Yankees
Nick Swisher, MLB Legend
Erika Piancastelli, Superstar
Stefania Aradillas, Superstar (Mexico only)
Daniel Corral, Wild Card
Richard Brereton, Rookie (London only)
HRDX's first stop is in London on July 9 at Crystal Palace Park, Seoul will host the second event on September 17, and Mexico City will be the last stop on Oct. 15. London tickets are on sale now, and we'll share more information about Seoul and Mexico City as information comes out.
“I'm really excited to hit again, to show the fans that I can still hit the ball hard," Jonny Gomes, the Red Sox Legend and 2013 World Series champion, said at Wednesday's news conference. "Without a doubt, this event will be different. I think that the hardcore fans and the new fans can enjoy Home Run Derby X."
Steffy Aradillas and Daniel Corral, both representing the Yankees in this year's tournament, also attended the announcement and talked about what it means for them to play in front of Mexican fans.
“I am very excited for this new challenge," Corral, a former Olympic gymnast, said. "It has been a lot of fun and challenging learning how to hit. And without a doubt it will be very fun to do it in Mexico, representing the Yankees, I think it will be a great experience."
“I love baseball and without a doubt being part of this party is something very special for me. It will be a lot of fun to share and compete with great legends and great athletes,” Aradillas said.
She also got started on the Red Sox - Yankees rivalry, posing with Gomes and putting up her fists in a mock fight: