The 2023 MLB Home Run Derby witnessed a new champion on Monday as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. stole the spotlight with his sensational power hitting. Toronto Blue Jays’ star outshined Randy Arozarena, to secure the title on the eve of the All-Star Game. Amidst Vlad Jr.’s win, a throwback video of Aaron Judge’s monumental 2017 Home Run Derby performance resurfaced online. Something that may irk Vlad Jr.

Jay’s first baseman has gone on record multiple times to highlight his feelings for the New York Yankees. Vlad Jr. has made clear that, due to personal reasons, he will never play for the Yankees. Furthermore, in a recent interview, the Jays slugger emphasized that he likes playing in New York and killing the Yankees. Therefore, Judge’s throwback video may act as a thorn in the Jays superstar’s crown, as fans are reminiscing about the then-rookie’s jaw-dropping display of strength and talent.

Aaron Judge’s blast from the past

While Vladimir Guerrero Jr. celebrated his triumph over Randy Arozarena, an old video of Aaron Judge started doing the rounds on Twitter. The footage showcased Aaron Judge, the towering New York Yankees outfielder, edging out Miguel Sano in a thrilling battle for the 2017 MLB Home Run Derby Crown. With his 47 homers, Judge’s performance was nothing short of mesmerizing, which eventually transformed boos into cheers from the Marlins Park crowd. The commentators were equally stunned by the outfielder’s performance and claimed, “Oh my goodness.”

The Yankees slugger put in a majestic display by smashing a staggering 11 home runs with an average distance of 427 feet. In addition to this, he hit a total of 47 homers, which covered an astonishing 3.9 miles. The longest one reached a distance of 513 feet and his hardest recorded hit was 119mph. Just a rookie back in 2017, Judge certainly lived up to his hype in the throwback video.

With his extraordinary power and hard-hitting swings, Judge was crowned the 2017 MLB Home Run Derby champion. However, that performance is not enough to charm this year’s MLB Home Run Derby champion, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who considers the Yankees as his rivals. But the reason behind the immense harsh feelings towards the Yankees has yet to be unearthed.

Vlad Jr. hates the Yankees?

Everyone in the MLB knows that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. does not like the Yankees. According to The Athletic Vlad Jr. said, “I would never sign with the Yankees, not even dead.” With comments like these, the Jays superstar is constantly booed by the Yankees crowd. However, back in April, Vlad Jr. made good on his grudge by going 4-for-11 with a couple of home runs when the Jays won two out of the three games against the Bronx Bombers. Although he claims it’s a family thing, the Jays first baseman will become a free agent in 2026.

Read more: “The Bar is Fairly Low”: Toronto Blue Jays Manifest Ruthless New York Yankees’ Fans Hate For Vladimir Guerrero Jr. With a Cheeky Gesture

Amidst the MLB Home Run Derby, both Aaron Judge and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. reminded fans in their own way, how baseball continues to captivate audiences year after year through stunning individual displays from superstars like them.

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