Detroit Tigers outfielder Riley Greene, a first-time All-Star who had 17 home runs in 90 games as of Tuesday, is considering participating in the Home Run Derby.
The 23-year-old hasn’t committed to the idea but hasn’t ruled it out either. He’s waiting for an official invitation from MLB before making a final decision.
“If the opportunity comes up, I’ll consider it,” Greene said.
The Home Run Derby, part of the 2024 MLB All-Star Game events, will be held on Monday at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas. The winner receives $1 million, the runner-up gets $750,000, and there is a total prize pool of $2.5 million, with participants earning $150,000.
Greene’s salary for 2024 is $766,300.
As of Tuesday night, MLB has confirmed six of the eight participants for the Home Run Derby: Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, Atlanta Braves designated hitter Marcell Ozuna, and Cleveland Guardians third baseman José Ramírez.
If MLB has already secured eight players for the Derby, Riley Greene will only get a chance if there are any injuries.
Greene hasn’t participated in a Home Run Derby event since his high school days at Oviedo High School in Florida, where he graduated in 2019. He believes that participating in the Derby wouldn’t negatively impact his swing during games.
“In the past, when I’ve done them when I was younger, I’ve always ended up hitting better,” Greene said. “It’s kind of odd, but I feel like it wouldn’t bother me too much.”
As of Tuesday, Greene was hitting .258 with 17 home runs, 47 walks, and 100 strikeouts in 90 games in 2024. His .236 isolated power is ranked 15th among MLB’s 140 qualified hitters.
Greene, who attributes his power surge to new trainer Ben De La Cruz, hit 17 homers in just 87 games this season, surpassing the 16 homers he hit over 192 games in his first two MLB seasons.
“Showing up, staying healthy, and working hard to help this team win is my goal every day,” Greene said. “That’s what I focus on.”
Manager A.J. Hinch reflected on Greene’s development over his three-year MLB career, including his standout 2024 season that earned him an All-Star selection.
“I’ve seen him through his highs and lows,” Hinch said. “He’s growing by understanding he needs to be ‘one of nine’ rather than ‘three of nine’ or ‘four of nine.’ His improved understanding of how pitchers are approaching him and his increased walks are leading to better production. His preparation has also improved significantly. Early in his career, adjusting to the majors was challenging, but it’s great to see him establish routines and work closely with our hitting coaches.”
The Tigers have not had a Home Run Derby participant since Prince Fielder in 2013.
Additionally, Dan Ross, the Tigers’ clubhouse manager, will join Greene and left-hander Tarik Skubal at the 2024 All-Star Game. Ross, who has worked for the Tigers since 2013, will be making his second All-Star Game appearance, having previously been there in 2019. He will assist in the National League clubhouse as part of the staff of visiting clubhouse manager Mason McKenna. McKenna, who typically manages the home clubhouse for the Texas Rangers, invited Ross to join his team.
