Alonso aims for first '3-peat' in Home Run Derby history, battles Pujols, Acuña, Soto in this year's contest

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Mets slugger Pete Alonso will try to become the first player to win the All-Star Home Run Derby three consecutive times against a field that will include the Cardinals' Albert Pujols, Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber, the Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. and Washington's Juan Soto.

The New York first baseman said Monday he is one of nine participants in the July 18 competition at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

"It's a really fun event, and it's going to be super exciting," Alonso said before the Mets played at Atlanta on Monday night. "I have a really good plan to go into it and, again, I have just so much fun. I don't think anyone has more fun than I do, especially when it comes to this event."

Dave Jauss, who was the Mets' bench coach and is now a Washington Nationals special assistant, will pitch to Alonso for the second straight Derby.

"Just need to give him about two pots of coffee for before and a case of Bud Lite for after, and he said he's good to go," Alonso said.

CARDINALS’ ALBERT PUJOLS TO PARTICIPATE IN 2022 HOME RUN DERBY, FIFTH OF HIS CAREER

Alonso hit 74 total home runs in last year's Derby at Denver's Coors Field and beat Baltimore's Trey Mancini 23-22 in the final round. Alonso joined Ken Griffey Jr. (1998-99) and Yoenis Céspedes (2013-14) in winning consecutive titles. Griffey also won in 1994 and is the only three-time champion.

Pujols will participate in his fifth Derby after coming up short in 2003, 2007, 2009 and 2015. He and Detroit's Miguel Cabrera were added to the All-Star rosters as special selections by Commissioner Rob Manfred.

New York Mets' Pete Alonso looks to capture his 3rd straight Home Run Derby title. (AP