MLB contemplating separate Home Run Derby for pitchers, report says

Alec Brzezinski

MLB contemplating separate Home Run Derby for pitchers, report says image

Ever wondered what it would be like to see MLB pitchers compete in the Home Run Derby?

Those who have may get their wish as MLB has discussed creating a separate event to allow pitchers to compete in a home run-hitting contest, according to ESPN.com. It comes on the heels of endorsements from Giants pitcher Madison Bumgarner, who's said he'd love to try his hand against other batters in that actual Derby.

MORE: Best photos from 2015 Home Run Derby

“There’s actually been talk about the idea of a pitcher challenge-type Home Run Derby,” ESPN's Buster Olney reported Sunday night. “Where maybe that Madison Bumgarner faces Noah Syndergaard of the Mets.”

Bumgarner's enthusiasm has been matched by Jake Arrieta, who said Sunday he thinks pitchers would surprise in such an event.

"We both love to hit," he said, via MLB.com. "You talk to a lot of people who don't like pitchers to hit, but we love it. We take it really seriously. We're in the cage hitting, we're actually trying to work on things. We have the ability to help ourselves out. I'm not going up there trying to make an out."

Syndergaard has endorsed the idea as well.

Olney also reported that the Giants' concern over Bumgarner participating in the regular Derby is over the possibility that he would have to compete in more than one round, however unlikely that may be.

The 2016 Home Run Derby will be held July 11 at Petco Park in San Diego, so Giants manager Bruce Bochy wouldn't need to travel far to keep an eye on his ace.

Alec Brzezinski