Nationals star Juan Soto wins first Home Run Derby amid trade rumblings

• Nationals star Juan Soto won his first Home Run Derby
• Soto holds off Seattle's Rodriguez 19-18 in final round

Washington Nationals star Juan Soto won his first Home Run Derby on Monday night, holding off Seattle Mariners rookie Julio Rodriguez 19-18 in the final.

The 23-year-old Soto hit 53 total homers, beating each of his three opponents by one homer in the midseason power showcase. Soto was locked in at the plate even after spending an hour earlier at Dodger Stadium answering repeated questions about his possible departure from the Nats after turning down a huge contract extension.