David Ortiz to Defend Home Run Derby Title, Hints Toward Changes in Derby’s Structure

David Ortiz will defend his crown in the Home Run Derby during this year's All-Star Game festivities in Arizona.

Ortiz made the announcement in a talk with NESN's Heidi Watney prior to the game Thursday afternoon in Philadelphia.

"They asked me already, and I said 'Yes,'" Ortiz said.

Ortiz added that Major League Baseball will announce some changes in the structure of the derby and that he was looking forward to tackling a new-look event.

The Red Sox designated hitter won the derby last year in Anaheim, outlasting Florida shortstop Hanley Ramirez in the final round. Ortiz's four-round total of 32 home runs was among the highest in the event's history. It was the fourth time Ortiz has taken part.

Barring a multimillion vote push in the closing hours in Texas, Ortiz will easily beat out Rangers DH Michael Young for the starting spot on the American League All-Star team as he led Young by more than two million votes as of Tuesday. Online fan voting ends at 11:59 p.m. Thursday.

It will represent Ortiz's seventh AL All-Star bid.

"It's great, the support from the fans…This is an honor for me," Ortiz said.