DENVER -- One year after winning the All-Star Game Most Valuable Player Award, Astros third baseman Alex Bregman wants to add a Home Run Derby title to his resume.

Bregman has agreed to participate in the T-Mobile Home Run Derby for the second year in a row. Bregman, who leads the Astros with 23 home runs, lost in the first round of last year’s event in Washington to Kyle Schwarber, 16-15. Astros bullpen catcher Javier Bracamonte will throw to him once again.

• Play HR Derby Bracket Challenge for chance to win $250,000

“It’s a lot of fun and something I watched as a little kid,” Bregman said. “I had a lot of fun doing it last year, and hopefully can have a better showing than last year and make it a lot further.”

When asked if he can win it, Bregman didn’t hesitate.

“I definitely think so or else I wouldn’t try,” he said.

As far as his strategy? It won’t change from 2018.

“Backspin to the pull side,” he said with a wide smile.

• T-Mobile Home Run Derby: Monday July 8, 8 p.m. ET on ESPN

Bregman, the fourth seed, will face Dodgers outfielder Joc Pederson in the first round in Monday's event at Cleveland's Progressive Field.

Bregman will be one of six Astros players competing for the American League in Tuesday’s All-Star Game, starting at third base. He’ll be joined in the starting lineup by Astros outfielders Michael Brantley and George Springer. Pitching teammates Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Ryan Pressly were also named to the AL squad.

The 2019 All-Star Game presented by Mastercard will be played on Tuesday, July 9, at Progressive Field in Cleveland. It will be televised nationally by FOX Sports; in Canada by Rogers Sportsnet and RDS; and worldwide by partners in more than 180 countries. FOX Deportes will provide Spanish-language coverage in the United States, while ESPN Radio and ESPN Radio Deportes will provide exclusive national radio coverage. MLB Network, MLB.com and SiriusXM also will provide comprehensive All-Star Week coverage.