Peterson edges buddy Emerson in High School Home Run Derby finals

ATLANTA -- The Power & Light District is known for bringing the buzz and electricity to Kansas City’s downtown. On Monday, Beau Peterson -- whose Mill Valley High School in Shawnee, Kansas is about 20 miles southwest of that very neighborhood -- brought his own power to baseball’s premier slugging showcase.

The 17-year-old Sunflower Stater won the the MLB All-Star High School Home Run Derby finals, outdueling fellow University of Texas commit Grady Emerson, 9-8, as part of the T-Mobile Home Run Derby festivities at Truist Park. The pair qualified for Monday’s slugfest after tying with 26 homers apiece over two rounds Saturday to lead a group of nine total members of the Class of 2026.

Monday’s contest was limited to single one-minute rounds for both competitors. It began after the opening round of the Major League portion and mere minutes after Braves All-Star Matt Olson brought the hometown crowd to its feet. Emerson won an earlier coin flip and chose to go second, thrusting Peterson into the spotlight first.

“You walk out there, see 50,000 and think, whoa, alright, gotta kick it in another gear,” he said.

With such limited time to show off his pop, Peterson had to lock in quickly and hold it for the full 60 seconds. He got into a rhythm and peppered the right-field stands, taking aim at the Chop House.

“Let the pitcher get in a groove, let me get in a groove,” said Peterson of his plan. “React to it in and let it fly.”

But it wasn’t just poolside pop that the potential future Longhorn displayed. He also took one shot to left-center that scraped the top of the wall before exiting the field of play and adding one to his tally.

It may have made all the difference.

Emerson tried valiantly to keep up as the closer. The Texas native went deep four times in the first 20 seconds but ran out of gas as the seconds waned.

It won’t be the last time these two cross paths. Peterson says the pair would try to be roommates in Austin if they make it to campus. But before that’s even a consideration, there are still many showcases around the country in the weeks ahead, and if all goes well, the 2026 MLB Draft next summer.

“[Playing with Emerson] has meant the world to me and my family,” Peterson said. “‘He’s one of the best ballplayers I’ve ever watched play and an even better person. With he and his family always being there supporting me, I’m just glad I can go out and compete with him.”

Emerson -- with his ability to regularly barrel balls -- is considered by many to be the No. 1 prep prospect in the class, but Peterson could be pushing his way into top-tier consideration too. Evaluators note that the Kansas native has plus-plus raw power and he can translate that into games with impressive exit velocities. He can also touch 95 mph on the mound, and for now, plans to keep playing both ways until someone tells him he can’t.

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As it happens, there’s someone else in the Kansas City area who knows a thing or two about hitting dingers as a two-way star. Peterson was in contact with Jac Caglianone (MLB No. 8) when he was considering Florida in the recruiting process. He also works out at the same facility as Carter Jensen -- another Top 100 prospect in the Royals system and a fellow Kansas City area native -- and took inspiration from the backstop’s 10-homer display during batting practice ahead of the All-Star Futures Game.

“Being able to be there and see his preparation and his regimen, it’s awesome to see,” Peterson said. “It’s seeing that that’s what I have to be if I want to be here someday. I really take pride watching those guys, trying to pick their brains and learn as much as possible.”

With a few more fireworks like Monday’s, there’s a good chance this won’t be Peterson’s last opportunity to put his power on front street in a Derby.