The All-Star Game festivities began over the weekend, but today marks a highlight: The Home Run Derby, and this year, Pete Alonso will defend his 2019 Home Run Derby title.
Even though this year’s derby won’t feature Vladimir Guerrero Jr or Fernando Tatís Jr or Ronald Acuña Jr, there will be plenty of power. Plus, it’s happening at elevation and without a humidor. Let the balls fly!
Here’s the bracket:
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Matchup 1: Shohei Ohtani (1) vs. Juan Soto (8)
Shohei Ohtani (1)
- 2021 Home Runs: 33 (1st in MLB)
- Bats: Left
- Hardest-hit 2021 Home Run: 117.2 mph (June 28 @ Yankee Stadium)
- Longest 2021 Home Run: 470 ft (June 8 vs. Royals)
Of Ohtani’s chances, Trevor Story said:
On Shohei Ohtani hitting in the Home Run Derby at Coors Field: "I think he can do it," Trevor Story said. "He's got a chance – and I know it sounds crazy – but he has a chance to hit one OVER the rooftop. We'll see..."
— Nick Groke (@nickgroke) July 10, 2021
Juan Soto (8)
- 2021 Home Runs: 11 (85th in MLB)
- Bats: Left
- Longest Home Run of 2021: 437 ft (June 2 @ Truist Park)
- Hardest-hit 2021 Home Run: 113.4 mph (June 29 vs. Rays)
★ ★ ★
Matchup 2: Joey Gallo (2) vs. Trevor Story (7)
Joey Gallo (2)
- 2021 Home Runs: 24 (5th in MLB)
- Bats: Left
- Longest 2021 Home Run: 462 ft (July 7 vs. Tigers)
- Hardest-hit 2021 Home Run: 114.3 mph (April 27 vs. Angels)
Trevor Story (7)
- 2021 Home Runs: 11 (85th in MLB)
- Bats: Right
- Longest 2021 Home Run: 466 ft (June 20 vs. Brewers)
- Hardest-hit 2021 Home Run: 110.2 mph (June 23 @ Mariners)
★ ★ ★
Matchup 3: Matt Olson (3) vs. Trey Mancini (6)
Matt Olson (3)
- 2021 Home Runs: 21 (11th in MLB)
- Bats: Left
- Longest 2021 Home Run: 445 ft (May 23 @ Angels)
- Hardest-hit 2021 Home Run: 111.7 mph (May 23 @ Angels)
Trey Mancini (6)
- 2021 Home Runs: 15 (46th in MLB)
- Bats: Right
- Longest 2021 Home Run: 451 ft (July 2 @ Angels)
- Hardest-hit 2021 Home Run: 111.9 mph (April 10 vs. Red Sox)
★ ★ ★
Matchup 4: Salvador Pérez (4) vs. Pete Alonso (5)
Salvador Pérez (4)
- 2021 Home Runs: 21 (11th in MLB)
- Bats: Right
- Longest 2021 Home Run: 460 ft (May 4 vs. Cleveland)
- Hardest-hit 2021 Home Run: 114.2 mph (May 4 vs. Cleveland)
Pete Alonso (5 & Defending Champion)
- 2021 Home Runs: 17 (31st in MLB)
- Bats: Right
- Longest 2021 Home Run: 443 ft (June 30 @ Atlanta)
- Hardest-hit 2021 Home Run: 115.4 mph (April 21 @ Cubs)
Of Alonso’s chances, Story said:
#Rockies Trevor Story said he thinks someone will hit a ball out of Coors Field during the home run derby. His prediction was Pete Alonso
— Danielle Allentuck (@d_allentuck) July 10, 2021
★ ★ ★
Whatever happens, it’s going to be lit.
Here’s Bud Black’s prediction:
#Rockies Bud Black said the hangouts on the right-field party deck could be reachable. "I think SmashBurger is in play."
— Patrick Saunders (@psaundersdp) July 10, 2021
He predicted Joey Gallo or Ohtani would be the ones to hit a homer the farthest.
That’s the competition.
Let’s do a “March Madness” style bracket. Leave your selections in the comments, or here’s a printable bracket if that’s more your style.
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If you’d like to enter MLB’s challenge (and perhaps win $100,000), do that here.
Who ya got?