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Home Run Derby 2021 Bracket Challenge

It going to be great, but who will win?

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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:

Home Run Derby Bracket

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:

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:

★ ★ ★

Whatever happens, it’s going to be lit.

Here’s Bud Black’s prediction:

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.

If you’d like to enter MLB’s challenge (and perhaps win $100,000), do that here.

Who ya got?