With just one week to go until Major League Baseball's highly anticipated Home Run Derby, fans are already buzzing with excitement. Injuries might have played a spoil-sport, sidelining key players like Kyle Schwarber, Bryce Harper, Royce Lewis, Fernando Tatis Jr., and Mike Trout. These absences are surely significant, but the show, as they say, must go on.
In the past, the Home Run Derby has seen its share of surprises. Back in 2019, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was selected for the Derby with a mere eight home runs to his name. This year, the spotlight turns to fresh faces and new heroes who are ready to make their mark. Only Gunnar Henderson of the Orioles and Alec Bohm of the Phillies have confirmed their participation so far.
The Uncertain Stars
Shohei Ohtani, often regarded as the most famous baseball player on the planet, remains an uncertain participant due to his ongoing elbow rehabilitation. As one commentator aptly noted, "Please. He's the most famous baseball player on the planet and this is an international event." His involvement could potentially elevate the event's profile even higher.
Adding to this mix, Aaron Judge's declaration that he would only participate if the Derby is hosted in New York has left fans in suspense. Meanwhile, Elly De La Cruz, celebrated by fans and pundits, is regarded as one of baseball's most entertaining players with significant power. As one ardent supporter put it, "Deserves it."
Power Hitters and Rising Stars
Oneil Cruz stands out as a player to watch, having hit the hardest ball this season and racking up an impressive 13 home runs. One enthusiast excitedly described his performance as "a thing of beauty." Then there's Adolis García, hailed as a key hero from the 2023 postseason, with expectations running high as the Derby looms at the Texas Rangers’ venue.
Yordan Alvarez is another name on everyone's lips. He is likely to surpass 30 home runs for the fourth consecutive season, highlighting his consistent power. Gunnar Henderson, with 27 home runs this season, is being enthusiastically backed by insiders, one of whom exclaimed, "The best player with great power from one of the best teams is an easy choice. Bring it on, Gunnar!"
The Legends and the Newcomers
Last but certainly not least is Pete Alonso, a two-time Home Run Derby champion. There is speculation about his potential involvement this year. One observer mused, "I thought about Pete Alonso, the two-time champion, but he's probably run his course in the event at this point, no?"
Meanwhile, younger stars are also vying for attention. Mark Vientos, who participated in the 2022 Futures Game, has notched 11 home runs this season in 156 at-bats. His participation, though unconfirmed for the Derby, would certainly add an intriguing element to the competition.
The stage is set, and despite the absence of some key players, the Home Run Derby promises to deliver thrilling moments and showcase the prodigious power of baseball’s best. With the likes of Gunnar Henderson and Alec Bohm confirmed and others like Ohtani, Judge, De La Cruz, and Alonso still in the mix, fans have every reason to be excited for what’s to come.
This year's Home Run Derby will be one that blends both the promise of new talent and the lore of established stars, ensuring a spectacle that's quintessentially Major League Baseball.