HOMERUN DERBY 2022

BY Mark Halpern

     We are just two days away from the most extraordinary event during the All-Star break, the Home Run Derby. This year’s field combines a bit of old and new players to the derby. Let’s take a look at them one by one.

PETE ALONSO: is your two-time defending Home Run Derby champ. He is not holding back on how excited he is to try and go for the 3-peat. He currently has 24 Home Runs at the halfway point, and we know that balls will travel better once the warmer weather comes. Pete is my pick to win this derby. Pete will be facing Ronald Acuna Jr.

Kyle Schwarber: Another powerful Home Run hitter. Kyle is the DH for the Phillies, and despite his awful BA .221, you should get noticed when you hit 28 home runs by the break. He has good power and sees through the ball. Kyle will be facing off against the great Albert Pujols.

Ronald Acuna Jr: One of my favorite ball players in the game who isn’t a New York Met. He is that 5 tool player we hoped he would be, but last year ended with a torn ACL, and he missed most of last year and a small portion of this season. He currently only has 8 home runs, but this young superstar can do much more than just what he accomplished. Especially returning from the ACL tear. Ronald will be facing off against Pete Alonso

Albert Pujols: This ball player doesn’t need any introduction. In 2001 Pujols came on the scene and made an immediate impact. His powerful swing and vision on the field are why he will be a future HOF. Albert gets one final chance to swing as hard as possible with no consequences. He should make a run even though, with playing time diminished, he only has 6 home runs on the year. Albert faces off against Kyle Schwarber. I have Pujols losing to Alonso

Juan Soto: This Washington National is one of the scarier participants in this derby. Soto is surrounded by rumors of whether he will remain a national or go somewhere else for a lot of money. Soto is an accomplished hitter who can hit all fields of play. His power and smooth swing make me think he will hit the farthest home run during the derby. Juan currently has 19 home runs on the year. Juan will face off against Jose Ramirez.

Julio Rodriguez: Can we make it official and give him the ROY title now. This young kid has transformed into an MLB star. Rodriguez takes everything seriously on the field. He is a great teammate and nice young welcome addition to the derby. Coming in with 16 home runs on the year, he is a young rookie with good power. Julio will be facing off against Corey Seager.

Jose Ramirez: I am glad he has decided to join. Jose has been the most consistent player in the Guardians organization over the past few years, hence why he got his extension. Ramirez is not only a home run hitter with power, but he can spray the ball all over the diamond. Jose is my wild card for this derby. Jose will face off against Juan Soto, and this round will be fun.

Corey Seager: Over the past few years, Corey Seager has been a dominant player for the Dodgers. Corey decided to up and move to the Rangers on a massive 10-year deal. Corey has 22 home runs and is batting a meager .246. He is a very experienced ball player and can swing the bat well. Corey will face off against the rookie Julio Rodriguez.

     Over the past 5 derby’s, this one has the best lineup. A mix of rookies and old veterans whom all have the power to hit the ball a country mile and then some. Pete Alonso will defend his championship, but anyone participating has a chance. My Final Two will be Pete Alonso vs. Albert Pujols.