Location: Marlins Park- Miami, FL
Date: July 10, 2017
Time: 8 PM (Eastern Time)
8 Players
#1 Aaron Judge: Stat line-Average: .324, Runs: 44, HR: 18, RBI: 41, SB:5
Judge is playing like a 10 year veteran, it’s crazy that he is only a rookie. Judge would make the Home Run Derby “Must See” if he decides to enter. Also, Judge has a reputation of crushing balls during batting practices (Hit one off the Toronto Blue Jay’s Hotel section last weekend). Judge is making a name for himself early into his young MLB career. The Yankees added a “Judge’s Chambers” fan section in Right Field, with that you can tell that the Yankees are loving what they see from Judge. Most people compare him to Miami Marlin's Giancarlo Stanton; pretty good company if you ask me!
#2 Giancarlo Stanton: Stat Line- Average: 289, Runs: 33, HR: 15, RBI: 39, SB:0
Stanton seems like a logical pick for this year’s derby. Last year’s Home Run Derby winner looks to defend his title this year. Also, the Miami Marlins are hosting the All Star Game/Home Run Derby this year, so I think it’s a no brainier that Stanton will enter.
#3 Miguel Sano: Stat Line: Avg: .303, Runs:36, HR:14, RBI: 43 SB:0
Miguel Sano is playing up to his potential this year. The Minnesota Twin’s slugger is having a solid campaign. It’s always exciting to see young sluggers compete in the derby. Don’t be surprise that he starts at the All Star game as well. It can be a big weekend for him.
#4 Eric Thames: Stat Line: Avg: 267, Runs: 43, HR: 15, RBI:29, SB:2
Eric Thames had an MVP caliber month back in April. He slowed down a little bit but the former international superstar is still having a productive season for the Milwaukee Brewers. He has been playing so well that MLB has already drug tested him 5 TIMES! There is a chip on Thames’s shoulder; Thames can showcase his talents at the Derby with his unique exciting style of swing.
#5 Khris Davis-Stat Line: Avg: 225, Runs: 36, HR: 17, RBI: 34, SB:0
Arguably one of the most underrated sluggers in the MLB. Khris Davis has become one of the main guys for the Oakland A’s; he also hit 108 homeruns since 2014!
#6 Mark Reynolds-Stat Line: Avg: 295, Runs: 33, HR: 14, RBI: 46, SB:1
Known for his high homerun/strikeout rate, Mark Reynolds the veteran is having himself a huge year for the Colorado Rockies. No one expected this from him, but the 12 year veteran is proving people wrong.
#7 George Springer- Stat Line: Avg- .279, Runs: 43, HR: 16, RBI: 38, SB:0
The former Uconn Huskie is having himself a solid year for the first place Houston Astros. Houston Astros have a lot of sluggers in their lineup that includes Outfielder George Springer.
#8 Bryce Harper- Stat Line: Avg: .322, Runs: 46, HR:15, RBI:44, SB:1
The future “Mr. 400 Million Dollar Man.” Bryce Harper is one the best players in the MLB. Adding a big star like this would only help the Home Run Derby itself. Bryce needs to participate again this year and display his power. Harper finished second place back in 2013 at Citi Field.
Prediction: Aaron Judge defeats Bryce Harper in the Finals
Other Receiving Votes: Nolan Arenado, Michael Conforto, Mike Trout(injured), Paul Goldschmidt