It’s amazing; we’re less than a week away from the All-Star Break. It’s that time of the year when you get to see the best players in the majors come together on one field, having fun and competing for home-field advantage in the World Series.
But let’s talk more about the Home Run Derby.
Over the last few years the MLB has seen the Home Run Derby decline in popularity. As a result, the powers that be concluded that a change in format was in order. This year’s Derby will consist of an eight-player bracket and timed rounds.
Now it’s time to take a look at the Brackets.
- No. 1 seed Albert Pujols will face No. 8 seed Kris Bryant.
- No. 4 seed Joc Pederson will face No. 5 seed Manny Machado.
- No. 3 seed Josh Donaldson will face No. 6 seed Anthony Rizzo.
- No. 2 seed Todd Frazier will face No. 7 seed Prince Fielder.
What to watch for in round one.
Best Matchup: Albert Pujols vs. Kris Bryant.
I just love this matchup. The veteran against the rookie. I see Pujols beating Bryant but not by much. Combined, I expect them to hit more than 15 homers.
Worst Matchup: Joc Pederson vs. Manny Machado.
Also a rookie, Pederson leads the Dodgers in home runs with 20. Machado has 19 and is tied with Chris Davis for the Orioles’ team lead. The last two Dodgers that appeared in the Home Run Derby (Kemp in 2012, Puig in 2014) only managed to hit one home run combined. I expect to see Pederson hit around five dingers, while and Machado will hit fewer than five.
Most Home Runs By A Player: Josh Donaldson.
Donaldson has 21 home runs this year. The longest one is a 481-feet no-doubter. He’ll hit more than 10 long bombs in round one.
Longest Home Run: Kris Bryant, with a 480-feet dinger.
Round two match-ups:
Albert Pujols vs. Joc Pederson.
Josh Donaldson vs. Todd Frazier.
Pujols will definitely crush Pederson in this round. The more interesting match-up will be Donaldson vs. Frazier. Utilizing home-field advantage, Frazier will show off his power during this round and will send more than 10 balls out of the park, but he’ll fail to reach the final, as Donaldson should blast 15 of them.
Final: Pujols vs. Donaldson.
Winner of the 2015 Home Run Derby: Albert Pujols.
Photo by Matt Brown/Angels Baseball LP/Getty Images
