Let’s admit it: the Home Run Derby has to be one of the best events in any of the All-Star festivities in the four major leagues. Similar to the Slam Dunk Competition in the NBA, the Derby features highlights in every single minute. However, not everything can be perfect.
If the Slam Dunk competition does not feature players such as LeBron James or Kevin Durant, then the MLB Home Run Derby at times does not have the top players in the league. So far we only know Giancarlo Stanton has confirmed his presence, but we will take a look at three players that definitively deserve a berth in the event:
Aaron Judge
Few players are as strong as the New York Yankees outfielder. But unlike some players that only display their power during batting practices, Judge is the real deal. And it doesn’t hurt that he’s posting video-game like numbers over the first half of the season.
The rookie has hit an impressive 27 homers in only 75 games. That puts him in projection to hit somewhere between 55 and 60 homers during the whole year. And it’s not like he’s doing it sporting a bad average, because Judge also leads the AL in that department with a .331 average. He’s on track the win the Triple Crown as a rookie, but we only need to focus on his power for the HR Derby. He has lots of it, and it would be a joy to have him in the event. He would be Giancarlo Stanton’s biggest threat for the title.
Cody Bellinger
The rookie sensation from Los Angeles Dodgers took MLB by storm since his call-up in late April. And he has not done anything but hitting homers for one of the top teams in the National League. There are a few doubts about whether his power surge is a fluke or not, but fans need to enjoy him. Few rookies have the impact Bellinger has had with the Dodgers, and it would be amazing to have him hitting bombs in Marlins Park next Sunday.
Bellinger leads the NL in the homers department with 24 in 61 games. Like Judge, Bellinger is on track to easily hit between 55 and 60 dingers at the end of the campaign. But aside from that, he’s been one of the hottest hitters in the league during June. And fans want to see the best players on the Derby. Bringing him to participate is a must.
Joey Gallo
Joey Gallo is a hitter with several flaws. He strikes out a lot, doesn’t walk on a regular basis, and his average is quite poor. But if there is one thing he knows how to do, that’s mashing up baseballs. Gallo’s raw power should belong in the 70-80 range of the scouting scale. If we can tone down his strikeouts and make more consistent contact, then he would be a threatening hitter.
Fortunately for him, the Home Run Derby is all about power and hitting bombs. And that’s what he does best. Gallo is among the leaders in the AL in home runs with 20 bombs in 73 games. He has a real shot at hitting around 50 in the entire season based on projections. He has always been considered one of the strongest guys in the game, and the Home Run Derby is the best way to prove it.