2022 MLB Home Run Derby: 11 Players We'd Love to See Compete
2022 MLB Home Run Derby: 11 Players We'd Love to See Compete
With the All-Star Break approaching fast, the real participants should be announced fairly soon. Until then let's have a little fun and make a wish list for 10 players we'd love to see at the 2022 MLB Home Run Derby.
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
The front-runner for AL MVP seems to be built for Home Run hitting shows, but with a combination of average, fielding and baserunning, he is the league's clear top player in 2022, and events like this should host the top talent. Also, how about a little cross-town rivalry with the defending champion Pete Alonso.
Pete Alonso, New York Mets
Some players come to the Derby and can't get anything going, and others thrive in the moment. Pete Alonso may be a step above thriving. He walks around with the swagger of thinking that he is the top power hitter in the league, which is not an unreasonable claim.
Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros
The freshly 25-year-old phenom for Houston leads the majors in Barrel Percentage and has really shown that he fits right in with the best sluggers in the game. It would be really fun to see him in a competition like this, but in what appears to be a season with a career-high in games, it is highly doubtful that they let him loose.
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels
Second in the MLB in Home Runs is who is considered to be the greatest hitter of this generation in the form of Trout. His new dad energy seems to have helped him stay focused after a really frustrating year and he can hit home runs with the best of them. I also think his swing is compact enough that he can get a ton of swings off in a short period of time.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels
The league's budding superstar two-way player hits balls 450 and throws the ball triple digits off of the mound like it is nothing. His swing is a little long, but he could really showcase just how raw his power is in a competition like this with the best of his peers.
Looking for the best sportsbook offers? Check out the free bets page
Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies
Schwarber certainly has one of the most memorable home runs that I have ever seen (landing on top of the scoreboard in Wrigley) and he consistently shows that no matter if he is hot or cold, the ball is going to absolutely fly on a consistent basis.
Joc Pederson, San Francisco Giants
Joc is in the news for this whole fantasy football beef with Tommy Pham, but this would be a nice way to get the script on how he is one of the league's purest power hitters from the left side. He is built for a competition like this and I really think he would be a dark horse candidate to win it.
C.J. Cron, Colorado Rockies
Probably the least of the household names listed here, but don't let that fool you, he can mash with all of these guys. Going to Colorado has helped some of those hard hits that weren't always landing land and also of course has let him show off his crazy power.
Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres
Please tell me you didn't forget about the kid! He had a freak motorcycle accident, and this would be a great way to show the world that there are lots of Tatis remaining in the tank to look forward to in the second half!
Juan Soto, Washington Nationals
I always love when the players that everyone wants their team to trade for go off on All-Star Weekend, and while I do not think he gets traded, I think this young stud showed in his last appearance that he deserves to be among those competing here.
Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox
Another lefty with a super smooth stroke, Rafi Devers has shown the ability to perform at an extremely high level. While I think his swing is a little long for a competition like this, I think he would get plenty of extra time with some of the longest home runs in the competition.