While the MLB All-Star Game is the one that counts for the World Series home advantage, the Home Run Derby is usually the most entertaining event of the week. This is especially true after the added twist in the rules last season.
Todd Frazier took the title in the first year with the new format, featuring a head-to-head bracket as well as a clock to provide some added excitement.
MLB Communications provided a breakdown of the rules last year:
The question at this point is which players will represent each league in the highly anticipated contest? The league has already announced the players who will be in attendance at Petco Park in San Diego for the All-Star Game, but the eight representatives for the July 11 derby remains to be seen.
If the best options do end up joining, however, this could be a memorable event.
Here is a look at predictions for who will be competing Monday night.
There will likely be a lot of talk of the players who won't be in attendance during the derby, including some of the bigger names in baseball.
According to Bill Baer of NBC Sports, both Bryce Harper and Mike Trout have stated that they would decline invitations, removing the two biggest young stars in the majors.
The same could be said about one of the top veteran stars in the league, with David Ortiz announcing he won't participate in the contest, per Rob Bradford of WEEI. Considering at 40 years old he is having one of the best years of his career, this is a disappointment.
While other big hitters also stated they aren't willing to join this contest, one player actually won't be able to despite wanting to compete. Madison Bumgarner is one of the best hitting pitchers in baseball, but the players' union won't let that happen, according to Justin Wise of MLB.com.
The good news is there are still quality players available to represent their teams in this long-ball competition. This includes Frazier as the returning champion, who told Scott Merkin of MLB.com that he "would love to do it."
Although Frazier's all-around numbers aren't good enough for him to be an All-Star, his 23 home runs show he still has plenty of power. He explained how not being in the All-Star Game wouldn't be an issue, per Merkin:
You don't have to be in the All-Star Game. I would be there for one day and that was it. Yeah, that would be cool.
I'll have plenty of time to get ready and get my swing back. I had a lot to do in the Cincinnati one. I was the ambassador. I was roaming around everywhere. This would be fun to go there and not have to do much. Maybe sign a couple of autographs and get ready to go.
He should be able to battle some other players who have put up impressive power numbers this year, including Kris Bryant (25 home runs) and Mark Trumbo (24 home runs).
While Petco Park is not an easy place to hit home runs, these three players have proved themselves all season long and should be top contenders if they do indeed participate.
One questionable selection could be Giancarlo Stanton, who has only reached 17 home runs on the season after knocking two out of the park Tuesday night. Still, the latest performance showed how powerful he really is, especially with his first home run:
Joe Frisaro of MLB.com also noted the outfielder is willing to participate if asked:
Among the rest of the possible entries, Wil Myers would be the favorite among the hometown fans if he is in the contest. The Padres star has had an impressive year, tallying 19 home runs and 58 RBI through Tuesday night.
The former top prospect is finally living up to his potential and could raise his profile on the national stage with a big performance at this event.
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