MLB
2018 MLB Home Run Derby Preview
So with the All-Star break approaching, not only do we have the All-Star game, but the 2018 MLB Home Run Derby will take place the day before that. Many big name home run hitters won’t be participating, such as Giancarlo Stanton, Mike Trout, or defending champ Aaron Judge. They fear that the derby will mess up their swing. This is could be true because after Judge won the derby last year, he batted below .200 in the month after. Now with that all being said, I think this year’s derby will still be a hit and a must watch. There are still a few big names, along with some hitters who have come up out of nowhere.
The Participants
Here are the participants and their seeds.
- Jesus Aguilar – Milwaukee Brewers
- Bryce Harper – Washington Nationals
- Max Muncy – Los Angeles Dodgers
- Alex Bregman – Houston Astros
- Kyle Schwarber – Chicago Cubs
- Javier Baez – Chicago Cubs
- Freddie Freeman – Atlanta Braves
- Rhys Hoskins – Philadelphia Phillies
Now I am going to preview all of the first round matchups.
Jesus Aguilar vs Rhys Hoskins
This is a very interesting matchup. These are two players who have come out of nowhere. Aguilar was a role player last year and now leads the N.L. in home runs (23). Rhys Hoskins, on the other hand, was in AAA most of last year but came up in early August and lit it up. Now, with that all being said, I’m going with an upset. I think that Rhys Hoskins will come out with a win, but this will be a very exciting matchup.
Alex Bregman vs Kyle Schwarber
These are two guys I didn’t expect to be in the derby. Bregman isn’t a power hitter, and I didn’t think Schwarber was well known enough. With all that, I think Kyle will win this one, just because he is a power hitter.
Bryce Harper vs Freddie Freeman
Personally, I think these are the two best hitters in the derby this year. Harper is an obviously good hitter, and Freeman is the main run producer on a first-place team. With the derby in D.C. this year, I say Harper gets the home cooking boost and wins this matchup.
Max Muncy vs Javier Baez
Finally, Max Muncy vs Javi Baez. Muncy has come out of nowhere and has taken the league by storm. On the other hand, Baez has just recently seen the home run numbers climb. But, if there is one thing I’ve seen when Baez tries to swing for the fences, he usually pops up or strikes out. I have to give this one to Muncy.
