The MLB Home Run Derby is like the NBA Slam Dunk Contest. It is a celebration of the biggest and most impressive play in the respective sport, and the winner has some serious bragging rights. With home runs being hit at a historic pace this season , this home run derby could feature more excitement than ever before. All eyes in Miami will be on hometown star and the defending champion Giancarlo Stanton as well as rookie phenom Aaron Judge. Those two are the favorites this season and will be looking to put on a show. Let’s quickly refresh on the format of the Derby before we look at the matchups.
Format
As of a few years ago, the home run derby switched to a time format instead of a pitch format. This means that each hitter will get four minutes to hit as many home runs as they can. They can call a timeout if they get tired, and can extend their time if they hit multiple home runs over 440 feet. The hitters will matchup in a bracket-style tournament with seeding determined by the number of home runs hit. Stanton is the number one seed as the defending him, and he is followed by Aaron Judge and the other contestants. The winner of each matchup will move along in the bracket until the finals, where a winner will be crowned.
Matchups
Round 1
#1 Giancarlo Stanton, RF, Marlins (26 HR) vs #8 Gary Sanchez, C, Yankees (13 HR)
#2 Aaron Judge, RF, Yankees (30 HR) vs #7 Justin Bour, 1B, Marlins (20 HR)
#3 Cody Bellinger 1B, Dodgers (25 HR) vs #6 Charlie Blackmon, CF, Rockies (20 HR)
#4 Mike Moustakas, 3B, Royals (25 HR) vs #5 Miguel Sano, 3B, Twins (21 HR)
Round 2 Matchups (predicted)
#1 Stanton vs. #4 Moustakas
#2 Judge vs. #6 Blackmon
Final Matchup (Predicted)
#1 Stanton vs. #2 Judge
Winner (Predicted)
#1 Stanton
