Home Run Derby Participants, Predictions & DFS Picks 2023
MLB Home Run Derby 2023
The anticipation is building for the highly anticipated 2023 Home Run Derby, set to take place on Monday, July 10, at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, Washington. Baseball fans from around the world are eagerly awaiting the slugfest, which is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast live on ESPN. With the field now finalized, let's take a closer look at the participants and their chances of winning the prestigious title.
The Field: A Clash of Power and Talent
This year's Home Run Derby will feature eight of the most formidable sluggers in Major League Baseball. Seven of the participants were confirmed prior to the bracket reveal show on ESPN, with the eighth and final contestant being announced during the show. The field is comprised of Julio Rodriguez, Pete Alonso, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Mookie Betts, Randy Arozarena, Luis Robert Jr., Adolis Garcia, and Adley Rutschman.
The 2023 Home Run Derby First Round Bracket
(1) Luis Robert Jr. vs. (8) Adley Rutschman
(2) Pete Alonso vs. (7) Julio Rodríguez
(3) Mookie Betts vs. (6) Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
(4) Adolis García vs. (5) Randy Arozarena
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2023 Home Run Derby Participant Analysis
Julio Rodriguez: Looking for Redemption
Julio Rodriguez, the young star from the Seattle Mariners, made a memorable run to the finals in last year's Home Run Derby. Despite falling just short of the title, Rodriguez captivated the audience with his impressive display of power, hitting a total of 63 home runs throughout the event. This year, with the hometown advantage and the support of the Seattle crowd, Rodriguez will be aiming to go all the way and claim the championship.
- 2023 Home Runs: 13
- Longest: 454 feet
"J-Rod" is hungry for redemption after posting an incredible run in 2022 and then coming up short in the end. Rodriguez is sure to post another must-watch performance on Monday night. Click here to place an entry on The Board.
Pete Alonso: The Derby Specialist
Pete Alonso, the New York Mets slugger, is no stranger to the Home Run Derby. Having already won the event twice in 2019 and 2021, Alonso has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with when it comes to crushing long balls. With 25 home runs under his belt so far this season, Alonso is eager to add another Home Run Derby title to his impressive resume.
- 2023 Home Runs: 25
- Longest: 448 feet
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.: Power Personified
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., the talented infielder from the Toronto Blue Jays, has been making waves in the MLB with his incredible power and hitting prowess. With 12 home runs this season, Guerrero Jr. possesses the raw power and skill to make a deep run in the Home Run Derby. His ability to consistently hit long balls and his experience in high-pressure situations make him a formidable opponent.
- 2023 Home Runs: 12
- Longest: 450 feet
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is easily one of the top competitors despite being a 6-seed. Vlad has hit some absolute bombs this season and is ready to show why he belongs in the derby. Click here to place an entry on The Board
Mookie Betts: A New Challenger
Mookie Betts, the star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers, will be making his debut in the Home Run Derby. Known for his all-around skills and consistent power, Betts has the potential to be a dark horse in this year's competition. With 22 home runs already this season, Betts has shown that he has the ability to hit the ball out of the park with authority.
- 2023 Home Runs: 22
- Longest: 426 feet
Randy Arozarena: The Showstopper
Randy Arozarena, the electrifying outfielder for the Tampa Bay Rays, has a flair for the dramatic and a knack for performing on the big stage. Whether it's the playoffs or the World Baseball Classic, Arozarena has consistently delivered in high-pressure situations. With 16 home runs already this season, Arozarena has the potential to put on a show and make a deep run in the Home Run Derby.
- 2023 Home Runs: 16
- Longest: 436 feet
With 16 home runs already this season, the Tampa outfielder could easily top that in the derby with the right conditions. Click here to place an entry on The Board.
Luis Robert Jr.: The Emerging Powerhouse
Luis Robert Jr., the rising star outfielder for the Chicago White Sox, has been turning heads with his impressive power and athleticism. With 25 home runs this season, Robert Jr. is among the league leaders in long balls and has the potential to hit mammoth shots in the Home Run Derby. His raw power and ability to consistently make solid contact make him a dangerous opponent.
- 2023 Home Runs: 25
- Longest: 450 feet
Adolis Garcia: The Hidden Gem
Adolis Garcia, the power-hitting outfielder for the Texas Rangers, may not be a household name yet, but he has been quietly putting up impressive numbers this season. With 21 home runs and a league-leading 69 RBI, Garcia has shown that he has the power and ability to compete with the best in the Home Run Derby. His ability to hit the ball to all fields and his consistent hard contact make him a formidable opponent.
- 2023 Home Runs: 22
- Longest: 450 feet
Adley Rutschman: The Underdog
Adley Rutschman, the promising catcher for the Baltimore Orioles, may be the underdog in this year's Home Run Derby. With 11 home runs this season, Rutschman may not have the power numbers of some of his competitors, but he has shown that he has the ability to win. As a Portland native and former college baseball star at Oregon State, Rutschman will have the support of the local fans as he looks to pull off a surprising victory.
- 2023 Home Runs: 11
- Longest: 424 feet
Although he's off to a quite start to the season compared to his competitors, don't be surprised if Rutschman shows up ready to go for gold on Monday night. Click here to place an entry on The Board.
MLB Home Run Derby Rules
The 2023 Home Run Derby will consist of three rounds, with each round putting the participants head-to-head in a bracket-style format. The first two rounds will last for three minutes, while the final round will last for two minutes.
In the first round, all eight players will compete against each other, with the seeding determined by the number of home runs hit by each player heading into the All-Star break. The top-seeded player will face the eighth-seeded player, the second-seeded player will face the seventh-seeded player, and so on.
The winners of the first round will advance to the second round, where they will go head-to-head once again. The home runs from the previous round will not carry over, and the seeding for the second round will be determined by the number of home runs hit in the previous round.
The winner of the second round will advance to the final round, where they will face off against the winner of the other semifinal matchup. The player who hits the most home runs in the final round will be crowned the champion of the Home Run Derby.
In the event of a tie, each player will have 60 seconds to hit as many home runs as possible. The player with the most home runs in that time period will be declared the winner.
The Ultimate Prize: Home Run Derby Glory
The Home Run Derby is not only a showcase of power and skill, but also an opportunity for players to etch their names in baseball history. Past winners of the Home Run Derby include legends such as Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, and Aaron Judge, who have all left a lasting impact on the game.
As the stage is set and the participants are ready to unleash their power, the 2023 Home Run Derby promises to be a thrilling spectacle. With a field of talented and dynamic hitters, the competition will be fierce and the long balls will be flying. So mark your calendars and get ready for an unforgettable night of home runs and baseball glory in Seattle.
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