1. Albert Pujols (Angels)- Pujols needs no introduction. He has amassed six Silver Slugger awards in his illustrious career and he has led the NL in home runs twice, so it’s no surprise he is number one on our power rankings. Having been named an All-Star 10 times, both as a St. Louis Cardinal icon, and a 1-2 punch with Mike Trout and the Angels, he has no shortage of experience when it comes to representing baseball at the Midsummer Classic. With over 500 career home runs, Pujols can hit any pitch out of any part of the field. He is the oldest participant at 35 years old, yet he has hit 26 home runs this season alone, proving his power hasn’t laid off one bit. Having played in the World Series multiple times, and making the playoffs several times, Pujols has the clutch gene necessary to raise his game. The only thing that can stop him are his own standards, but we’ve come to expect him to embrace the moment as he has throughout his 14-year MLB career. His extraordinary bat and his cool and calm demeanor makes him the favorite to come out on top.
Juan Negrette, Staff Writer
2. Prince Fielder (Rangers)- The Rangers’ first baseman has had arguably the most prolific career of any of this year’s participants – maybe even of any Home Run Derby. Fielder has won All-Star Game MVP honors and there is no concern here as far as a lack of experience, as he has won the Home Run Derby twice. The real question is whether or not he can threepeat. Although his age may seem like a concern, Fielder still boasts one of the more powerful bats in the game, which is made clear by his .339 batting average along with his 54 RBIs. The only person in his way is Todd Frazier, home-team favorite, who will have the whole crowd’s support along with the familiarity of playing in his territory. However, as a six-time All-Star, not many things faze Fielder and he will find a way to settle in at Great American Ballpark and focus on hitting baseballs out of the park. Although many factors play into winning an event like this, experience cannot be overlooked. Fielder knows more than the others what it takes to come out on top.
Juan Negrette, Staff Writer
3. Todd Frazier (Reds)- Reds infielder Frazier will be making his All-Star Game debut in front of his home crowd and hopes to put on a show. Despite this being his first All-Star Game, the 29-year-old is no rookie, and will be all business as he tries to secure a victory for the multitude of Reds fans who will show up to cheer him on. He has a strong chance of winning, but he must dethrone two-time home run derby champion Fielder in the first round. Provided he can take down Fielder, Frazier should have no stiff competition unless he encounters Pujols in the final round. This season, Frazier has hit a staggering 25 home runs, has a .284 batting average, and .585 slugging percentage. These statistics highlight the impressive year he’s having and there is no question Frazier has tremendous power, and possibly the strongest motive for winning this derby. Although it’s unlikely he can beat Fielder or Pujols, the new format may give the newcomer an edge.
Tyler Crum, Staff Writer
4. Kris Bryant (Cubs)- Rookie phenom Bryant was tearing up the opposition during training camp and because of this, the Cubs held off the rare talent for the first few weeks of the season in order to gain one more year of control and the rights to Bryant. It has paid off. With the 23-year-old making the All-Star game in his first season, the raw talent and athleticism mixed with the power bat makes Bryant one of the favorites to shock the baseball world and take the Derby in his first appearance. He has a great shot to exceed his No. 8 pre-Derby rankings and nothing to lose, allowing him to swing all his power out of the park. He lacks experience, but his youth could play in his favor, and the strength in his swing places him higher than some competing. We saw the kinds of things he could accomplish in the MLB when he was hitting a home run in seemingly every spring training game, and although his 12 home runs are the lowest of any participant, his potential is unmatched. While Bryant will likely have to channel the same kind of power he had during spring training, he has what it takes and looks more than ready for the big stage.
Juan Negrette, Staff Writer
5. Anthony Rizzo (Cubs)- In addition to the Home Run Derby, Rizzo will also participate in the All-Star Game as the National League’s starting DH. His selection was a no-brainer for the NL team as he is currently batting .298 with 16 home runs this season. Rizzo is a solid hitter with one All-Star game appearance already under his belt, so don’t expect him to be starry-eyed and nervous when he steps up to the plate later tonight. Instead, expect the lefty to have a strong performance and really take advantage of Great American Ballpark’s short right field. For Rizzo and fellow left-handed batters, Joc Pederson and Fielder, a meager 325-foot shot down right field line is all they need to park one over the fence. No particular aspect about his hitting game really stands out in comparison to the other guys in the derby, which is why he is listed at No. 5.
Tyler Crum, Staff Writer
6. Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays)- Donaldson was at the gates of stardom with the Oakland Athletics and has stepped up as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays. The 29-year-old third baseman has as strong a bat as any other member of the Toronto lineup, including one previous participant in the Home Run Derby, Jose Bautista. Donaldson has a batting average nearing the .300 mark, and his 21 home runs show he can hit the ball out of the park on any given at-bat. There are a few obstacles in Donaldson’s path to Derby glory. The unfortunate timing of a bout of flu has kept him out of the lineup in recent days and this could have an effect on his power. Another obstacle is lack of experience — although other participants face the same obstacle, the edge has to be given to the potential those young guys bring to the field. Going head to head with one of those guys, the odds are not in Donaldson’s favor. Still, his “nothing to lose” mentality combined with his consistent power-hitting could lead to an appearance in the semifinal round.
Juan Negrette, Staff Writer
7. Joc Pederson (Dodgers)- Pederson has a very eventful All-Star break ahead of him, as the centerfielder has also been selected to replace the injured Matt Holliday as the NL’s starting leftfielder. He is the Dodgers’ first rookie to start in an All-Star game, and it is unclear whether his promotion will help, hurt or have no effect on his performance in the derby. Pederson has a respectable 20 home runs this season, ranking him 12th in the majors and first among his fellow NL centerfielders. He is seventh in our power rankings because his recent play hasn’t been indicative of his reputation as a slugger; in the last 30 games he has hit only three home runs in 99 at-bats.
Tyler Crum, Staff Writer
8. Manny Machado (Orioles)- Machado could be higher on this list if a slew of injuries had not derailed his young promising career with Baltimore. These injuries have curved his potential to a certain extent and there are some guys on this list with a greater probability of winning the Derby. While Machado has hit a career-high 19 home runs, he is the youngest participant, he is inexperienced and he doesn’t have the same kind of power the other young guys do, making us pause at the thought of him being the last one standing. Still, the 22-year-old will showcase some of his bat and will show a glimpse into a future that could see the Cuban third baseman participate in many more derbies and Midsummer Classic games. Right now, Machado will have to settle in at last place and hope he can channel the same strength used in his 19 homers this season to pull off the upset against other young talent and veteran power bats.
Juan Negrette, Staff Writer