The Major League Baseball All Star break kicks off tonight with the 2018 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at 8 PM on ESPN. Eight competitors will take the field and display some of their raw power at Nationals Park. This years eight contestants make up the youngest field ever. Here are the match-ups for the 2018 MLB Home Run Derby.
1 Jesus Aguilar vs 8 Rhys Hoskins
- Aguilar: 24 HR’s
- Hoskins: 14 HR’s
Aguilar has been on a torrid pace since May, hitting 22 home runs in 54 games. Hoskins has gone deep in Nationals Park four times in ten career games. Hoskins may put up a good fight, but I would take Aguilar in this matchup.
2 Bryce Harper vs 7 Freddie Freeman
- Harper: 23 HR’s
- Freeman: 16 HR’s
This match-up of two NL East slugging lefties is much anticipated. Harper may be struggling offensively this year, but he is still crushing long balls. He should be more than comfortable teeing off in his home ballpark tonight. Freddie Freeman hits to all fields, and is enjoying a huge offensive season. This matchup could go either way, but Harper will likely take the W.
3 Max Muncy vs 6 Javier Baez
- Muncy: 22 HR’s
- Baez: 19 HR’s
Max Muncy has broke onto the scene in a huge way in 2018, crushing 22 home runs out of nowhere in the first half. The breakout kid is going to put on a show, and will show the world just who he is. Javy Baez has also been enjoined a breakout year, and is a free swinger. He can certainly put a jolt into some baseballs. This match-up will be a fun one, but Muncy will prevail in the end.
4 Alex Bregman vs 5 Kyle Schwarber
- Bregman: 20 HR’s
- Schwarber: 18 HR’s
Bregman is a dead pull hitter, so expect bombs to left field. He has been on a torrid pace, carrying the Astros offense. The 24-year old is enjoying a nice breakout 2018 campaign. The slim Kyle Schwarber still has some pop in that bat. When he gets a hold of one, it will travel a long way. In the end, the young star Bregman will win this match-up.
Final Result
I personally would like to see Alex Bregman win it all. However, I anticipate him being defeated by Aguilar i the semi-finals. This would then set-up a Aguilar vs the home-town hero Bryce Harper in the finals. Harper will ultimately be willed to a HRD championship by his home fans.
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