MLB Home Run Derby: Underrated options with loads of potential
By Kyle Cardoza
The MLB Home Run Derby isn’t for a few more weeks, but it’s never too early to begin talk of who should participate. Surely there are going to be the main stars, including possibly Bryce Harper. But there are several other options, including lesser-known guys, that would make it more fun.
If every MLB Home Run Derby featured the top home-run hitters in the league, it would be phenomenal for many fans. However, if that were the case, any winner wouldn’t be a surprise.
Though Aaron Judge sat atop the rankings in the category, he was still a surprise. And unpredictability is one aspect the event needs to be entertaining.
Guys atop the leaderboard already denied participation in the event – Mookie Betts, J.D. Martinez. However, Jose Ramirez, who has 22 bombs this year, plans to join the fun.
That leaves enough room to invite players that are relatively unknown for multiple reasons. First, their teams are already planning for the offseason. Second, injuries disallowed them to hit better than they have.
It doesn’t mean that some of the less recognized players aren’t mashers. Khris Davis is a prime example. He earns some recognition among most baseball fans – not as a premier slugger.
His numbers suggest otherwise, as he clocked more than 40 homers each of the past two years. Barring an extended stint on the disabled list, the Athletics outfielder should eclipse that number this year as well. Yet fans don’t acknowledge his prowess at the plate.
Therefore, this year’s MLB Home Run Derby should include multiple underdog candidates. While some are high-risk, high-reward hitters, others surely would give the audience a sight to see.
Unfortunately for baseball fans, two of the players that would be on the list are injured.
Franchy Cordero, who has knocked the longest home run this season, wouldn’t be able to participate. Also, Matt Adams, who could be the second representative of the home city, cannot either. It’s a shame.
Nevertheless, there are hundreds of baseball players in the league. Only eight obtain invites for this prestigious battle. And some of the hitters in this year’s smash-off should be from the following list.