MLB Home Run Derby: Underrated options with loads of potential

LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 12: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers watches his two run homerun to take a 3-0 lead over the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Dodger Stadium on June 12, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - JUNE 12: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers watches his two run homerun to take a 3-0 lead over the Texas Rangers during the second inning at Dodger Stadium on June 12, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
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MLB Home Run
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – JUNE 02: Mac Williamson #51 of the San Francisco Giants bats against the Philadelphia Phillies in the bottom of the second inning at AT&T Park on June 2, 2018 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

MLB Home Run Derby: Mac Williamson

Fans want to see Madison Bumgarner in an MLB Home Run Derby at some point. Until then, Williamson will do.

The left-handed hitter makes AT&T Park look like his playground at times. And despite some injury issues, he has launched some home runs this year worthy of attention.

His longest bomb of the season landed 464 feet from the plate, which ranks as the 13th longest home runs this year.

Williamson wasn’t quite known for his power prior to this year. But a torrid start to the year in Triple-A changed that quickly.

The 27-year-old crushed eight home runs in 16 games before getting promoted. He continued his hot stretch by swatting three more homers in his first five MLB games.

Yet, a concussion and shoulder injury slowed him down. However, the outfielder is a microwave – he heats up quick. If he can return back to where he was at the beginning of the season, he could reach 15 to 20 home runs.

Nonetheless, that could be difficult at the Giants’ home field. Although, the San Francisco park doesn’t rank last in home runs this season, which is somewhat of a surprise.

Still, Williamson wouldn’t be mashing at his home field in the derby. And Nationals Park has a shorter right porch, which would provide him with an advantage.

While he could ultimately be a dud, he also has the potential to make a decent run at some point.