Semifinals
1 seed Kyle Schwarber vs. 4 seed Juan Soto
Ah, a good old-fashioned NL East matchup in the semifinals. This is where Soto met defeat in 2021, but it’s likely that he learned something then that could help him here. In fact, we’re confident in that possibility.
Schwarber has plenty of power, but will he use it all in the first round? We smell an upset.
Prediction: Soto wins
Bonus Prediction: This will be the best matchup of the night
2 seed Pete Alonso vs. 6 seed Julio Rodríguez
The folks at ESPN have to be salivating over the potential of this matchup. One of the most exciting rookies in some time against the two-time champion in the semifinals as Los Angeles sits back to watch the star-studded matchup.
Wouldn’t it be quite the Hollywood moment if the kid knocks off the veteran? It would … but the Polar Bear has no desire to see his trilogy come to an end like that.
Prediction: Alonso wins
Finals
2 seed Pete Alonso vs. 4 seed Juan Soto
What is better drama … the guy going for the three-peat or the superstar who is trying to end it?
Last season, Alonso hit 23 home runs to win the title. In 2019, he needed 23 home runs as well. So 23 seems to be the magic number in the final round for the Polar Bear. In what will be another NL East showdown, can Alonso produce enough to outslug Soto? We say yes … and don’t be surprised if he hits 23 in the finals again.
Defeating Acuña Jr., Rodríguez, and Soto? It’s a gauntlet, but Alonso can absolutely make it happen.
Prediction: Alonso wins
What did we get wrong? Who are you taking to win the Derby? Let us know in the comments section below.