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The 2017 Home Run Derby is going to be lit. But who will win?
The Home Run Derby is a loop of the most exciting play in baseball.
This year’s contest features two of the strongest and most prolific power hitters in recent memory, Marlins behemoth Giancarlo Stanton and Yankees rookie masher Aaron Judge.
Stanton, who is enjoying a career season, is looking to defend his crown in front of his hometown crowd. Judge, who stands a towering 6 foot 7 inches tall, burst onto the scene in his first year and has quickly established himself as an MVP candidate in the American League.
Both Judge and Stanton have the ability to launch baseballs 500+ feet, which should keep fans on the edge of their seats throughout the night. But, the competition also features some of baseball’s brightest young stars.
Here are some predictions for tonight’s Home Run Derby:
Longest Home Run
Giancarlo Stanton (524 feet)
Stanton has hit multiple home runs over 490 feet in his career. Though Marlins Park is a pitcher-friendly stadium, Stanton will have the crowd behind him, which should provide some extra adrenaline.
Dark Horse
Dodgers first basemen Cody Bellinger
Another rookie tearing up baseball, Bellinger has served as Aaron Judge’s equivalent in the National League, dominating pitchers in his first season.
At the All-Star break, Bellinger has slugged 25 home runs, good for second in the NL.
Bellinger’s upper-cut swing is tailor made for the derby, and he should have success launching towering fly balls to right field, the shortest part of Marlins Park.
Fewest Home Runs
Royals third basemen Mike Moustakas
Moustakas feels like the type of player that will have 3 home runs in the first round and flame out fairly quickly. Moustakas has changed his swing path, allowing him to hit more home runs but he has always been more of a line drive hitter.
Winner
Giancarlo Stanton
Stanton is familiar with the confines of Marlins Park and will enter the derby with a refined strategy. He also has the added benefit of being the No. 1 seed and being on the opposite side of the bracket from Judge.
Stanton will win the derby and hit the most home runs throughout the night. Look for some shots from Stanton to enter another orbit.