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Home Run Derby at Coors Field: 8 participants we hope to see

By Kevin Henry |
Jun 17, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) hits against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 17, 2021; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels starting pitcher Shohei Ohtani (17) hits against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
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DENVER, CO – APRIL 06: Fans enter the stadium before the Colorado Rockies home opener against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field on April 6, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 06: Fans enter the stadium before the Colorado Rockies home opener against the Atlanta Braves at Coors Field on April 6, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

The world of baseball will turn its eyes to Denver and Coors Field from July 11-13 during Major League Baseball All-Star Game festivities, including the Home Run Derby.

With the best sluggers in the National League and American League having just eight spots available to participate in the Home Run Derby, the spots are precious and reserved for the most prolific long ball hitters in the game today.

Who would be the eight best participants to take part in the 2021 Home Run Derby?

We already know one of the home run hitters who will step up to the plate at 20th and Blake in Los Angeles Angels pitching/slugging phenom Shohei Ohtani. With his announcement on social media on Friday, Ohtani became the first of eight to secure their place in the Home Run Derby.

And Ohtani already has some history of hitting long balls at Coors Field. I was in the press box when Ohtani was taking batting practice before the Rockies and Angels met in a 2018 regular-season game. One swing stopped all of our pregame work and sit in stunned silence.

Also on Friday, we learned that New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge has “no interest” in being in the Home Run Derby unless the game is in the Big Apple, so scratch him off the potential list.

But what about the other seven? Here are some thoughts.

Jun 13, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) singles in the 1st inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 13, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) singles in the 1st inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Ronald Acuna Jr.

Heading into Saturday’s action, the Braves outfielder has 18 homers on the season. The 23-year-old is already a veteran of the Home Run Derby, having made it to the second round before narrowly being beaten by eventual champion Pete Alonso of the New York Mets.

In the 2019 derby, Acuna hit 25 homers in the first round alone, and six of those were massive shots, traveling more than 450 feet. Five of them also had an exit velocity of more than 110 mph.

Earlier this month, MLB Network named him to the top of the list of the Top 25 players under 25 years old. Here’s hoping he shows off his skills in the Home Run Derby.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

At just 22, Colorado Rockies fans are already well aware of the power that Tatis flashes, and they’ve seen it first-hand this season at Coors Field.

Tatis enters Saturday tied for the MLB lead in home runs (with the next player on the list) with 22. He entered the league in 2019 so has never participated in the Home Run Derby. Making his derby debut in 2021 just makes sense.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

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The third of the “juniors” on the page, Guerrero is already familiar with the Home Run Derby, taking his swings during his rookie season of 2019. He put on a display in Cleveland, making it all the way to the finals before Alonso beat him by one homer to win the title.

Perhaps Guerrero would like a chance at revenge in 2021?

With 22 homers, Guerrero is tied for the MLB lead and leads the American League in dingers. He has a slight bit of experience at Coors Field, hitting one homer during a three-game series in May of 2019. If he’s in the Home Run Derby in July, count on plenty more than that from the 22-year-old infielder/designated hitter.

May 3, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) hits a double during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2021; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) hits a double during the third inning against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports /

Pete Alonso

You have to have the defending champ back to fight off all challengers for his crown, right?

Alonso was a rookie when he powered his way to the title in Cleveland in 2019. He hit 53 homers that season, but the power has dropped off since, with the Mets first baseman hitting 16 in last year’s 60-game slate and just 10 so far this year.

He missed some time in May with a hand sprain, but has four of his 10 homers on the season since returning from that injury.

Ryan McMahon

Representing the home team, the Colorado Rockies, should be infielder Ryan McMahon. He’s never participated in a Home Run Derby, but has told us he’d be up for the challenge if asked.

Hitting from the left side of the plate, McMahon’s fluid swing has home at 16 home runs this season. He already knows Coors Field and has shown he knows how to reach the seats at 20th and Blake.

The Rockies enter Saturday with a 25-14 record in Denver. Despite their overall losing record, they’ve found a way to be winners in Denver. Perhaps McMahon could find a way to log another win in front of what should be a partisan crowd.

Adolis García

Hey, everyone likes a good story, right? How about this one from the Texas Rangers of the power hitter who was called up from the alternate site after the season began and has been mashing ever since?

The 28-year-old García has 17 homers on the year, including 11 in the month of May. He didn’t homer in the Rangers’ trip to Coors Field at the beginning of June, so there’s no doubt he would love another crack at reaching the seats.

Next. 4 words sum up Trevor Story's unsure future in Colorado. dark

García has the power. Give him the chance to display it on the biggest power-hitting stage there is.

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