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

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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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.