The 2022 Home Run Derby is set to get underway on Monday at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, CA. The derby is a chance for MLB's best hitters to showcase their elite power ability. We have seen a number of jaw-dropping performances at the event over the years. And the 2022 Home Run Derby might provide more historic performances.
The field for this year's event looks like this:
Here it is! The HR Derby bracket. Who ya got?
— Ben Verlander (@BenVerlander) July 14, 2022
The 2022 derby will feature players in different stages of their careers. Albert Pujols is in the midst of his final MLB season, while Julio Rodriguez is a rookie. Meanwhile, Jose Ramirez and Corey Seager are All-Stars in their primes, while Ronald Acuna Jr and Juan Soto are young bucks taking MLB by storm. Kyle Schwarber is a veteran power threat, and Pete Alonso is a two-time derby champion.
Alonso enters as the betting favorite. But will he win it for a third consecutive year? Here are 5 bold predictions for the 2022 MLB Home Run Derby.
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5 2022 MLB Home Run Derby predictions
Pete Alonso gets dethroned
Pete Alonso is a two-time champion who is the odds-on betting favorite for this year's derby. But following two impressive performances from the Mets' star, it's time for someone else to shine. But we will talk more about who is going to win it later.
Pete Alonso's pure power is incredible. He has already clubbed 24 home runs in 2022. But there is plenty of talent in this year's home run derby. I fully expect Alonso to perform well… but going up against Ronald Acuna Jr in the first round will not be a simple task.
Albert Pujols gets bounced in the 1st round
Okay, maybe this isn't all that bold. But there are plenty of people who are hoping Pujols shocks the MLB world and performs well in the 2022 Home Run Derby.
However, he is going up against Kyle Schwarber. Schwarber has a swing built for the derby. He has also performed well in his previous derby experience and is second in overall home runs this year as of this story's publication.
Meanwhile, Pujols has all of 6 home runs in 2022. The Cardinals' veteran first baseman is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer without question. But he isn't the same player he once was.
Expect Kyle Schwarber to beat Albert Pujols in round 1.
Jose Ramirez upsets Juan Soto
Most people will pick the No. 4 seeded Juan Soto over No. 5 Jose Ramirez. Soto has stated his bold intentions for the derby and has previous experience in the event. Meanwhile, Guardians' superstar Jose Ramirez has never taken part in the MLB Home Run Derby.
However, J-Ram has unprecedented power that will be on full display at Dodger Stadium. I fully expect Soto to perform well. But Jose Ramirez has the talent to upset the odds.
Julio Rodriguez puts on a show
Every year, there is one player who puts on an absolute show but doesn't win the event. Vladimir Guerrero crushed home runs in Cleveland back in 2019 but lost to Pete Alonso. Josh Hamilton in 2008 is another perfect example.
And Julio Rodriguez is going to be that guy this season.
Rodriguez is one of MLB's most promising young players. His combination of speed and power makes him an extremely dynamic ball player. Rodriguez will have to go through Corey Seager and then either Pete Alonso or Ronald Acuna Jr to even reach the Finals, so his path will be blocked by star-studded talent.
But expect Julio Rodriguez to wow fans despite not winning the event.
And the winner is…
Kyle Schwarber will defeat Ronald Acuna Jr in the 2022 Home Run Derby.
Acuna Jr and Pete Alonso's first round will be exceptional. But I like Acuna Jr as an underdog pick. And then expect a thrilling second round between Ronald Acuna Jr and Julio Rodriguez.
As for Kyle Schwarber, he will take care of business against Albert Pujols to open things up. And then Schwarber will narrowly defeat Jose Ramirez in round 2.
And in an eventful final round, I am predicting that Kyle Schwarber will beat Ronald Acuna Jr.
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