Just like last year, there are no Chicago Cubs in the 2017 Home Run Derby, and that makes me sad. Although they both had brief appearances back in 2015, Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo’s participation a couple years ago certainly made it a bit more fun than usual.
But hey, if there are no Cubs in the derby, there’s no way any of them can get hurt or mess up their swing or whatever other unfortunate thing that could (and definitely would, to this team) happen in the fun, exhibition event.
The Derby will be on ESPN at 7pm CT, and here’s your bracket:
The @TMobile #HRDerby bracket is out.
Get ready for some POWER. pic.twitter.com/RQJ64bX70w
— MLB (@MLB) July 5, 2017
I’ve gotten the question a few times today, and my best guess is the same as MLB: Aaron Judge or Giancarlo Stanton. I’d be inclined to go with Judge, but I’ve been burned by some promising rookies (or similarly young players) in past years.
Seriously, they always underperform:
2016: Corey Seager (out in round one)
2015: Kris Bryant (out in round one)
2014: Yasiel Puig (out and 0 homers in the first round)
So, then, yeah, I’m rolling with a Giancarlo Stanton repeat in Miami tonight. Who are you taking?