I like the All-Star Game, but some years, I like the Home Run Derby even more. It depends on the field and the broadcast execution, but there are years when the Derby just captures everyone’s attention and is so magnetic. This year, having not had it since 2019, and taking place a COORS FREAKING FIELD sure has a head start on being a great one.
And now that we’ve seen the full field of participants, I’m mighty excited.
Based on reporting and public announcements, the full field of Home Run Derby entrants this year is just awesome, particularly when you remember that it’s at Coors Field:
Pete Alonso
Joey Gallo
Trey Mancini
Shohei Ohtani
Matt Olson
Sal Perez
Juan Soto
Trevor Story
So you’ve got the defending champ, the guy who hits the ball farther than anyone, the guy who just beat cancer, the guy who is rewriting the history books every day, a guy who always hits a ton of homers but gets forgotten, an extremely fun dude, one of the best young hitters in the game, and the home-town guy. Sure, I can think of another guy or two I’d like to see in there – and also some Cubs – but that’s a good, good field.
The Home Run Derby is Monday, July 12 on ESPN.