The 2023 MLB Home Run Derby kicks off on Monday night. Pete Alonso has a chance at history, while Julio Rodriguez looks to take home the title in his home park.
The MLB Home Run Derby bracket is loaded with some of the game's greatest stars. While the event itself serves as a glorified batting practice, unlike the NBA Slam Dunk Contest, this is an event that regularly delivers. In some ways, it's better than the actual All-Star Game itself.
The HR Derby bracket lines up like this:
- (1) Luis Robert Jr. vs. (8) Adley Rutschman
- (2) Pete Alonso vs. (7) Julio Rodríguez
- (3) Mookie Betts vs. (6) Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
- (4) Adolis García vs. (5) Randy Arozarena
Alonso, Julio Rodriguez and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are among the favorites. Alonso is just one Derby title away from tying Ken Griffey Jr., a former Mariner, for most Derbies won. The drama is real at T-Mobile Park, as the hope among fans is that their own homegrown star in Rodriguez will keep Alonso from making history in Seattle.
MLB Home Run Derby 2023 expert picks: Who will win?
Mark Powell, FanSided MLB editor: It's tough to bet against Julio Rodriguez in this scenario, but often the pressure of a hometown favorite is too much to overcome. My money (quite literally) is on Vladdy, who frequently puts on a show in his live BP. The Jays star is destined to provide the MLB world a reminder of just how talented he really is.
Robert Murray, FanSided MLB insider: Vlad Jr is my pick. I was tempted to go with Mariners outfielder Julio Rodriguez — he was a popular pick among people at the All-Star Game considering he's playing in Seattle, per Kevin Henry — but hitting in the Derby in your own stadium comes with a lot of pressure. Can he overcome it? Of course. But I'm going with Vlad Jr.
Cody Williams, FanSided Senior Editor: Randy Arozarena campaigned to get into the derby and got his wish — now it's time to answer the hype. If the World Baseball Classic was any evidence, though, "some m**********r named Randy" lives for the spotlight and he'll be firmly in it on Monday night. Julio Rodriguez would've been the pick if he wasn't under hometown pressure in Seattle, so it's Arozarena taking the crown.
Kevin Henry, FanSided MLB Reporter: When I talked to Josh Hader on the field before the Home Run Derby, he picked J-Rod to go all the way. Who am I to go against the Padres closer and all of these Seattle fans? Let's say the love from the home crowd pushes Julio not only past the Polar Bear, but the rest of the field as well.
MLB Home Run Derby results, round-by-round scores, highlights, analysis
We'll have more once the 2023 HR Derby starts on Monday night.
