Home Run Derby Overview
Who won the home run derby – The Home Run Derby is an annual Major League Baseball (MLB) event where the league’s best power hitters compete to see who can hit the most home runs.
Alright, let’s get back to the home run derby. We had some great hitters competing, but in the end, it was insert winner’s name who took home the trophy. Speaking of great hitters, have you heard of Angel Di Maria?
This Argentinian wizard is one of the best wingers in the world. He’s got skills that would make even the most seasoned defenders look like amateurs. So, while we’re talking about home run derby winners, let’s not forget about the incredible talent of Angel Di Maria.
Click here to learn more about him!
The competition was first held in 1985 and has been held every year since, except for 1994 when the MLB season was canceled due to a players’ strike. The Derby is held during the All-Star break and is one of the most popular events of the MLB season.
And the winner of the Home Run Derby is… well, let’s just say it’s not Aaron Judge or Pete Alonso. But hey, speaking of winners, did you know that Alexis Mac Allister, the Argentinian midfielder, is tearing it up for Brighton?
Check out his highlights here. Back to the derby, I’m sure the fans in Seattle are still buzzing about the show they witnessed.
Rules and Format
The Home Run Derby is a single-elimination tournament. The eight participants are seeded based on their regular season home run totals, with the top seed facing the eighth seed, the second seed facing the seventh seed, and so on.
Each batter gets 10 outs in the first round. The top four batters advance to the second round, where they get 12 outs. The top two batters from the second round advance to the final round, where they get 15 outs.
The batter with the most home runs at the end of the final round wins the Home Run Derby.
Past Home Run Derby Winners: Who Won The Home Run Derby
The Home Run Derby has been a fan favorite event since its inception in 1985. Over the years, some of baseball’s biggest stars have competed for the title of Home Run Derby champion.
Here’s a table listing the past winners of the Home Run Derby:
| Year | Winner | Number of Home Runs |
|---|---|---|
| 1985 | Dave Kingman | 35 |
| 1986 | Wally Joyner | 33 |
| 1987 | Gary Gaetti | 31 |
| 1988 | Kirk Gibson | 31 |
| 1989 | Kevin Mitchell | 31 |
| 1990 | Ryne Sandberg | 27 |
| 1991 | Rafael Palmeiro | 30 |
| 1992 | Juan Gonzalez | 31 |
| 1993 | Juan Gonzalez | 36 |
| 1994 | No Home Run Derby | – |
| 1995 | Greg Vaughn | 32 |
| 1996 | Barry Bonds | 35 |
| 1997 | Tino Martinez | 27 |
| 1998 | Mark McGwire | 39 |
| 1999 | Sammy Sosa | 31 |
| 2000 | Sammy Sosa | 35 |
| 2001 | Luis Gonzalez | 31 |
| 2002 | Jason Giambi | 31 |
| 2003 | Garret Anderson | 27 |
| 2004 | Miguel Tejada | 32 |
| 2005 | Bobby Abreu | 41 |
| 2006 | Ryan Howard | 28 |
| 2007 | Vladimir Guerrero | 27 |
| 2008 | Justin Morneau | 28 |
| 2009 | Prince Fielder | 28 |
| 2010 | David Ortiz | 28 |
| 2011 | Robinson Cano | 32 |
| 2012 | Giancarlo Stanton | 26 |
| 2013 | Chris Davis | 27 |
| 2014 | Yoenis Cespedes | 27 |
| 2015 | Todd Frazier | 38 |
| 2016 | Giancarlo Stanton | 61 |
| 2017 | Aaron Judge | 47 |
| 2018 | Bryce Harper | 19 |
| 2019 | Pete Alonso | 57 |
| 2020 | No Home Run Derby | – |
| 2021 | Pete Alonso | 55 |
| 2022 | Juan Soto | 53 |
Some notable performances in the Home Run Derby include:
- Barry Bonds’ 35 home runs in 1996, which was a record at the time.
- Giancarlo Stanton’s 61 home runs in 2016, which is the current record.
- Aaron Judge’s 47 home runs in 2017, which was the most home runs hit in a single round of the Home Run Derby.
Analysis of Contenders
The upcoming Home Run Derby promises to be a thrilling spectacle, featuring some of the most powerful hitters in the league. Let’s take a closer look at the top contenders and their chances of taking home the crown.
Several factors contribute to a hitter’s success in the Home Run Derby. These include raw power, swing mechanics, pitch recognition, and the ability to handle the pressure of the moment. Let’s examine these factors for each of the top contenders:
Aaron Judge, Who won the home run derby
- Strengths: Judge possesses immense raw power, having led the league in home runs in each of the past two seasons. His towering 6’7″ frame and quick bat speed generate effortless power.
- Weaknesses: While Judge is a feared power hitter, his swing can sometimes be a bit long, making him susceptible to breaking balls and off-speed pitches.
- Chances of Winning: Judge is one of the favorites to win the Home Run Derby, given his combination of power and experience. He has a good chance of reaching the final rounds.
Pete Alonso
- Strengths: Alonso is another slugger with incredible power. He won the Home Run Derby in 2019 and has consistently ranked among the league leaders in home runs.
- Weaknesses: Alonso’s swing can also be a bit long, and he may struggle against pitchers who can locate their pitches effectively.
- Chances of Winning: Alonso is a strong contender, but his chances may depend on the matchups he faces in the early rounds.
Kyle Schwarber
- Strengths: Schwarber is a left-handed hitter with impressive power. He has a quick bat and a good eye at the plate.
- Weaknesses: Schwarber’s swing can be a bit inconsistent, and he may be prone to strikeouts if he is not seeing the ball well.
- Chances of Winning: Schwarber is a dark horse candidate, but he has the potential to surprise if he can find his rhythm early in the competition.
Ronald Acuña Jr.
- Strengths: Acuña is a young star with exceptional bat speed and power. He is also a good runner, which could give him an advantage in the Derby format.
- Weaknesses: Acuña has not yet participated in the Home Run Derby, so he may not be as comfortable with the pressure and the unique rules of the event.
- Chances of Winning: Acuña is a wildcard, but his raw talent and athleticism make him a potential threat.
These are just a few of the top contenders for the upcoming Home Run Derby. With a combination of power, skill, and a bit of luck, any of these players could emerge victorious.
