Homerun Derby Features Plenty of Star Power, but Some Big Names are Missing

By: Jacob Moss

As the first half of the MLB season comes to a close, one of the greatest traditions in all of American sports comes into focus. For almost 40 years the Homerun Derby has been one of the greatest spectacles in Major League Baseball. The greatest power hitters in the sport coming together for a single elimination tournament with the winner being crowned the king of the long ball is the pinnacle of All-Star festivities.

This year’s tournament features plenty of heavy hitters, with two-time Derby winner Pete Alonso leading the way. The Met’s first baseman will be looking to tie Ken Griffey Jr’s MLB record of three Homerun Derby titles and is currently the odds-on favorite to win the crown. Dodger’s superstar Mookie Betts will also be in the mix and will be looking win his first Derby title. The youth of the league will also be well represented with names like Oriole’s catcher Adley Rutschman, Blue Jay’s slugger Vlad Guerrero Jr, and Mariner’s superstar Julio Rodríguez all participating. Luis Robert Jr. (White Sox), Randy Arozarena (Marlins), and Adolis Garcia (Texas) round out what is no doubt a very deep and explosive field, but there are a few notable names missing.

Angels’ superstar Shohei Ohtani and Braves’ slugger Matt Olson are currently first and second in the MLB respectively, yet neither will be vying for the Derby crown. Both men were offered a spot in the tournament by the MLB but declined for different reasons. Ohtani is currently dealing with a blister on his throwing hand which will also keep him from pitching in the All-Star game. Olson has stated that while he is grateful for the opportunity, he doesn’t want to risk throwing off his swing mechanics heading into the second half. Another notable Brave who will be absent is MVP frontrunner Ronald Acuña Jr, who like Olson was offered a spot but declined due to concerns over potentially throwing off his swing.

Naturally there is some disappointment with such massive names missing, but there will be plenty of fireworks in Seattle with the field the MLB has put together. A good mix of established stars and up and coming studs is exactly what the MLB needs right now in order to continue growing the game. Guys like Adley Rutschman and Julio Rodríguez are the widely viewed as the next wave in the youth movement that has taken baseball by storm over the last few years and having them go head-to-head in the most exciting event of all-star weekend is exactly what the game needs.