The 2018 entry of the Midsummer Classic is less than two weeks away. The Home Run Derby is also just around the corner. As always, the best and brightest will come together and showcase what they bring to the table. Here are a few predictions for both the Home Run Derby and the All-Star Game.
A few midsummer predictions will include potential All-Star game starters and MVP candidates. We will also preview Home Run Derby constants and who might have the best chance of winning the contest. Opinion based? Maybe. But like every baseball fan, we can’t wait for what the festivities in Washington D.C. may behold.
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The American League is stacked with talent, to say the least. If you’ve been keeping up with the All-Star Voting polls, you might already have some idea of who will be starting on the diamond. As of right now, Boston’s Mookie Betts and L.A. Angel, Mike Trout are leading the count for two of the three outfielder positions. Baltimore’s Manny Machado will most likely start at shortstop, while Houston’s Jose Altuve will run away with the starting second baseman spot. Betts’ teammate, J.D. Martinez, will also reign as starting designated hitter.
As for the National League, the line-up will be loaded as well. One should expect Colorado’s Nolan Arenado to occupy third base, while San Francisco’s Brandon Crawford lines up at shortstop. Do not be surprised to see Atlanta’s Nick Markakis in the outfield and Cincinnati’s Scooter Gennett start at second base. The first base position might be tougher to pick between Atlanta’s Freddie Freeman and Milwaukee’s Jesus Aguilar to choose from. One big prediction here is the Miami Marlin on the NL roster will be catcher J.T. Realmuto.
As for more midsummer predictions, Luis Severino of the Yankees and Jon Lester of the Cubs will most likely start from the pitcher’s mound.
(Image courtesy of Washington Post)
For this year’s Home Run Derby, Washington’s Bryce Harper is among the latest confirmed to participate. The rest of the field still remains a mystery, with several notable sluggers holding off on a decision. Everyone has a favorite player(s) that they would like to see swing for the fences July 16. In the spirit of it, here is a list of potential home run contestants we predict to represent their leagues.
In addition to leading the NL in home runs and RBI’s, Arenado has belted four home runs and eight RBI’s in his last seven games.
2. Bryce Harper, Washington: 21 HR, .215 BA, 50 RBI
Harper has now been known for recording high batting averages, especially this season. But no doubt the results are devastating when he connects.
3. Jesus Aguilar, Milwaukee: 19 HR, .303 BA, 55 RBI
Aguilar is one of many things going right for the Brewers this year. In the midst of a breakout season, #24 can take over the contest.
4. Eugenio Suarez, Cincinnati: 17 HR, .308 BA, 63 RBI
Eugenio Suarez is aiming for career highs from the batter’s box in 2018. A Home Run Derby title will make his season one he’ll never forget.
1. Mike Trout, Los Angeles: 24 HR, .310 BA, 49 RBI
Arguably the biggest fan favorite for the Derby, Trout can add to his already impressive resume by taking the 2018 title for himself.
2. Jose Ramirez, Cleveland: 24 HR, .294 BA, 56 RBI
Cleveland would cast a dominant presence in this year’s Derby. Jose has belted three home runs and nine RBI in his last 15 games, along with a .321 batting average in that span.
3. Francisco Lindor, Cleveland: 23 HR, .297 BA, 55 RBI
Lindor is riding the highest in the field right now. In his last seven games, #12 has tallied four home runs and 11 RBI, in addition to a .357 batting average.
4. Manny Machado, Baltimore: 21 HR, .308 BA, 59 RBI
Manny Machado has no doubt returned to his All-Star strides this season. With his batting average rising back up, Machado could keep going yard and have a hard time stopping.
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