Who Is Competing In The Home Run Derby?

The Home Run Derby is one of the marquee all-star events in all of sports. In recent years we have seen a dip in quality though as the format has been tweaked and less stars participate. This year we have no shortage of stars making an appearance. The whole field will be announced on Thursday but let’s take a look at who we know so far.

Juan Soto (115 Career HRs)

WASHINGTON, DC – MAY 10: Juan Soto #22 of the Washington Nationals reacts after fouling out to end the eighth inning against the New York Mets at Nationals Park on May 10, 2022 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

Soto participated in the event last year and even said it helped him tweak his swing ahead of his monster second half of the season. Soto is one of the best young stars in the league and is expecting to become the highest paid player in baseball history so having him involved in the event is a huge win for MLB.

Ronald Acuña Jr. (113 Career HR’s)

Jul 10, 2021; Miami, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) runs to first base after his at bat during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Acuña is back and better than ever after tearing his ACL last season. Arguably the most electric player in the game, his energy and star power will be a great addition to the event. He has huge power and if the conditions are right the ball will be flying out of Dodger Stadium.

Pete Alonso (129 Career HRs)

Creator: JASON SZENES | Credit: JASON SZENES FOR THE NEW YORK POST

The two time derby champ is making his return. Alonso has put on two of the greatest derby performances of all-time so seeing him still interested in participating in the event is awesome. The Mets are having a great season and Alonso agreeing to participate only helps bring more eyes to the event.

Albert Pujols (684 Career HRs)

St. Louis Cardinals’ Albert Pujols bats during the first inning of a baseball game against the San Diego Padres Tuesday, May 31, 2022, in St. Louis. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)

Maybe you have heard of this guy. Pujols was a legends selection to the All Star Game by commissioner Rob Manfred and now he is locked into participating in the derby as well. Pujols power has waned but seeing a legend in this event is still extremely exciting and maybe he has one last power performance in him.

Giancarlo Stanton (Rumored, 369 Career HRs)

TAMPA, FLORIDA – MARCH 30: Giancarlo Stanton #27 of the New York Yankees runs to first base after hitting a single in the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays during a Grapefruit League spring training game at George Steinbrenner Field on March 30, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Stanton has not been officially announced but he publicly said he was considering doing it, and LA is his hometown. This whole situation just seems like MLB was not ready to announce it yet so he couldn’t just confirm he would be participating. The last time Stanton hit in the derby it propelled him to his incredible 2nd half in 2017 where he was named MVP. Stanton’s power is different than any player in the game, watching him hit in the derby will be a joy.

Kyle Schwarber (181 Career HRs)

PHILADELPHIA, PA – JUNE 30: Philadelphia Phillies Left Fielder Kyle Schwarber (12) watches his three run home run during the third inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Atlanta Braves and the Philadelphia Phillies on June 30, 2022, at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire)

Schwarber is on pace to shatter the highest home run total of his career. He is sitting at 28 before we reach the all-star break. His career high is 38. Schwarber has always been know for monster power so watching him participate in this event is going to be a ton of fun.

This is everyone confirmed or heavily implied to be participating. So far it is a great mix of young stars, old stars and some of the greatest power hitters in the game. Who else do you want to see added into the field? Let us know below.