theScore's guide to the 2017 Home Run Derby
Stay with theScore for live updates during the 2017 Home Run Derby
When: Monday, July 10, 8 p.m. ET
Where: Marlins Park, Miami
TV: ESPN, Sportsnet
Everyone digs the long ball.
With home runs being hit at a record-setting pace so far this season (1.26 per game, the most to date in the modern era), the derby has quickly developed into one of the most entertaining All-Star game events in sports.
Related: 5 ways to make the Home Run Derby actually fun
Will a young slugger like Aaron Judge, Cody Bellinger, or Miguel Sano dethrone reigning champion Giancarlo Stanton? Or will an underdog such as Justin Bour emerge to capture the title from his teammate?
Participants
| Player | Team | Regular-season HRs |
|---|---|---|
| Aaron Judge | Yankees | 30 |
| Giancarlo Stanton | Marlins | 26 |
| Mike Moustakas | Royals | 25 |
| Cody Bellinger | Dodgers | 25 |
| Miguel Sano | Twins | 21 |
| Charlie Blackmon | Rockies | 20 |
| Justin Bour | Marlins | 20 |
| Gary Sanchez | Yankees | 13 |
Bracket
The @TMobile #HRDerby bracket is out.
— MLB (@MLB) July 5, 2017
Get ready for some POWER. pic.twitter.com/RQJ64bX70w
Past Winners
2010: David Ortiz, Boston Red Sox
2011: Robinson Cano, New York Yankees
2012: Prince Fielder, Detroit Tigers
2013, 2014: Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland Athletics
2015: Todd Frazier, Cincinnati Reds
2016: Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins
Notable records
| Record | Player | Total | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most HRs in single round | Josh Hamilton | 28 | 2008 |
| Most single-derby HRs | Giancarlo Stanton | 61 | 2016 |
| Most combined all-time derby HRs | Todd Frazier | 91 | 2014-2016 |
| Most consecutive titles | Ken Griffey Jr./Yoenis Cespedes | 2 | 1998/99-2013/14 |
Odds
| Player | Odds |
|---|---|
| Giancarlo Stanton | 9-5 |
| Aaron Judge | 9-5 |
| Cody Bellinger | 5-1 |
| Miguel Sano | 7-1 |
| Mike Moustakas | 14-1 |
| Gary Sanchez | 16-1 |
| Justin Bour | 16-1 |
| Charlie Blackmon | 20-1 |
(Odds courtesy: Vegas Insider)
The Front-runners
Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins
If there's one player who can repeat and become the third player in derby history to win the title twice, Stanton is that guy. The 27-year-old slugger has averaged 29 home runs per season for his career, despite a lengthy injury history.
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
Judge emerging as a slugging star has been the story of 2017 thus far, and the hulking rookie adding a Home Run Derby title would be undoubtedly impressive.
The 25-year-old is projected to finish the season with 57 home runs, and considering he leads baseball in homers (30) and average exit velocity (97.2 mph), the derby title is well within reach.
Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers
Another one of baseball's brightest young stars, it feels like only yesterday that Bellinger made his major-league debut (it was actually April 25).
Since then, the slugger has broken a bevvy of home-run records, none more impressive than becoming the fastest player to record six multi-homer games.
The Contenders
Mike Moustakas, Kansas City Royals
Moose's career year has come at a great time, as he's slated to become a free agent at season's end. He already has a career-high 25 home runs, and his OPS (.863) and slugging percentage (.559) are the best they've ever been.
While Stanton, Judge, and Bellinger carry big-name value heading into the event, Moustakas' power is right up there with them, as evidenced by his .289 ISO, which ranks him sixth in the AL.
Charlie Blackmon, Colorado Rockies
Blackmon versus Bellinger in the first round will eliminate a very strong performer, but the savvy veteran from Colorado might have what it takes to edge out the star rookie.
Hitting in Coors Field has certainly spiked Blackmon's numbers, but that shouldn't take away from the fact that he's emerged as baseball's most prominent leadoff hitter, one with underrated power. With 20 home runs already, he's sure to surpass his 29 from a year ago.
The Dark Horse
Miguel Sano, Minnesota Twins
With other sluggers making a name for themselves in Los Angeles and New York, there's another powerful young hitter in Minnesota that deserves just as much, if not more, attention Monday.
After going through a sophomore slump last year following a terrific rookie campaign, Sano has re-established himself as one of baseball's most promising talents. His average exit velocity of 94.9 mph trails only Judge, so don't be surprised if Sano makes some noise.
The Longshots
Justin Bour, Miami Marlins
The second Marlins player in the event, Bour is slated to go up against Judge in the first round. His numbers speak for themselves this season, and hitting in his home park should provide a boost, but it would be a big upset if he were to overcome the Yankees sensation.
Gary Sanchez, New York Yankees
Logan Morrison may not want to believe it, but Sanchez is a legitimate derby candidate who, because of his 13 home runs in an injury-hit season, is being largely disregarded.
The problem is, due to his limited output, Sanchez has to face reigning champ Stanton in Round 1, which will pose a substantial challenge for the sophomore catcher right out of the gate.
(Photos courtesy: Action Images)