MLB Home Run Derby Bracket Officially Revealed
By Mark Powell
The MLB Home Run Derby is set to take place on Monday, July 8 at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN. Yet, just days before the event, there was still some drama left to decide.
After Javier Baez was forced to pull out of the event due to injury, MLB announced that Joc Pederson of the LA Dodgers will take his place. With that, the entire field is now set, along with the bracket revealing first-round matchups.
The 2019 Home Run Derby bracket is set ⚾️
— ESPN (@espn) July 4, 2019
MLB HR leader Christian Yelich headlines the field of eight that will face off on Monday at 8PM ET on ESPN. pic.twitter.com/R2VhXcvnQ4
This field is loaded with young stars, including the likes of Ronald Acuña, Josh Bell and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Yet, current MLB home run leader Christian Yelich is the presumed favorite simply due to the power he's put on full display so far this season. The 2019 NL MVP hasn't cooled down a bit after his electric 2018 campaign, notching 31 bombs so far this season.
The Home Run Derby wouldn't feel right without the current leader in home runs.
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 4, 2019
The @Brewers MVP @ChristianYelich is in! pic.twitter.com/aCzqKblSZF
Hometown slugger Carlos Santana will attempt to bring Progressive Field to their collective feet, but this will be no easy task against a crowded field.
Just in case the July 4 celebration wasn't enough, expect some extra fireworks on Monday night in Cleveland.