Top 4 Picks to Replace Javy Baez in the Home Run Derby
By James.r
After originally agreeing to participate in the upcoming Home Run Derby, Chicago Cubs star shortstop Javier Baez pulled out of the competition in order to rest his injured heel. This leaves a hole in the lineup for next Monday night, but here are four choices who would be great replacements for Baez.
1. Franmil Reyes, Padres
Reyes seems like such an obvious choice that it's borderline bizarre he didn't get an invite in the first place. The 23-year-old slugger has compiled 41 homers in his first 168 big-league games, and his 25 this season are good for fourth in the majors. He hits serious bombs, too, as his average home run distance this season is 410 feet.
2. Nomar Mazara, Rangers
Mazara's 12 home runs would be among the fewest of any contestant in the field, but his raw power would instantly make him a sleeper pick to take home the trophy. He hit MLB's longest home run this season at 505 (!) feet, which tied the record for longest homer ever measured by Statcast. His average home run distance of 428 feet ranks first amongst players with at least 10 big flies.
3. Jorge Soler, Royals
Soler would be a great choice to participate in the Derby and bring some excitement to Royals fans who haven't had much to cheer about this season. Manager Ned Yost already said he'd like to see Soler participate in the event, and the 27-year-old former Cub has made a solid case for his inclusion in the event as he's contributed 23 home runs this season.
4. Shohei Ohtani, Angels
If Ohtani really wanted to stun the Progressive Field crowd, he could use his two-way talents to become the first ever participant to pitch to himself in the Home Run Derby. All jokes aside, though, the Japanese sensation has legitimate power and would provide yet another interesting story line for the event. The 2018 Rookie of the Year is fifth in the majors this season in average exit velocity, and has clubbed 12 home runs in just 48 games. He'd bring both entertainment and power to the event. What more can you really ask for?