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The 2018 MLB All-Star week is officially underway and starting it off tonight is the fan favorite Home Run Derby. 8 players will partake in the event with 7 players coming from the National League, including 2 players from the Chicago Cubs and the hometown favorite Bryce Harper.
Meet the Contestants
Jesus Aguilar, Brewers
The first baseman leads the National League with 24 home runs. He also leads the MLB in home run percentage at 7.6 percent and has a fly ball rate that ranks third.
Rhys Hoskins, Phillies
Although Hoskins is the eighth seed with the fewest amount of home runs in the competition, he still has major power. His power was on display last August when he hit 11 home runs in his first 18 games. He holds fourth place in the majors in fly ball percentage, just one place behind Aguilar.
Alex Bregman, Astros
His 20 home runs this season at the All-Star break already surpass his total in 2017 of 19. The shortstop turned third baseman also ranks 4th in the MLB in extra-base hits.
Kyle Schwarber, Cubs
Schwarber comes into the competition with 18 home runs and is on pace to hit 30 home runs in back-to-back seasons. His home run-to-flyball rate sits at 19.1 percent, good for fourth in the majors.
Bryce Harper, Nationals
It’s not every year that the hometown team hosting the All-Star events get to see one of their players take part in the derby, but the Nationals fan base will have something to cheer for tonight. Harper is tied for second in the NL with 23 home runs.
Freddie Freeman, Braves
The lefty, Freeman has pulled 12 of his 16 home runs, something that he may look to do in the derby tonight at Nationals Park is more favorable for lefty hitters. He’s the first Brave in the game since Andruw Jones in 2005.
Max Muncy, Dodgers
Muncy ranks fourth in the NL with 22 home runs. His longest home run on the season is 450 feet.
Javier Biaz, Cubs
Biaz is a big hacker, coming in with a .571 slugging percentage that sits him at fourth in the NL. He’s the 14th second baseman to ever compete in the event.
WRUF begins its coverage of the Home Run Derby at 8 p.m. e.t. Tune in to 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF.
