MLB Home Run Derby 2022: 3 players we wish were participating
1) Los Angeles Angels outfielder/pitcher Shohei Ohtani
One of the best hitters in the sport is also a pitcher. That hasn’t been said since Babe Ruth did it 100 years ago but Los Angeles Angels outfielder Shohei Ohtani is now.
Ohtani participated in the 2021 Home Run Derby at Coors Field in Denver last year as the #1 seed and hit 28 home runs in the first round. However, he was quickly dispatched in that first round by Nationals outfielder Juan Soto, who hit 31.
Ohtani is an All-Star again this season as he is hitting .258/.348/.486 with an OPS+ of 135. He also has 19 home runs, 56 RBI, and 15 doubles.
With his pitching, he has an rWAR of 4.9, which is the best in the American League.
Being able to see him hit bombs in the Home Run Derby on Monday and pitching on Tuesday would be a great sight, but at least in 2022, we won’t be able to relive what we saw at Coors Field. But, perhaps 2023 in Seattle will be the year.