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MLB Home Run Derby 2023: Picking 8 players to create the perfect bracket

By Zach Pressnell

Jun 7, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 7, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz (44) reacts after hitting a two-run home run in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 4 seed Corbin Carroll vs No. 5 seed Elly De La Cruz

The 2023 dream bracket continues with two of the game’s best young stars. Last year, the Mariners rookie, Julio Rodriguez, took the baseball world by storm in the Home Run Derby. In 2023, Elly De La Cruz and Corbin Carroll have potential to do the same thing.

Corbin Carroll leads all rookies in home runs with 16 homers this year. The Diamondbacks young star has been incredible in every facet of the game, but his power has stood out for many. Carroll has a max exit velocity of nearly 114 MPH this season, which ranks him in the top 10 percent in the league. He’s doing this as a rookie.

The Reds rookie sensation, Elly De La Cruz has dominated the baseball media landscape over the last few months. De La Cruz has hit baseballs as hard and as far as anybody in the game, between the minor leagues and his short time in the MLB. He has seen exit velocities north of 116 on multiple occasions, with a max home run distance of 458 in the MLB. There are few players in the MLB that are more exciting and entertaining than De La Cruz.

These two young stars have been two of the most electric and exciting players in the entire game. What better way to showcase the future of the game than to have a rookie vs rookie matchup in the Home Run Derby?

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