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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 10, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) is greeted in the dugout after hitting a 2-run home run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 10, 2023; Anaheim, California, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) is greeted in the dugout after hitting a 2-run home run during the third inning against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2 seed Matt Olson vs No. 7 seed Julio Rodriguez

Both of these two participants should come as no surprise. The Braves’ Matt Olson is a two-time Home Run Derby veteran who lost in the first round in 2021. He has improved tremendously since then. The Mariners’ Julio Rodriguez is already confirmed in the Derby and had one of the most electrifying Derby’s in history last season.

Matt Olson has possibly been the game’s top slugger during the 2023 season. He’s tied for the league lead in home runs with the Angels Shohei Ohtani. Olson also ranks seventh in the league in average exit velocity (94.0 MPH). The slugging prowess doesn’t stop there. Matt Olson also has the hardest hit ball in the entire MLB this year. A ball that was hit nearly 119 MPH according to Baseball Savant.

Julio Rodriguez may not have the home run numbers that the rest of the dream field has, as he has just 13 this season. But the second year star earned his spot in the Derby a year ago, when he lit the baseball world ablaze by slugging 81 home runs in three rounds of competition. Pair that with the fact that Rodriguez is playing in his home stadium, representing the Mariners and this is a match made in heaven.

This matchup would have two of the game’s best sluggers. It would be sure to bring fireworks to the fans in Seattle, Washington on July 10th.

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