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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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Jul 8, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) hold the trophy after winning in the 2019 MLB Home Run Derby at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 8, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso (20) hold the trophy after winning in the 2019 MLB Home Run Derby at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 3 seed Pete Alonso vs No. 6 seed Ronald Acuña Jr

There may not be a more exciting potential matchup in the entire league than a Pete Alonso vs Ronald Acuña matchup. These could be the two best Home Run Derby participants in the entire league, both being multi-year veterans of the Derby.

Pete Alonso has a shot at being the best Derby participant in the history of the contest. Alonso has participated in the Home Run Derby three times, and he has two Derby wins. In the third one, he won in the first round before losing to Julio Rodriguez in the second round. He also has the second most home runs in the entire league.

Braves slugger Ronald Acuña is one of the MLB’s most exciting players. He has participated in the Home Run Derby a few times. Acuña has never won the contest, but he remains as one of the league’s standout stars. His slugging is among the best as he ranks in the top 6 in average exit velocity, max exit velocity and max home run distance.

This matchup would be a rematch of the first-round matchup between these two in 2022. Alonso won the first matchup 20 home runs to Acuña’s 19. The 2023 matchup has the potential to be even more exciting than last year’s.

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