The 2022 MLB Home Run Derby will take place tonight in Los Angeles.
Eight players will participate: Albert Pujols, Ronald Acuna Jr., Julio Rodriguez, Pete Alonso, Kyle Schwarber, Juan Soto, and Corey Seager.
Someone is missing, right?
Yes, Cleveland Guardians star Jose Ramirez.
He may not be viewed as the favorite for the competition, but the fact he has power is undeniable.
It may be more “game” power than raw, batting practice power, but he can sure hit the ball out of the park.
The numbers don’t lie.
“Why not Jose Ramirez in the Derby? He is bound and determined. He has always said no until now. He must feel he can succeed this year. He has tremendous line-drive power. He is driven. I think he has as good a chance as anyone, if not better. He seems to be on a mission,” columnist and analyst Bernie Pleskoff tweeted.
Why not Jose Ramirez in the Derby? He is bound and determined. He has always said no until now. He must feel he can succeed this year. He has tremendous line-drive power. He is driven. I think he has as good a chance as anyone, if not better. He seems to be on a mission.
— Bernie Pleskoff (@BerniePleskoff) July 18, 2022
Ramirez Will Showcase His Considerable Power
Ramirez has 19 home runs to his name so far in 2022, and has a fair shot at establishing a career-high (he had 39 in 2018).
He is hitting .288/.368/.576 with a whopping 75 RBI, and is a big reason why the Guardians have been able to be competitive in 2022.
They are 46-44 as we head to the second half, just two games behind the Minnesota Twins for the top spot in the AL Central.
They have Ramirez to thank for that.
He has been a constant threat to opposing lineups, he has power, contact, on-base ability, speed, and plays great defense.
Once again, he is an MVP candidate.
Guardians fans will definitely be rooting for him tonight at Dodger Stadium, as he makes his first bid at becoming the Home Run champion.
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