For now, Joe Maddon and the rest of our Chicago Cubs can sit back and relax until the weekend. On the other hand, it’s time for Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber to step to the plate for the 2018 Home Run Derby.
First, let’s reflect on the last time two members of this team participated in this event. In 2015, first baseman Anthony Rizzo and third baseman Kris Bryant made the trip to Cincinnati. That year, Bryant won N.L. Rookie of the Year honors.
Both men failed to reach the second round, falling to future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols and former Cub prospect, Josh Donaldson.