The 2015 MLB Home Run Derby features a new bracket-style format, pitting the four hitters from the AL against the four hitters from the NL. This year's derby is also timed, with each batter having five minutes to hit as many homers as possible.
Here's a preview for each of the four quarterfinal matchups:
Quarterfinal #1: Albert Pujols (Angels) vs. Kris Bryant (Cubs)
Bryant captured America’s attention by slamming eight home runs in 40 at-bats in spring training, and after a few weeks in Triple-A to start the season, the 21-year-old has hit 12 home runs in 78 games with the Cubs.
Meanwhile, Pujols is a future first-ballot Hall of Famer who has seemed to turn back the clock this season, is tied for second in the majors with 26 homers this season. This is the fourth time he'll be in the Derby, having participated in 2003, 2007, and 2009.
Quarterfinal #2: Joc Pederson (Dodgers) vs. Manny Machado (Orioles)
Pederson and Machado are each participating in their first Home Run Derby. Machado has shown more power this season (19 home runs) than he's shown in his first three seasons in the league (33 combined), while Pederson has shown the ability to knock the cover off the ball in his rookie season, blasting 20 homers in 86 games - including a 480-footer.
Quarterfinal #3: Josh Donaldson (Blue Jays) vs. Anthony Rizzo (Cubs)
Donaldson broke Josh Hamilton’s all-time record for most All-Star votes received this year, and his 21 home runs show he should perform well in his first Derby appearance. Rizzo is no slouch either, but his 16 home runs are the third fewest in this contest.
Quarterfinal #4: Todd Frazier (Reds) vs. Prince Fielder (Rangers)
Frazier, who has hit 25 homers this season, should have the advantage in the competition because he's playing in his home park, but Fielder is a two-time former Derby winner (2009, 2012), and has a powerful swing perfect for the event.
The winner of quarterfinal #1 will the face the winner of quarterfinal #2 in the second round, with #3 and #4 facing off in the other semifinal.
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