With a little under a month left until the 2017 MLB Home Run Derby, the potential names to suit up for the derby will be tossed around soon. Others will look to dethrone last year's winner in Giancarlo Stanton. The question, which group of home run hitters will make 2017 a must-watch event?
Giancarlo Stanton, Marlins
The All-Star game is held at Marlins Park this year, and Stanton is the defending derby champ. A hometown hero is what this derby needs. The Marlins are a below-average team this year. Stanton is a fan favorite, and is more likely to stick around this season than teammate Marcell Ozuna, who is subjected to trade rumors.
Stanton has 17 Home Runs this season, so it's not like he would be an unfair participant. Stanton could also be the first to repeat as champion since Yoenis Cespedes did in 2013 and 2014.
Cody Bellinger, Los Angeles Dodgers
Bellinger has had 17 home runs since April 23. He is a rookie sensation that has gripped the MLB community. Bellinger would look to be the first Dodger to ever win the home run derby. No Dodger has ever hit more home runs than Hee-seop Choi's five home runs in 2005.
Eric Thames, Milwaukee Brewers
Thames is a feel-good story this season. Thames spent three seasons in Japan, and hadn't played professional baseball in the U.S. since 2012 with the Seattle Mariners. This year, Thames has 18 home runs for the National League Central leaders.
Thames is tied for the second most home runs in the National League, so he is deserving. A 30-year old comeback story this summer is what this derby could use.
Joey Votto, Cincinnati Reds
Votto is tied with Washington National Ryan Zimmerman for the lead in the N.L with 19 home runs. Votto has never participated in the home run derby.
Votto has a chance to help make the Reds franchise make history this season. The Reds are tied with the Angels, A's, Cubs, Mariners, and Yankees, with three players in franchise history to win a home run derby since it originated in 1985. If Votto could go out and win, the Reds would be the home run derby franchise leader. Votto would also be the second Red in three years to win the crown, as ex-Red Todd Frazier won in 2015.
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
A Judge vs. Votto finals in the derby would be ideal to see which franchise is the best in the derby. Judge is a no-brainer for this list. It would be a huge disappointment if Judge did not participate. Judge leads the majors with 22 home runs, and has hit the longest home run since the tracking system began. Let's all hope that he doesn't decline the invite.
George Springer, Houston Astros
Someone has to represent the most potent offense in all of baseball. Springer has 18 home runs this year. No Houston Astro has ever won the home run derby either. Springer would join Judge as a first-time derby contestant if he were to participate.
Joey Gallo, Texas Rangers
Juan Gonzalez is the only Texas Ranger to win a home run derby in franchise history -- back in 1993.
Gallo has 18 home runs this season, and was already being called a slugger before he took his first major league swing. Before Judge hit his 495-foot bomb, Gallo had the longest mark with a 462-foot blast.
Justin Smoak, Toronto Blue Jays
Smoak is a deserving participant with 18 home runs this season. This entry is more for what any ESPN announcer will say after Smoak hits one out of the park. This year, it won't be the same, as Chris Berman will not be calling the derby anymore.
