Home Run Derby 2012: Ranking the NL Contestants Heading into Kansas City

The National League's 2012 Home Run Derby sluggers have been set.

According to A.J. Cassavell of MLB.com, Matt Kemp is planning to participate alongside some new faces to the derby:

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First-timers Giancarlo Stanton, Carlos Beltran and Carlos Gonzalez will all join Kemp in representing the National League.

Though Kemp has been sidelined since May 30 with a strained left hamstring and will miss the All-Star Game, he still plans on participating in the Derby.

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With that said, let's take a look at each contestant and how they rank among one another.

1. Carlos Gonzalez: LF, Colorado Rockies

Carlos Gonzalez is the NL's best chance to win the derby.

Although he has only 17 home runs, Gonzalez has a better batting average (.337), slugging percentage (.604), and more hits (97) compared to Beltran and Stanton. Only 26 years old, Gonzalez is currently on pace to set multiple single-season career highs in 2012.

Presenting a more powerful bat than given credit for, Gonzalez has the ability to make consistent contact. Also, the shorter field of Kaufmann Stadium compared to Coors Field will benefit Gonzalez even more.

2. Carlos Beltran: RF, St. Louis Cardinals

Although he's 35 years old, don't let his age fool you. Carlos Beltran is a force at the plate and has the potential to take over the home run derby.

With 20 home runs through early July, Beltran is second to only Ryan Braun in the NL and has a .310 batting average as well. Already out to a great start in 2012, Beltran is on a tear compared to his 2011 numbers.

One of the more consistent hitters of his era, Beltran has knocked 25-plus homers six times and has a career-best of 41 (2006 Mets). Having played with the Royals from 1999 through part of 2004 however, gives him a major edge at the derby.

It'll be interesting to see how quickly Beltran gets reacclimated to Kaufmann Stadium. 

3. Giancarlo Stanton: RF, Miami Marlins

Giancarlo Stanton is one of the quick up-and-coming hitters of the National League. Currently sitting on 19 home runs in 2012, Stanton has also batted .282 and has a .554 slugging percentage.

To his advantage, Marlins Park is a slightly bigger field than Kaufmann Stadium, so Stanton has increased odds at sending quite a few deep. Certainly a big-bat presence after hitting 34 jacks in 2011, Stanton improved with consistency as well.

Now he's only 22 years old, so inexperience will play a factor in how well Stanton performs. In order for him to have better odds, Stanton must simply make enough consistent contact. His power and strength alone will carry him, but becoming overzealous and trying to force home runs won't work.

4. Matt Kemp: CF, Los Angeles Dodgers

Matt Kemp would be the NL's best bet in the derby, but since he's been out for so long it's difficult to expect much from him.

In 2011, Kemp was easily a great hitter with 39 homers and a .324 batting average. And although he failed miserably at the derby, that experience now plays into his favor. Before being injured Kemp had 12 jacks and a .719 slugging percentage, so he was on a roll heading into June.

If Kemp does manage to hit a rhythm, he is a dangerous contestant. Unfortunately, not playing is working against him and his NL teammates are arguably more capable. Expect a stronger showing than his 2011 derby, but don't anticipate a deep run.

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