Home Run Derby 2015: New Format, Bracket Layout and Predictions

Those craving a change of pace in the MLB's esteemed Home Run Derby contest will get their wish in Cincinnati on July 13, as the 2015 event is set to deliver on a brand-new format change.

Gone are the days when 10 contestants would each hack at ball after ball for 10 outs per round, which seemed to produce ridiculous early totals that the sluggers never came close to matching in the final rounds. This year, instead of the top scores advancing, MLB.com has announced that there will be three rounds of head-to-head matchups, with initial seeding based on season home run totals.

Instead of a limited number of swings, batters will get five minutes for each showdown. The bonus time achieved for long distance—30 seconds for a 475-foot home run, or a minute for two 420-footers—should also serve as an intriguing wrinkle to reward the biggest sluggers.

MLB PR provided an in-depth breakdown of the new format:

The complete eight-man field isn't officially set just yet, but some of the game's biggest sluggers have inserted their names into the mix after hearing about the sweeping changes to the rules. It should make for a Home Run Derby unlike any other in the event's history, so take a look below for the latest breakdown of who's in the field.

Updated Participants and Prediction

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

While the All-Star rosters have already been announced and the final voting is underway, it typically takes a while longer to piece together the Home Run Derby roster. That leaves us with an incomplete mess of announced contenders and potential names just five days away from the action.

However, there have already been some painful blows to the potential field, as two of the game's most-feared sluggers won't be in the mix. The Miami Marlins' Giancarlo Stanton is one of them, as the MLB's leading home run hitter is out four to six weeks with a wrist injury.

In the midst of another breakout season, Bryce Harper won't be enjoying the action, either. But unlike Stanton, it has little to do with his health. Rather, it's his father who is unable to pitch for him, according to the Washington Post's Chelsea Janes:

Despite those two household names not getting in on the fun, there will be no lack of star power in the field.

That much was assured with the inclusion of one batter on Wednesday. Los Angeles Angels first baseman Albert Pujols confirmed to MLB.com's Alden Gonzalez that he would be taking part in the Home Run Derby, marking the fourth appearance of his esteemed career.

It's not just for respect of his 546 career home runs, either. He's smacking them as well as anyone in the game this year, as his 26 home runs are one shy of Stanton's major league lead. Here's him going yard against the Colorado Rockies, per the Angels' Twitter account:

Could Pujols be bringing a teammate along with him? Mike Trout admitted to Gonzalez he's "still thinking about it," while Pujols added "he would love for him to do it."

Of course, anyone hoping to lift the trophy may have to go through Yoenis Cespedes.

Despite the fact that the Detroit Tigers slugger has changed jerseys three times in the last two seasons, he's won the Home Run Derby two straight times. He and Ken Griffey Jr. are the only two players to ever accomplish that feat.

But he'll need some help from the voting public to even make that a possibility. Cespedes told Detroit Free Press' Anthony Fenech in June that his participation in the Derby "will depend on whether I make the All-Star team," and he sits on the AL final ballot needing to beat out Brian Dozier, Brett Gardner, Mike Moustakas and Xander Bogaerts to get in.

Given the likelihood Cespedes won't be there to defend his crown, the wagon circles around one name—Todd Frazier.

Alex Brandon/Associated Press

The Cincinnati Reds slugger got to the doorstep of the title last year, finishing second to Cespedes. This time around, he's a starter on the NL roster and will be the hometown hero in Cincinnati.

Even if Cespedes is there to be reckoned with, the format change should play in Frazier's favor. A time limit will force batters to be more aggressive and avoid fishing for their ideal pitch, allowing Frazier to come in the clutch.

Prediction: Todd Frazier wins the Home Run Derby