Home Run Derby 2017: Full Bracket, Format and Predictions for MLB All-Star Event

The 2017 Home Run Derby features one of the most exciting rookies in recent MLB history in New York Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge, as well as one of the most towering sluggers this century in Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton.

Those two are the clear favorites to win Monday's event, but six other contestants are going to try to make their marks on this year's contest.

Here's a look at the Home Run Derby bracket, the format and predictions for each matchup.

Bracket

Format

Eight sluggers will duke it out in a tournament-style event. The hitters are seeded No. 1 through No. 8—Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton gets No. 1 by virtue of winning the Home Run Derby last year, and seed Nos. 2 through No. 8 are based off home run totals through July 5—and will face off in four-minute rounds. Whoever hits the most homers against his opponent in the bracket will advance to the next stage.

Players will receive a 30-second bonus in each round if they hit at least two home runs measuring more than 440 feet.

Each hitter gets the opportunity to take a 45-second timeout in the first and second rounds. In the final round, participants can take a 45-second breather in addition to a 30-second timeout.

In the event of a tie, the players will take part in a 60-second overtime period. If that does not break the deadlock, they will engage in a three-attempt swing-off.

Predictions

1st Round

1 Stanton vs. 8 Sanchez

Although this is a No. 1 vs. No. 8 matchup, this could be the best contest of the entire first round. Stanton is the defending Home Run Derby champion and the hometown favorite, while Gary Sanchez is the bottom seed by virtue of missing a good part of the season with a biceps injury.

In the end, give Stanton the slight edge since he has the hometown advantage. It seems odd Stanton's "reward" as the No. 1 seed is to face one of the best power hitters in the game, and it raises the question as to whether a bracket is the right answer for the Derby in the future.

4 Moustakas vs. 5 Sano

Kansas City Royals third baseman Mike Moustakas is having a phenomenal year, hitting 25 home runs in the first half of the season, but Minnesota Twins third baseman Miguel Sano routinely makes a habit out of smacking the ball into orbit.

According to ESPN's Home Run Tracker, Sano's true home run distance is 412.1 feet, one of the best marks in the league. Moustakas trails him significantly at 398.1 feet.

Sano should advance to the second round, although expect the Royals infielder to put up a good fight.

3 Bellinger vs. 6 Blackmon

Although Colorado Rockies outfielder Charlie Blackmon gets a big boost by playing in Coors Field half the year, his power shouldn't be discounted. Blackmon has managed a true home run distance average of 413.4 feet this year, per Home Run Tracker.

Cody Bellinger is no slouch, and he hit 10 home runs in a 10-game stretch this year. Still, Blackmon can hit the ball a country mile, so give him a slight edge over Bellinger.

2 Judge vs. 7 Bour

With all due respect to Miami Marlins first baseman Justin Bour, who has enjoyed a breakout season and should have his hometown crowd behind his every swing, Judge has had a phenomenal year and should advance to the second round simply because of his unmatched power stroke.

Judge's average true home run distance is 416.4 feet, per ESPN's Home Run Tracker, and he should move on to the second round.

2nd Round

2 Judge vs. 6 Blackmon

This is an incredibly difficult matchup for Blackmon, who has to contend with a 6'7", 280-pound outfielder who has been crushing the ball into orbit this year.

The bonus is a huge edge for Judge. It almost seems inevitable he'll hit at least two home runs beyond 440 feet in each round, which gives him an extra 30 seconds during each matchup. That should lead to a few bonus dingers and a better chance at victory.

In this round, Judge should best Blackmon and move on to the finals.

1 Stanton vs. 5 Sano

Although Sano's power has helped the Minnesota Twins to a surprising start, with his team in second place in the AL Central heading into the All-Star break, Stanton's power is legendary and should give him the win in the semifinals.

It's no surprise when he ends up on highlight reels after hitting a ball into the Marlins Park left-center field concourse. Expect that to happen a few more times on Monday night.

Finals

2 Judge vs. 1 Stanton

This is the matchup that will have fans salivating. Judge and Stanton are gigantic human beings who could just as easily fit in on a pro football field.

Although Stanton will have the support of the home crowd behind him, Judge is the best power hitter in the game this year, recording 30 home runs in the first half of the MLB campaign. He has turned batting practice into must-watch entertainment this year, and this seems like Judge's time to shine.

Expect Judge to edge Stanton in a fantastic final.