Cleveland Indians fans, along with those all around MLB, missed out on both the Home Run Derby and All-Star Game in 2020.
Both events are now back in 2021 and the ball should be carrying well for the Derby out in the thin Denver air.
Two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani made noise recently by announcing he is going to take part in the event.
That brings to mind all the possibilities about who else could take part, looking to take down the great Ohtani.
For Indians fans in particular, a few fun options stand out.
Let’s look at three players in particular who would be fun to watch in the Derby.
3. Jose Ramirez
3-0? No doubt.
That's José RamÃrez's 16th 💣. pic.twitter.com/MlpS90nzRr
— MLB (@MLB) June 17, 2021
We start with the most obvious choice of all.
Jose Ramirez is already an All-Star-caliber player who leads the Indians in home runs with 16.
He has one of the sweetest swings in baseball and can hit home runs from either side of the plate as well.
Fans would also have a great time seeing Ramirez’s helmet fly off with every single hard swing he takes.
The third baseman is a fascinating player because he does not have the traditional size of a prototypical MLB slugger.
But what he does have is the pop to drive the ball out of any stadium when someone throws him a “home run pitch.”
2. Franmil Reyes
Franmil Reyes does fit that slugger profile, with the only problem being he is currently injured.
He hurt himself on a swing, so wishing for him to be in the Home Run Derby is something that will have to wait until next year.
But in general, Reyes should be a perennial favorite for the event in the near future when he is healthy.
He had 37 home runs in 2019, which to date has been his only full MLB season.
Reyes had 11 bombs in 40 games this season before leaving with an injury.
Eddie Rosario was supposed to be Ramirez’s top sidekick in the lineup, but it is instead Reyes filling that role.
If he can get healthy soon and Rosario can find his swing, the power in this lineup will be fearsome.
1. Bobby Bradley
BIG FLY BOBBY BRADLEY! 🚀 🌕#OurCLE pic.twitter.com/lAxkY7TzTZ
— Bally Sports Cleveland (@BallySportsCLE) June 16, 2021
We finish this list with a slugger who won’t be in this year’s event, but who could be a fixture in the future.
Bobby Bradley has been a slugger in waiting for years now and is finally get his shot with the Indians.
He already has four home runs in 11 games and is showing off his sweet home-run swing on a daily basis.
Bradley has 156 career minor league home runs and the early results are promising.
He too can fill in behind Ramirez and a healthy Reyes to form a dominant power trio in the lineup.
So while he can’t be in the Home Run Derby this year, a strong showing the rest of the way will put his name on the map as a top choice from the Indians club in 2022.
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