Five Takeaways From The 2023 Home Run Derby

1- Since the format change in 2015, The Home Run Derby has been must-watch television.

Say what you will about Major League Baseball, but when it comes to All-Star festivities, they are far and away the best of the four major sports. Watching real stars Julio Rodriguez and Randy Arozerena hit nukes beats the shit out of watching a G-Leaguer win the dunk contest by doing dunks we've seen a million times. Seriously, and I don't mean to make this an NBA discussion, but the NBA should've discontinued the dunk contest the second they considered letting minor leaguer in the dunk contest. This format change has been electric since the second it was announced. This may not be a popular take, but you must credit Rob Manfred. There is new life injected into this event every single year.

2- Despite getting bounced in the first round, Adley Rutschman proved himself to be a superstar.

The Baltimore Orioles might not win the World Series, but they lead the league in vibes. If their young lineup is the Avengers, Adley Rustchman is Captain America. He is the franchise catcher, the likes of which we haven't seen in this game since Buster Posey. And while Luis Robert ultimately got the better of him in round one, Adley won the moment by switching to the right side of the plate in bonus times and ripping six homers in seven swings.

3- How the fuck does Julio Rodriguez have a .721 OPS this season?

I understand going through slumps, but this is ridiculous. This is the second year in a row in which the J-Rod show has been out in full force at the Home Run Derby. He has extreme confidence and such an easy, effortless swing. The Derby is batting practice, but you don't hit 41 home runs in the first round on accident. The Mariners might need to fire their hitting coach because this dude has generational pop. We'll probably reflect on his subpar first half as your typical sophomore slump. He might not have won the tournament, but that first round was legendary.

4- Randy Arozerena would be a superstar if he played for any other team.

I know that Tampa Bay Rays fans love Randy Arozerena. He's such a fun, energetic player, not to mention clutch as hell. One of the cool things about the All-Star festivities is that it allows casual fans to be exposed to some players who they normally might not see. While he plays for a great team and has been a part of some deep runs in October, Randy Arozerena is not a household name. That's not his fault, but I hope his showing in the Derby turned many heads. He's one of those players that radiates cool. He's got the pop. He's got the pose. He's got everything a franchise player should have. I hope that with the show he put on at the Derby, people realize how electric this guy is.

5- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is the greatest batting practice hitter of a generation.

I worked for the Lansing Lugnuts when Bo Bichette and Vladdy Jr were on the team. It was hilarious how much better those two were than everyone else on the team. You knew right away that those guys were Major League players. Vladdy was like 17, hitting Taters to centerfield like it was nothing. He has now mashed in two different Derby, and it's left me asking one question- How is he not better? Don't get me wrong; he's a fantastic player. I'd take him on the Tigers in a second, but he's only had one elite season. That's going to change soon. The guy had an 80-grade hit tool when he was coming up for a reason. He's proved why in Derby.