The MLB All-Star week kicked off Monday, July 12. The Home Run derby led the way of excitement, with the MLB All-Star Game set to follow suit. Below, I take a look at some bold predictions for MLB fan’s favorite week.

Prediction 1: Pete Alonso will win the Home Run Derby 

With the much anticipated Home Run Derby taking place at the beginning of the week, MLB announced the home run derby balls will not be subject to the infamous Coors Field humidor. So, fans expected the balls to be shot into orbit. Everyone justifiably favored Shohei Ohtani to win the derby. Though I agreed with his ability to absolutely hammer the ball, I decided to take caution, and first, yield to the reigning champ, Pete Alonso. Full disclosure, I am a Mets fan. But, regardless, I believed that Alonso stood a good chance to win the competition once more. When he won in 2019, he famously did not have the most total home runs but benefitted from MLB’s archaic “round by round” home run derby rules. This, understandably, disappointed many Vladamir Guerrero Jr. advocates, as Guerrero hit 40 home runs in Round 2, but when facing Alonso in the final round, hit 22 home runs, compared to Alonso’s victorious 23. This occurrence has been a common theme in the Home Run Derby. This brings me to my somewhat bold prediction.

Pete Alonso is not gonna hit 500-foot moonshots, nor will he hit 40 in one round. But that’s why he can win it all; he’s a marathoner, not a sprinter. While Ohtani will surely be the most exciting to watch, likely hitting an average of 500-foot homers, it will likely weigh on his endurance. I expect an epic Round 2, with Alonso edging Ohtani out. The finals will lead to an Alonso vs. Gallo matchup, to which Alonso is crowned back-to-back champion.

Regardless of the outcome, expect tape-measure shots, with Gallo and Ohtani leading the charge. 

Update: Pete Alonso won the 2021 MLB Home Run Derby

Prediction 2: Shohei Ohtani wins All-Star game MVP

Okay, probably not the hottest of takes, but with superstars ranging from Jacob deGrom, Mookie Betts and Carlos Correa, all opting to forego the All-Star game this year, MLB desperately needs an entertainer to lead the All-Star game. Ohtani will give that. While the lineups have yet to be announced, Ohtani will likely pitch and hit. I would expect him to enter in the middle of the game, pinch-hitting in the pitcher’s spot, and then coming on to pitch. 

The outcome of his offense is uncertain, but if he pitches to his usual pedigree, and even gets a single, he is likely a lock to win the MVP. He has been baseball’s most exciting storyline this year. And though his Angels are unlikely to make the playoffs, he is one of the faces of baseball. 

What better way to make that official by giving him the MVP trophy, and a joyous moment for baseball fans and Angels fans alike? Unlike other superstars, his team likely won’t be getting coverage in October, so grow the game, and spotlight Ohtani. That is of course if the American League wins the game. 

Prediction 3: A low scoring affair

It likely won’t come as a shock here, but the MLB offense has immensely decreased this year. So, when facing the best pitchers in MLB, I doubt anyone is likely to break out. 

While the Coors Field air will provide a welcome sight for offense, don’t expect many balls to be put in play. I think a final score of 4-2, with the American League leading the way, is the most likely outcome. Further, expect most of those runs to come later in the game, with the offense coming off the National League’s bullpen.

Here’s hoping these predictions are accurate, and if not, an eventful and exciting week of MLB’s bests (except for deGrom) performing their hearts out in Colorado.