MLB All-Star Home Run Derby 2022: Full bracket breakdown and analysis for all eight contestants

Who's ready for some MLB All-Star Home Run Derby excitement?

The field for the most anticipated event of the summer is now set. Some of the biggest names in the sport are heading to Hollywood and gearing up to take aim at the Dodger Stadium bleachers on July 18 (8 p.m. ET on ESPN).

With the first participant in this summer's eight-player field unveiled this past Monday, one thing is clear: Everyone will be trying to keep up with back-to-back derby champion Pete Alonso.

Is there a chance Ronald Acuna Jr. upsets the reigning champion in the first round? And how do the rest of the participants stack up to the home run king?

We've broken down each player chosen — and his case for taking the belt from the Mets slugger known as «Polar Bear.»

(1) Kyle Schwarber vs. (8) Albert Pujols

(4) Juan Soto vs. (5) Jose Ramirez

(6) Julio Rodriguez vs. (3) Corey Seager

(7) Ronald Acuna Jr. vs. (2) Pete Alonso

Play: ESPN's Derby Pick'em

2022 HR total: 23 | Longest: 447 feet

Why he's the home run king: Alonso has participated in two All-Star Home Run Derbies during his MLB career and twice ended the night as champion — and twice won a $1 million prize for his efforts.

In 2019, Alonso took down Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in an epic derby battle by blasting a total of 57 long balls in Cleveland. When the event returned in 2021, Alonso outslugged the field at Coors Field in Denver, topping Trey Mancini in the final round and hitting 74 total home runs — including 20 that traveled at least 475 feet.

After his 2021 win, Alonso said: «I think I'm the best power hitter on the planet. Being able to showcase that and really put on a fun display for fans, it's truly a dream come true for me. When I was younger, my parents actually let me stay up past my