Cozens, Jimenez Flex Muscles During Futures Game BP
Joey Gallo’s legacy is safe.
No trucks were bruised during the 2016 Futures Game batting practice. But the BP that often serves as a de facto home run derby did give some of the game’s top prospects a chance to go upper-deck hunting.
Not every prospect grips and rips during the pregame BP. A few years ago Kris Bryant stuck to hitting line drive after line drive even as Gallo tried to knock distant planets out of their orbits. But whether it was the home run-diminishing powers of Petco Park or a dip in the talent, there were fewer massive shots than there have been in recent Futures Games.
Phillies outfielder Dylan Cozens hit the most BP home runs with nine. He also was among those that showed the most raw power by showing the most distance on his home runs. Hunter Dozier hit arguably the longest home run of the day with a shot to center field that landed high in the shrubbery that flanks the batting eye.
For the World Team, Josh Naylor of the Marlins hit seven home runs, most landing in the first 15 rows of the right field seats. Cubs outfielder Eloy Jimenez and Mets shortstop Amed Rosario each hit five home runs. Jimenez was especially impressive with his raw power as he hit one high into the second deck under the video board in left center field and another over the palm tree in right center just above the 396-foot sign.
Other players who impressed included Red Sox outfielder Andrew Benintendi. Benintendi showed the same bat speed and wiry power that has impressed almost everywhere the past season and a half as he smoked several home runs more impressive for how they flew off his bat than the height of the drive.
| Player | Home Runs |
| Dylan Cozens (PHI) | 9 |
| Josh Naylor (MIA) | 7 |
| Ryon Healy (OAK) | 6 |
| Andrew Benintendi (BOS) | 6 |
| Eloy Jimenez (CHC) | 5 |
| Amed Rosario (NYM) | 5 |
| Hunter Renfroe (SD) | 5 |
| Hunter Dozier (KC) | 5 |
| Dominic Smith (NYM) | 4 |
| Willie Calhoun (LAD) | 4 |
| Jorge Bonifacio (KC) | 3 |
| David Dahl (COL) | 3 |
| Dansby Swanson (ATL) | 3 |
| Christin Stewart (DET) | 3 |
| Clint Frazier (CLE) | 2 |
| Alex Bregman (HOU) | 2 |
| Travis Demeritte (TEX) | 2 |
| Carlos Asuaje (SD) | 2 |
| Carson Kelly (STL) | 1 |
| Tyler O’Neill (SEA) | 1 |
| Gary Sanchez (NYY) | 1 |
| Yandy Diaz (CLE) | 1 |
| Manuel Margot (SD) | 1 |
| Ronald Guzman (TEX) | 1 |
| Willy Adames (TB) | 1 |
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