Blue Jays Jose Bautista picks American League Home Run Derby team

Jul 8, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics left fielder

(52) breaks his bat on an RBI single against the San Francisco Giants during the third inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

Yoenis Cespedes – Oakland Athletics
2014 Home Runs – 14
2014 ISO – .204

It just wouldn’t be the Home Run Derby without an appearance from the defending champion. The 28-year-old Cuban import put on a show at Citi Field in 2013, hitting 17 in the first round, 2 in the second, and another 9 in the final round to beat out Bryce Harper.

That played heavily into his return in 2014. Not only was it his role as the defending champion, but also his ability to hit the ball out of the toughest ballparks, as Citi Field isn’t necessarily known as being homer friendly.

Target Field is no different. However, Cespedes seems to have the Twins’ ballpark figured out in his limited 9-game exposure. In 40 plate appearances at Target, Cespedes only has 2 home runs, but is slashing .447/.450/.789 there.

The only difference this time around? Cespedes will actually be making the squad as an All-Star, something he could not claim a year ago.