We’re down to the Elite 8 with a chance at the Final Four on the line. Who will be named regional champions?
Here are the matchups in the Elite 8.
*NOTE: 2021 stats won’t be included with matchups moving forward, it seems a bit redundant.
You can also view the entire updated tournament bracket here and the introduction of the tournament here.
The Elite 8
Trout Region:
(1) OF Julio Rodríguez, SEA
(3) OF Riley Greene, DET
Breakdown:
So JRod is probably gonna win the whole thing at this point, that’s kind of obvious BUT this was the one matchup that I thought could steer him off course. Greene is sooo good, guys. I know that’s stating the obvious but I seriously think that in a few years, these two could be in a Harper/Trout style “rivalry” in fantasy circles. One may be the overall favorite but the other is always gonna be close behind.
Griffey Region:
(4) C Adley Rutschman, BAL
(2) P Grayson Rodriguez, BAL
Breakdown:
Surprise number 2 of the tournament for me. I know seeding wise, this matchup is kind of weird (could’ve easily been #2 vs. #3 or even #1 vs. #2) but looking at the players themselves, I’m stunned. A prospect pitcher, even one as talented as Rodriguez over a player that’s been in top 5 since being drafted? But the people have spoken. It’s worth noting that this vote took place the day of GrayRod’s first Spring Training start…which did not go well. Wonder what would’ve happened had Adley been healthy?
Harper Region:
(1) SS Anthony Volpe, NYY
(3) SS Noelvi Marte, SEA
Breakdown:
Volpe is Vanquished! It looks like the one thing that can bring a stop to the vaunted Yankee shortstop’s run is another even more vaunted SS from the Mariners organization. I do wonder: with JRod’s rise to the majors essentially complete, the spotlight increases on Marte as the next in line. Can he live up to the same expectations?
Rodriguez Region:
(1) 1B/3B Spencer Torkelson, DET
(2) SS Bobby Witt Jr., KCR
Breakdown:
I know Tork is kind of boring, a 1B who’s been hitting like a pro since college, it seems like we’ve completely gotten over him. One may argue he’s not even the most talented Tigers prospect! So seeing BWJ move on rather easily seemed like a fait accompli. I do think Tork’s “boringness” will cause him to be undervalued in both redrafts and dynasty leagues in years to come but that hypothesis is for a different time. Witt Jr. has an “El Niño”-esque feel to how he captures the community’s imagination. It seems like he could do pretty much anything at this point and that’s incredibly exciting. The journey will begin in only a couple of short weeks.
Featured Image by Jacob Roy (@jmrgraphics3 on IG)