Giancarlo Stanton dethrones Todd Frazier to win Home Run Derby

Miami Marlins outfielder Giancarlo Stanton’s second Home Run Derby turned out to be a special experience. Stanton out-homered the competition Monday, beating reigning champ Todd Frazier in the final round to win the 2016 Home Run Derby.

As expected, Stanton was a monster from the start. The 26-year-old put on an absolute show in his first round, smashing 24 home runs in just 30 swings to beat Robinson Cano 24-7.

Stanton’s second round, was impressive in another way. While he didn’t hit as many home runs, he crushed the ball. Fourteen of his 17 home runs traveled at least 440 feet.

	Jeff Passan @JeffPassan
Giancarlo Stanton hit 17 home runs in the second round. Of them, 14 went at least 440 feet. In first round, 14 of 24 were 440-foot-plus. 6:35 PM - 11 Jul 2016

With the performance, Stanton beat No. 1 overall seed Mark Trumbo, who led the majors with 28 home runs coming into the contest. Trumbo came up just short, hitting 14 home runs during the round.

In order to claim the belt, though, Stanton had to dethrone the king. Stanton did exactly that, taking down Frazier 20 to 13. When the dust cleared, Stanton had hit 61 home runs, setting a new Home Run Derby record.

After such a tremendous first effort, it was a fitting way to end the night. Baseball’s best power hitter is now the Home Run Derby champ. There was a reason he was considered the favorite coming in.

While Stanton was the biggest story, there were plenty of other highlights from the night. Hometown guy Wil Myers may not have advanced, but provided the funniest moment after being hit by a pitch from his brother, who was throwing to him during the event.

No. 1 overall seed Mark Trumbo put on a show during the first round, smashing 16 home runs to come back and beat rookie Corey Seager. He was the talk of the Derby until Stanton completely took over a few minutes later.

Cincinnati Reds outfielder and relative unknown Adam Duvall made a name for himself, hitting 26 home runs over the first two rounds before narrowly losing to Frazier in the second round.

Colorado Rockies outfielder Carlos Gonzalez may have had the most entertaining performance of the night. He managed to break a man’s souvenir beer cup with a swing. On top of that, one of his near home runs led to a nasty collision among the ball kids in right.

In the end, though, Stanton’s immense power ruled the night. He was the story from the start, so it’s fitting he walked away with the crown when all was said and done.