As Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas prepares to host baseball’s best and brightest, the books have their eyes peeled on a former winner to take home the Home Run Derby hardware.
With the 94th MLB All-Star Game festivities set to kick off this upcoming weekend, the Home Run Derby will be highlighted by two-time champ and four-time participant Pete Alonso seeking his third trophy, one which would tie him with Ken Griffey Jr. for the most-ever.
According to multiple sportsbooks, that outcome also seems like the likeliest scenario, with DraftKings Sportsbook listing the Mets first baseman at +300 to win, and BetMGM listing him as a slightly cheaper +310, both pricing him as the favorite.
“It’s something I’m really excited to do and I’m happy they asked because it’s an opportunity for me to give back to the community,” the Mets star told reporters on Wednesday.
“Sold out stadium, everybody there to see the same thing, which I think is the coolest part about our game,” he added. “Seeing balls hit hard and far. I think it’s a great event”
Since Alonso’s legendary 2019 and 2021 victories, the Tampa, Florida, native has gone through something of a dry spell at the event, failing to reach the final in each of his past two runs at the Derby. With 18 home runs already this season, tied for seventh in the National League, there’s plenty of reason to think a return to glory could be in store.
Bettors back newcomer
Alonso won’t go unchallenged in his quest, however, as a pair of home run bopping stars and a hometown hero could be in line to spoil any potential third celebration.
Atlanta Braves outfielder and designated hitter Marcell Ozuna and Texas Rangers slugger Adolis Garcia both hold the second- and third-shortest odds, according to BetMGM and DraftKings. Ozuna, 33, is listed as the second shortest favorite at +375 on BetMGM and third shortest at DraftKings at +425, while Garcia is listed at third and second, respectively, at +400.
That trio of thumpers is rounded out by Baltimore Orioles phenom Gunnar Henderson, who leads all Home Run Derby participants with 27 long balls, third in MLB behind Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. He’s also a particular favorite of bettors, according to BetMGM, where he boasts the highest ticket percentage and handle percentage of any participant at 25.5% and 34.6%, in those respective categories.
Odds to win Home Run Derby at #BetMGM
— John Ewing (@johnewing) July 12, 2024
Pete Alonso +310
Marcell Ozuna +375
Adolis Garcia +400
Gunnar Henderson +550
Bobby Witt Jr. +650
Teoscar Hernandez +1000
Jose Ramirez +1400
Alec Bohm +1600
35% of money is on Gunnar to win pic.twitter.com/GRG30VM57M
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., Los Angeles Dodgers outfielder Teoscar Hernandez, Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez, and Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm represent the final four participants in the competition.
Notably, this year’s event will also see a change in format from the past few seasons, as a return to a round-robin used before 2014, with the top four competitors advancing to a bracket similar to the previous system.
This year’s Home Run Derby goes on Monday, July 15 at 8 p.m. ET.
