Home Run Derby Preview: Competition Format, Betting Odds & Predictions!

Finally, the long-awaited All Star Break has arrived, resulting in a remarkably quiet day in the sports realm. Nevertheless, the excitement commences tonight with the Home Run Derby, which is widely regarded as the pinnacle of all events during the All Star Weekend. Forget about the Slam Dunk Contest or any occurrences at the Pro Bowl; the MLB All Star Break is unparalleled, and this competition specifically is incomparable.

The MLB never fails to keep us on our toes by constantly changing and experimenting with the rules. Once again, they have introduced a fresh format for the Home Run Derby. But don’t worry, we have you covered! This comprehensive guide will serve as your go-to resource for the 2024 Home Run Derby, addressing all of the following aspects.

• Competition Format
• Betting Odds to Win the Derby
• Prediction and Picks

This year, we boast an incredible lineup for the competition, consisting of fresh talents, a group of talented young players, and an individual aiming to equal the record for the most Home Run Derby victories ever. It’s an outstanding way to kick off the ultimate All Star Break in the realm of professional sports.

Home Run Derby Information

Home Run Derby Event Info

• Venue: Globe Life Field (Arlington, TX)
• Date: Monday, July 15th, 2024
• Time: 8:00pm Eastern
• Broadcast: ESPN

Home Run Derby Field & Betting Odds

Home Run Derby Betting Odds

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Odds to Win the Home Run Derby

• Pete Alonso (NYM) +300
• Bobby Witt Jr. (KC) +375
• Gunnar Henderson (BAL) +550
• Marcell Ozuna (ATL) +550
• Adolis Garcia (TEX) +700
• Jose Ramirez (CLE) +800
• Teoscar Hernandez (LAD) +1000
• Alec Bohm (PHI) +1600

Pete Alonso can be described as none other than Pete Alonso himself. It is likely that his sole purpose for playing Major League Baseball is to compete and emerge victorious in this particular event. Currently, he is on the hunt for his third Home Run Derby Title, aiming to equal Ken Griffey Jr.’s prestigious all-time record. However, it should be noted that Alonso’s last victory in this competition dates back to 2021.

Are Gunnar Henderson and Bobby Witt Jr., two highly thrilling young players, equipped with the strength to contend with the heavy hitters? It is worth noting that they will be playing in the hitter-friendly Globe Life Field.

Adolis García and Jose Ramirez are set to make waves once more, with each having a chance to etch their names in history. García has the opportunity to join an exclusive club as the fourth player to triumph in the Home Run Derby on their home turf, while Ramirez aims to become the first ever switch hitter to claim victory in the event.

Completing the competition, we have Ozuna, Bohm, and Hernandez, all participating in their first-ever Home Run Derby.

Home Run Totals This Season

• Gunnar Henderson: 28
• Marcell Ozuna: 26
• Jose Ramirez: 23
• Teoscar Hernandez: 19
• Pete Alonso: 19
• Adolis Garcia: 17
• Bobby Witt Jr.: 16
• Alec Bohm: 11

The number of home runs each player has hit this season is not accurately represented in the betting odds, and it is uncertain if that will be a factor under the new rules. Now, let’s analyze the competition format.

Home Run Derby Format

Opening Round

For this event, there will be no initial seeding or head-to-head competitions in the first round of the Home Run Derby. Instead, all eight hitters will have a specific amount of time or pitches to hit as many home runs as they can. Once the round concludes, the four hitters with the highest number of home runs will move on to the semifinals.

Batters will have a choice between three minutes or 40 pitches (excluding bonus time) to maximize their home run count. Regarding bonus time, players will have three “outs” to hit as many home runs as they can, and an extra out will be awarded for hitting a home run that travels at least 425 feet during that timeframe. Any hit that is not a home run will be considered an out.

Following the completion of all eight hitters, the four highest scores will advance to the semifinals.

Semifinals

The top four contestants will advance to the semifinals, and their seeding (1-4) will be determined by the number of home runs they hit in the opening round. In case of a tie, the contestants’ longest home run will be used as the tiebreaker. Once the seeding is determined, the contestants will engage in head-to-head competition. The #1 seed will face off against the #4 seed, while the #2 seed will compete against the #3 seed. However, the round between #2 and #3 will have slightly less time on the clock.

During the semifinals, players are given either 3 minutes or 40 pitches, and the bonus outs remain the same. However, once the knockout rounds commence, tiebreakers are resolved in the same manner as the previous year. In this scenario, players engage in a non-stop 60-second “swing off” without any additional time. If the tie persists, batters proceed to a three swing “swing off” until a victor is determined.

The semifinal winners proceed to the finals, where they will once again compete against each other directly.

The Finals

The finals follow the same set of rules, but with a slight reduction in time and number of pitches. Batters now have a limit of two minutes or 27 pitches (excluding bonus time) to score as many yabarooskis as possible. Additionally, players are awarded the same bonus outs, and in case of a tie, a swing off will determine the winner.

Home Run Derby Predictions

Now, I’ll be honest, this is Pete’s competition to lose. He’s looking to tie a record, he’s been waiting for this moment, and I think he explodes tonight. But with the Home Run Derby, betting chalk isn’t always fun. As a Kansas City Guy, I am obviously rooting for Bobby Witt at +375, but alas I don’t think he has the same power as these other guys.

Although I believe Alec Bohm is the only questionable choice in this event, I am inclined to place a small bet on Gunnar Henderson. He currently ranks third in the MLB for Home Runs this year, surpassing all other competitors. Additionally, he has hit two home runs in July and one in his last game. With odds of +550, I believe taking a chance on him is justified, especially considering his exceptional performance this season, which could potentially earn him the title of MVP.

Best Bets: Gunnar Henderson +550 BetOnline

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