Just because there’s no Shohei Ohtani and no Aaron Judge doesn’t mean Monday’s Home Run Derby won’t be a spectacle for the sporting world.
Some of baseball’s biggest slugging names will participate in the strength contest, and a clear favorite has emerged.
According to ESPN BET, Pete Alonso of the New York Mets is the choice (+300) to lift the most baseballs deep into the night at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas.
Oddsmakers put Adolis Garcia (+350) next, followed by Marcell Ozuna (+425), Gunnar Henderson (+550), Bobby Witt Jr. (+600), Teoscar Hernandez (+1000), Jose Ramirez (+1200) and Alex Bohm (+1600).
Who are you taking to win the Home Run Derby? ⚾
Tune in to the Home Run Derby this Monday
📺: @ESPN | 8 ET pic.twitter.com/4GAk8Xocn3— ESPN BET (@ESPNBet) July 12, 2024
It was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. who took home last year’s crown in what many feel is the most spectacular part of the All-Star festivities.
As this year’s favorite, Pete Alonso is afforded the respect that one of baseball’s purest power hitters richly deserves.
In his five-and-a-half seasons with the Mets, he has slugged 210 home runs, some of which are among the most prodigious shots seen in recent years.
And then there’s experience.
Besides being 2019’s NL Rookie of the Year and a four-time All-Star, Alonso has already won the Home Run Derby twice with amazing power displays.
He was the top longball hitter in the 2019 and 2021 competitions, and this will be his fifth Derby in his short career.
Plus, he may be extra motivated after last year’s abrupt loss.
In the first round of the 2023 competition, he was eliminated by Seattle Mariners power hitter Julio Rodriguez.
Fans will certainly not overlook Adolis Garcia, the hometown favorite as a member of the Texas Rangers.
