The MLB’s most powerful hitters will come together in putting on a display of slugging at Coors Field on Monday, ahead of the All-Star Game being played on Tuesday. With the bracket being set yesterday, we now have a better understanding of who may come out on top when it’s all said and done. Defending champ Pete Alonso will be returning to the event after having to wait two years to defend his title because of COVID-19.
The Home Run Derby is historically one of the most popular events of the summer in America. Taking place in Denver, Colorado this year’s HR Derby should involve an abnormal amount of balls launched beyond the wall.
Any sporting event involving a winner or some sort of competition can be gambled on. Don’t think for a second that people in attendance and watching from home won’t be betting on the 2021 HR Derby. Below, I will be sharing with you my pick and prediction for when the world’s top sluggers compete for bragging rights and a beautiful trophy.
The Bracket:
- Shohei Ohtani vs. (8) Juan Soto
- Joey Gallo vs. (7) Trevor Story
- Matt Olson vs. (6) Trey Mancini
- Salvador Perez vs. (5) Pete Alonso
Home Run Derby | Players Odds:
Shohei Ohtani (+400)
Joey Gallo (+450)
Pete Alonso (+525)
Matt Olson (+580)
Salvador Perez (+700)
Juan Soto (+750)
Trevor Story (+800)
Trey Mancini (+1000)
Home Run Derby Best Bets:
Joey Gallo (+450)
The same exact day Gallo announced he would be participating in the 2021 Home Run Derby, he hit two dingers both traveling beyond 440 feet. With a relatively slow start to the 2021 season, Gallo has quietly collected 23 home runs, just nine off the league lead.
Surprisingly, this will be Gallo’s first run in the highly anticipated event and if he were to win he’d be the first Rangers player to win since 1993. Homering in five straight games he involved himself in conversations with Josh Hamilton to become the second Ranger to go deep seven times in a five-game span.
There’s no doubt that you include Joey Gallo’s name among the most powerful hitters in baseball for the past five years. In his career, he has hit two home runs that have exceeded 490 feet including a 495-foot bomb that is considered the 5th longest in the Statcast era.
I think Gallo is the best player to place a wager on in the Home Run Derby this year. His raw power and ability to launch balls at a unique angle off the bat make him tough to beat. Good luck out swinging Joey Gallo, you’re going to need it.
Pete Alonso (+525)
A former winner of the Home Run Derby, Pete Alonso can make history with a repeat joining Ken Griffey Jr., Yoenis Céspedes, and Prince Fielder as the only multiple-time Home Run Derby champions. Known for setting the all-time rookie home run record with 53 in 2019, the Mets’ slugger would love nothing more than stealing the show from the outright favorite, Shohei Ohtani.
Although Alonso only has racked in just 15 homers so far this season, we know what “Polar Pete” is capable of when he gets a pitch he likes. While the Home Run Derby’s purpose is to entertain the fans and bring fun to the game, don’t think for a second that these players don’t want bragging rights for the next year.
In Alonso’s last appearance, Guerrero Jr. was the one drawing all the attention, but it was Pete walking away with the $1 million dollar prize and trophy. Earning bonus time in each of his three rounds with at least three home runs beyond 440-feet makes Alonso a huge threat entering the event. Let’s see if the big man can enter his name in the history books, again.
Good Luck!
