Home Run Derby 2023: Favorite Pete Alonso Chasing History

Remember Ken Griffey Jr. hitting the warehouse at Camden Yards in 1993? Or were Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa making the Green Monster look small in 1999? Or Josh Hamilton peppering the right-field seats at the old Yankee Stadium in 2008? They’re some of the most iconic moments in Home Run Derby history.

This year’s event will take place Monday at T-Mobile Park in Seattle (8 p.m., ESPN). Eight of baseball’s home run season leaders will square off in a single-elimination bracket, with the top slugger taking home a $1 million cash prize.

Headlining the field is New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso, who is trying to join Griffey Jr. as the only three-time champion in Derby history. Read on as we break down the Home Run Derby 2023 odds.

THE FAVORITE

Pete Alonso, Mets (+275)

One of baseball’s preeminent sluggers, Alonso ranks third with 26 home runs despite a stint on the 10-day injured list. He’s the most seasoned participant, having captured back-to-back Home Run Derby titles in 2019 and 2021. Thus, it makes sense Alonso is the odds-on Home Run Derby 2023 favorite. That said, he will get a difficult assignment in Round One against hometown favorite Julio Rodriguez. Remember, it was Rodriguez who beat him in the semifinals last year at Dodger Stadium.

TOP CONTENDERS

Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays (+400)

With only 13 homers, Guerrero Jr.‘s power has been a tick down in 2023. Still, you shouldn’t doubt his abilities. In 2019, his last Derby appearance, Guerrero Jr. hit a record-setting 40 homers in the semifinals at Progressive Field and came up just short of knocking off Alonso. He has the second-shortest odds in this year’s field, which seems reasonable despite his first-half performance.

Julio Rodriguez, Mariners (+550)

Rodriguez stole the show at last year’s Derby as a 21-year-old rookie, blasting the second-most homers (81) in the event’s history. In the process, he prevented Alonso from becoming the first player to win three straight titles. Rodriguez ultimately fell short of winning it himself, losing 19-18 in a memorable final round to then-Nationals outfielder Juan Soto. Beating Alonso again will be tough, but the Mariner will have the overwhelming support of the home crowd. Seven of his 13 homers this season have come at T-Mobile Park.

Luis Robert Jr., White Sox (+550)

Robert Jr. has already hit 26 homers in 89 games, doubling his career high from 2021. As a first-time participant, it’s hard to know how his swing will translate. Remember, some of baseball’s best sluggers have flopped in the Derby. Looking at you, Mike Piazza. That’s why, despite being the No. 1 seed, Robert Jr. is far from the Home Run Derby 2023 favorite. At least, Robert Jr. gets a seemingly favorable matchup against Adley Rutschman in Round One.

Adolis Garcia, Rangers (+650)

Garcia has enjoyed a monster first half. He’s tied for sixth with 23 homers and leads MLB with 75 RBI. If not for Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani, he’d likely be getting a lot more love for Most Valuable Player of the American League. Garcia, like Robert Jr., has never taken part in the Derby before. Thus, similar questions apply.

THE LONGSHOTS

Mookie Betts, Dodgers (+1000)

Betts is another hitter whose power has surged in 2023. With 26 long balls in 86 games, he’s on pace to shatter his career high of 35 set last season. Standing 5-foot-9, Betts isn’t your prototypical slugger. He’s more of a five-tool threat. Of course, that’s what makes him one of the elite players in the sport. As the No. 3 seed, Betts will be an underdog to start against Guerrero Jr.

Randy Arozarena, Rays (+1000)

Arozarena has been instrumental in the success of the 58-35 Rays, who own the AL’s best record based on MLB standings by division. While he’s not the most feared power hitter, Arozarena certainly has enough pop to make a run. He’s hit 16 home runs and ranks 20th in MLB in average exit velocity (92.7 mph), meaning he consistently hits the ball hard. Garcia could be an advantageous draw in Round One.

Adley Rutschman, Orioles (+1600)

There is no question about Rutschman’s hitting ability, which ranks among the best of any catcher in baseball. This is the first of likely many All-Star appearances to come for the former No. 1 overall pick. But with only 11 homers, the fewest of anyone in the field, the 25-year-old Rutschman is shaping up as the longest of longshots.

For MLB betting odds, news, analysis, and more, visit Point Spreads Sports Magazine.

Can’t get enough? Here’s more!

• Shohei Ohtani: Making Sense of His Greatness
• Rockies vs Giants Betting Analysis: Uncovering Value Bets and Predictions
• Pirates vs D’Backs Preview: Arizona Limping Into All-Star Break
• Cubs vs Yankees Betting Preview: Rodon Set to Make His Season Debut
• Blue Jays vs Tigers Series Preview: Manoah Returns to Rotation