Home Run Derby Best Bet: Will Pete Alonso Bring Home the 2023 Home Run Derby Crown?
In this year’s Home Run Derby, we have some familiar faces from years past and also some new competitors hoping to take home the crown in their first-ever Home Run Derby appearance. Where is the edge tonight? Let’s break it down.
Joey Ruiz - July 10, 2023, 4:35 PM EDT
5 minHome Run Derby Best Bet: Will Pete Alonso Bring Home the 2023 Home Run Derby Crown?
Probably the most notable home run derby competitor tonight is Pete Alonso, as he had won this event before and was constantly named as he was seen doing deadlifts and other exercises in the back rooms to warm up and prepare for this contest while the other competitors simply took their warm-up swings and went for it.
2023 MLB Home Run Derby Start Time and Where to Watch
- Date: Monday, July 10, 2023
- Start Time: 8:00 pm ET
- TV Channel: ESPN
Home Run Derby Prediction
A lot of players who we would love to see compete in the home run derby have opted out of it for a multitude of reasons, including injuries, rest, or just simply a lack of interest and not wanting to mess up their swing for the games that actually matter in the second half of the season. Players like Shohei Ohtani and Elly De La Cruz declined, and we were left with this current group of contestants.
One of the main things I look at when trying to handicap the home run derby is swing effort or swing style. Some guys have a very simple swing that does not exude a lot of effort, and some have a long load or a high leg kick or a swing that just looks like it takes a lot of effort and a big toll on the body.
One of the reasons why I think Pete Alonso has been so successful in this event in years past is because he has a very simple swing and a quiet load in his swing. He doesn’t have that big leg kick or a huge forward move to generate power. Reason number 2: I think Pete Alonso has been so successful because he cares about winning this event more than nearly every competitor.
He has been on the record multiple times saying how much he cares about winning this event, and the preparation he puts into winning this event further showcases how much he cares about it. Now I know Alonso is not a sexy pick to win because he has the lowest odds on most major books, but the fact that he is going up against Vladimir Geurrero Jr. and Julio Rodriguez, who both put up impressive performances in years past, will give Pete a little extra added motivation to prove he really is the true Home Run Derby champion. That said, I am rolling with Pete Alonso at +250 to take home the crown again this year.
Home Run Derby Best Bet
Pete Alonso +250 is currently the best odds. Click here to see which sportsbook has the best odds for this pick
MLB Odds
