The opening odds for the 2022 MLB Home Run Derby have been published by BetMGM and New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso is the current favorite to win the event.
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Alonso won the derby in 2019 and 2021 and has 24 returns this season.
With no derby in the 2020 season, the 27-year-old first baseman will be aiming for his third consecutive title.
Additionally, Alonso’s 131 home runs are the most in the event’s history.
Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Kyle Schwarber has the second-lowest odds and reached the final in the 2018 Home Run Derby, finishing second to then-Washington Nationals outfielder Bryce Harper.
Schwarber currently leads the National League in long balls with 28 – and since June 1st they have added 17.
Seattle Mariners rookie outfielder Julio Rodriguez might be the most interesting inclusion at this year’s event. He burst onto the scene after a slow start, hitting 15 roundtrippers with a .531 slugging percentage since May 1st.
However, the fact that he has more stolen bases (21) than homers (15) this year definitely makes him a unique competitor on a whole different level.
Finally, Albert Pujols, batsman-designate for the St. Louis Cardinals, is participating in the event for the fifth time in his career, and his 71 bombs in the derby ranks eighth all-time. His best finish to date was the 2003 edition when he finished second.
With just six homers up to this point in the 2022 season, the 42-year-old hitter could be eyeing his last chance at a Derby win.
After all, he has won everything else there is to win.
Keep an eye on our live odds page throughout the week for the best possible paylines and connect with others in the SBR community on our popular sportsbook forum.