Handicapping MLB’s Home Run Derby
The Phillies enter the All-Star break with a sweep of the Florida Marlins before a couple days off for most of the team. The Phillies stand at 49 and 43, 8.5 games behind the red hot New York Mets & 6 games behind the Atlanta Braves who sit in second place. The work is cut out for the team division wise going into the second half of the season.
But one Phillies player will be in action tonight at the MLB All-Star, OF’er Kyle Schwarber will be competing in the HR Derby. Schwarber leads the National League with 29 home runs and trails only Aaron Judge (33) in terms of overall league leaders.
According to Draft Kings, these are the odds for tonight’s home run derby.
Pete Alonso +200
Kyle Schwarber +330
Juan Soto +600
Ronald Acuna Jr +650
Julio Rodriguez +850
Corey Seager +900
Jose Ramirez +1600
Albert Pujols +2200
Pete Alonso has won the previous two home run derby’s and clearly has a knack for this competition and is hard to not like his chances to go for a three peat. Albert Pujols got the life-time achievement award nod to give it a final shot tonight, but let’s be serious, don’t bet him. The odds tell you this is a two horse race between Kyle and Judge. These competitions are strange and one of those two top guys have a great shot to win, flip a coin and bet one of them because the odds say one of them will win. And who are we kidding, we’re not betting Judge as Phillies fans. The longer odd shot I’ll take tonight is probably on Julio Rodriguez at +850. A young kid with a sweet swing that doesn’t know any better could find himself in competition. Have fun with your bets!