The field is set for the 2024 Home Run Derby, one of the best highlights of the MLB season since the competition began back in 1985. This years derby will take place at Globe Life Field in Texas, on Monday July 15th at 8 P.M. on ESPN. Today we will be looking at the profiles of all eight participants, their odds to win, and my prediction for who becomes the 2024 Home Run Derby Champion.
Pete Alonso, Mets (+330) - Polar Bear Pete is looking to become the second player ever in MLB history to win 3 Home Run Derby's, which would tie Ken Griffey Jr. Although Pete has not seen the same power numbers as previous campaigns, he is the favorite to win the Derby. He currently has 18 HR and looks to make HR Derby History.
Gunnar Henderson, Orioles (+550) - The Baltimore Short Stop is having an MVP caliber season and leads the entire Derby field in HR with 27, which is also 3rd best in baseball. Despite being the current #1 in HR, he is actually 4th in bookmakers minds. Maybe this has to do with his frame not being the type of a slugger, but this is incredible value for Henderson.
Adolis Garcia, Rangers (+400) - Having a player from the hosting club is always special, as the crowd usually roars extra loud for their guys. Representing the Texas Rangers is Slugging outfielder Adolis Garcia. With the second best Odds to win the tournament, placing a bet on the hometown guy is always a fun feeling.
Marcell Ozuna, Braves (+425) - Atlantas best hitter this season has easily been Ozuna, who is ripping the cover off the baseball for fun. With the 2nd most HR in the field, 24, I do believe that he will hit the longest shot of the night. I do worry about endurance and keeping up pace for multiple rounds, but Ozuna has been one of the best power hitters in baseball thus far.
Bobby Witt Jr., Royals (+600) - This is honestly where the field gets a little boring compared to the top 4 guys, but Witt Jr is a superstar in the making. Although he has never been a 50 HR threat, He does lead the NL in doubles and hit 30 bombs last season. I don’t see him making it very far though, but the derby is full of surprises.
Teoscar Hernandez, Dodgers (+1200) - He does have the second most HR on the Dodgers, behind who else but Shohei Ohtani. Hernandez has hit over 25 HR in every full season he's played, but doesn’t bring the star power that the other names do. But then again, for 12-1 Odds, I think this is worth sprinkling some money on.
Jose Ramirez, Guardians (+1200) - Surprisingly JRam has clobbed 23 HR so far, and is on pace to set a career high. Despite the impressive numbers he comes 2nd to last in terms of Odds, not sure about that one. He has participated in the competition before and lost in round 1, but with more power this season, this also great value.
Alex Bohm, Phillies (+2000) - Coming in last place for HR with 11, and last place in odds, is the Phillies 3B. Despite leading all of baseball in doubles with 31, I really cant see an argument for Bohm having a shot at this. I don’t see him coming out of the first round, let alone winning. If He wins, i will be absolutely shocked.
That is your 2024 Home Run Derby Field, a lot of power at the top, with some sleeper candidates at great value. I would choose Jose Ramirez at +1200 for my value selection, but ultimately i am going with the hometown bat of Adolis Garcia +400 to win the derby. Let me know who you think is going to win and enjoy the All-Star festivities.
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