MLB Home Run Derby 2021 Betting Picks

The mid-summer classic is here and just like that we are halfway through the MLB season. Despite not having a home run derby and All-Star game last season because of COVID, the action returns this summer! I am definitely excited to watch the home run derby this year. Also, the home run derby participants and bracket are set and I will give you my MLB Home Run Derby 2021 betting picks!

Home Run Derby Information

Location: Denver, Colorado @ Coors Field

Time: 5:00pm Pacific Time

Participants:

Shohei Ohtani (+350)

Joey Gallo (+450)

Pete Alonso (+525)

Matt Olson (+580)

Salvador Perez (+700)

Juan Soto (+750)

Trevor Story (+800)

Trey Mancini (+1000)

Home Run Derby Bracket

The MLB changed the home run derby rules in 2015. To keep it simple, the MLB eliminated the “outs” format and changed it to the bracket format. Each participant receives a seed number and are ranked based on the number of home runs they currently have in the regular season. For example, Shohei Ohtani has the most home runs amongst the participants. As a result, he is the #1 seed. To see the complete rules change and format check it out here. Below is the bracket!

Home Run Derby Picks

Since the change to the bracket format, the #1 seed has not won the home run derby, but fans are excited to watch Ohtani compete nonetheless. Furthermore, there five American League hitters and three National League hitters. In addition, the home team hitter, Trevor Story is in the field this year. The defending champion Pete Alonso is also amongst the field.

Prop Bets

League of Winning Player: National League +155

The advantage I believe the NL players have is being accustomed to Coors Field. Amongst the participants, Trey Mancini, Salvador Perez, and Ohtani have a combined 24 at bats at Coors Field. In addition, will the altitude play a factor for the guys who do not have much experience being used to the high altitude? I will gladly take my chances with the defending champion Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, and Trevor Story.

Round 1 Matchup Pete Alonso (-200) over Salvador Perez

I know it’s frowned upon to bet heavy juiced favorites but I’m banking on Alonso’s experience being in the home run derby. Furthermore, Alonso has said he is used to the altitude in Colorado because he spends much of his time on the West Coast during the offseason.

Longest Home Run Over 506.5 Feet

There are some absolute sluggers and pure power guys in the derby this year. As a result, I believe the ball should be flying out of the ballpark all night long. Hitters like Joey Gallo, Alonso, and Story are guys who are more than capable of hitting a long bomb at Coors Field.

Home Derby Winners

Pete Alonso +500

I am backing the defending champion here for the Home Run Derby. As I mentioned above, Alonso has said he is accustomed to the altitude of Denver. In addition, having the experience of being the in derby will bode well for Pete Alonso.