It has been a quiet season for Texas Rangers designated hitter Prince Fielder, who has hit just four home runs since the beginning of June, but that has not kept the 10-year veteran from emerging as a strong 15-4 favorite to win his third career MLB All-Star Home Run Derby on Monday at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
Fielder reaches the All-Star break ranked second in the American League in batting average, but has gone yard on just 14 occasions, putting him on pace to fall short of the 30-home run mark for a third straight season.
Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant is joined by Cincinnati Reds third baseman Todd Frazier close on Fielder’s heels at 9-2 odds to win the derby on Monday.
Bryant has impressed in his rookie campaign, connecting on 12 long balls, but is just 2 for 16 in the Cubs’ past five games, while Frazier looks to reach the home run derby final for a second year in a a row.
The Los Angeles Angels’ Albert Pujols, who is enjoying a bounceback season with 26 home runs at the break, is pegged at 6-1 odds, deadlocked with Los Angeles Dodgers rookie outfielder Joc Pederson, whose 20 home runs ranks sixth in the National League.
Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo, who went yard 30 times last season, is listed at 7-1 odds, joined by Blue Jays third baseman Josh Donaldson, who led all players in All-Star balloting and has 21 home runs and 60 RBI on the year.
Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado, who is making his second career All-Star appearance, trails the pack at 9-1 odds to win the Home Run Derby on Monday.
Meanwhile, the Senior Circuit holds the betting edge ahead of Tuesday night’s Midsummer Classic at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
The National League, which came up short in each of the last two All-Star Games and has won just three times since 1996, is perched as the -115 home favorite for Tuesday’s game according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
The National League holds a slight 43-40 edge all-time over the American League in the All-Star Game, with the Junior Circuit an impressive 7-1-1 in its last nine All-Star contests in National League parks.
Thumbnail photo via Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports Images
