The 2022 Home Run Derby pool is finally set, and with it comes the opening odds for the event.
New York Mets first baseman Pete Alonso returns as the two-time reigning champion. No player has ever produced a three-peat, something the slugger will aspire to accomplish.
Ken Griffey Jr. is the only player to win the competition three times, but he did not do so in consecutive years.
While Philadelphia Phillies slugger Kyle Schwarber enters as the No. 1 seed — based on total home runs — Alonso is the betting favorite to win the event.
Here are the full odds on DraftKings Sportsbook:
Pete Alonso +255
Kyle Schwarber +300
Ronald Acuña Jr. +500
Juan Soto +650
Corey Seager +850
Julio Rodriguez +1100
Jose Ramirez +1400
Albert Pujols +1600
Alonso is the favorite, and rightfully so. But, the Derby certainly contains a fair share of randomness, and there really is no bad bet on the board. That said, pitching is by far the most overlooked aspect of the event, and whether Dave Jauss is involved might be the biggest factor.
The veteran coach was nearly perfect tossing to Alonso a season ago but now is in the Washington Nationals system as an advisor. Should he run it back with Alonso, betting on the favorite would be advised. If the Mets slugger is forced to switch pitchers, the competition might open up.
The Home Run Derby will take place on Monday at Dodger Stadium.
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