2023 MLB All-Star: Things To Know Before Betting the Home Run Derby

One of the lowkey best sports betting events of the year is coming up this week as eight sluggers line up during the 2023 MLB All-Star festivities to battle it out for the right to be crown the Home Run Derby champion. 

While betting on the event could feel like something of a crap shoot, years gone by have taught us lessons about how to bet this novelty event. We dive into the things you should consider before making your wager.

RELATED: Dimers' MLB Home Run Predictor

If you haven't already, sign up for DraftKings ➡️ here ⬅️ as you can turn a $5 pre-game moneyline bet on any game into $150 in bonus bets if your team wins. It is by far the best promo out there to build some bankroll to bet on home runs.

Four Things To Know About the Home Run Derby

Novelty Event with Serious Betting Potential

While some bettors may dismiss all-star events as trivial, the Home Run Derby is one that bucks the trend. The MLB does an excellent job of incentivizing the players, offering a substantial prize pool of $2.5 million, with the winner taking home $1 million. To put things into perspective, Orioles hitter Adley Rutschman’s annual salary is just $733,000 in 2023. A win for Rutschman would result in him making more money than he would in the entire season. That’s not insignificant. The commitment and passion displayed by the players during the event over past years has proved that it's a betting opportunity worth considering.

Pete Alonso Wants This Bad

Pete Alonso's commitment to the Home Run Derby is undeniable. Seeking his third consecutive crown in 2022, he entered the competition as the pre-Derby favorite with odds of +185. Alonso's determination was evident as he was shown on the telecast in an almost-comical state of zen. Unfortunately, his aspirations were dashed by Julio Rodriguez's exceptional performance, preventing him from achieving a hat-trick. Clearly, Alonso's disappointment will fuel his desire for redemption this year. The prospect of a pissed off Polar Bear looking for revenge in Seattle for the 2023 Derby is intimidating.

Seeding is Irrelevant

The notion that a high seeding guarantees success in the Home Run Derby has proven false in recent years. Kyle Schwarber, carrying the top seeding in 2022 (+300 pre-Derby) due to his impressive regular-season home run record, suffered a disappointing defeat against Albert Pujols in the first round, much like Shohei Ohtani's experience in 2021 when he started out as betting favorite before being bounced in the first round. Experience and adaptability matter greatly in this format, as demonstrated by last year's finalist, Juan Soto, who emerged as the champion despite being the fourth seed. It's clear that seedings alone cannot predict success in the Derby, meaning that there is plenty of betting value here. 

Julio Rodriguez Is Electrifying

As a rookie, Mariner Julio Rodriguez made a resounding entrance into the MLB world during 2022’s Home Run Derby, forcing his way to an improbable appearance in the final before going down to Juan Soto. His captivating performance showcased his extraordinary power, positioning him as a formidable contender for future titles. He faces Pete Alonso in the first round, the same man he defeated in last year’s semi final. With the HR Derby taking place in front of his home fans in Seattle, could there be a fairytale winner?

Remember to please gamble responsibly. If you sense that you're taking your luck too far, know when to call it quits and don't be afraid to seek assistance. Keep in mind that gambling is all about having a fantastic experience! If you or someone you know is grappling with gambling issues, reach out to 1-800-GAMBLER for crisis counseling and support.