Two-time champion Pete Alonso is a strong contender to win another Home Run Derby, but he currently ranks as the third-most popular pick among bettors. According to BetMGM, Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles is the frontrunner, capturing 25.5% of ticket shares and 34.6% of the handle for the event.
Henderson, a first-time All-Star, has impressed with his powerful hitting, boasting a .292 batting average and 27 home runs this season—just one shy of his total from last year. He opened with odds of +575, placing him as the fourth favorite behind Alonso (+310), Atlanta Braves slugger Marcell Ozuna (+375), and Texas Rangers star Adolis Garcia (+400).
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is also a popular choice, receiving 19.6% of the total bets with +625 odds. In contrast, Philadelphia Phillies third baseman Alec Bohm, who has just 11 home runs this season, is considered a longshot. Despite this, he accounts for 24.5% of the betting handle, making him the book’s biggest liability.
Alonso has attracted 15.7% of total tickets and 18.3% of the handle as he aims for his third Derby title, having previously won in 2019 and 2021.
This year’s Derby format has changed, eliminating the traditional eight-player bracket. Participants will now take turns hitting, facing a maximum of 40 pitches over three minutes, with opportunities for “bonus outs” at the end. The top four totals will advance to a seeded bracket for the semifinals.
The Home Run Derby is scheduled for July 15 in Arlington, Texas, just before the All-Star Game.
