By Kenny Burgess
The 2023 Home Run Derby is tonight, Jul. 10, and it’s one of the most exciting summer events. There is nothing better than watching some of the league’s best power hitters hit a bunch of baseballs really far. There are many storylines and some good prop bets that I like for tonight so let’s get started.
Pete Alonso O 42.5 Total Home Runs +100
Pete Alonso is one of the best power hitters on the planet and has performed very well in this event before. The two-time champion has hit 20-plus home runs in six of the eight rounds he’s competed in. I like Alonso to get out of the first round against Julio Rodríguez, but I’m sure he’ll put up a good score. Also, Alonso will probably see Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in the second round, who is known for hitting many home runs in this event. I like Alonso to smash this over and I think it will only require two rounds.
Randy Arozarena Winner vs. Adolis Garcia +120
Randy Arozarena is having a fantastic season for the Tampa Bay Rays and is known for thriving in the big moments. Arozarena set the postseason record for home runs during his postseason run in 2020 and elevated his game during the most recent World Baseball Classic. I think Arozarena will shine again tonight and I love the value of him getting out of the first round.
Player With Longest Home Run: Vladimir Guerrero Jr. +190
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. put on quite the show the last time he was in this event and I like him to do the same tonight. Guerrero might have the best pure power in the field and in his only derby appearance, hit 27 home runs that went 440 feet or more. I think Guerrero will hit some moon shots tonight and I like the odds of him hitting the longest homer tonight.
Photo credit: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.’s Instagram
