Home Run Derby Predictions
The big 2017 Home Run Derby is set to take place later tonight. Which power hitter will find his way to the championship?
According to oddsmakers at BetDSI, Giancarlo Stanton and Aaron Judge are currently listed as co-favorites to win, as each is listed with +200 odds. Cody Bellinger is listed with +650 odds to win while Miguel Sano has +700 odds. The Home Run Derby takes place tonight from Marlins Park in Miami, Florida. The event will air on ESPN tonight at 8PM ET.
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Stanton comes into this year as the favorite after winning the title a year ago and now returning to his home park to defend his title. Stanton has 26 home runs this season in 325 at-bats. Judge, of the Yankees, comes into the break as the home-run leader with 30 in 301 at-bats. This is his first full season in the MLB. Bellinger is a rookie for the Dodgers. He comes into the break with 25 home runs in 257 at-bats. Sano is the power hitter for the Twins. He has 21 home runs this season in 301 at-bats.
The other four contenders today are Gary Sanchez (+1200), Charlie Blackmon (+1400), Mike Moustakas (+1400) and Justin Bour (+1400). Sanchez plays for the Yankees and has 13 home runs in 214 at-bats. He had an injury early in the season, which hampered his power numbers. Moustakas has 25 home runs for the Royals in 311 at-bats this season. Blackmon plays for the Rockies and he has 20 home runs this season in 367 at-bats. Bour plays for the Marlins as well. He comes into the break with 20 home runs over just 270 at-bats.
Stanton is the only competitor in this field with Home Run Derby experience. He was able to win last year’s event without much difficulty. While the idea of the derby seems pretty simple, it’s not quite as easy as it looks. Winning actually takes some endurance and strategy. While Judge is the hot name entering this event, he is playing in it for the first time. I think he will start hot, but fade late. Stanton knows what it takes to win and is playing in his home stadium. Look for him to push for another win this year.
HOME RUN DERBY PREDICTIONS – GIANCARLO STANTON +200