All-Star Game Home Run Derby Odds: Betting on Josh Donaldson?

Chicks dig the long ball. Major League Baseball’s All-Star festivities kick off tonight in Cincinnati with the Home Run Derby.

There’s a nice mix of old and new in tonight’s MLB All-Star game with Albert Pujols listed as the event’s +450 favorite ahead of a group of young boppers looking to make a big splash.

This year’s Derby features a few new wrinkles, introducing a bracket-style format, time limits for rounds and bonus time added for long homers.

Check out all of Sports Interaction’s Home Run Derby matchups and odds

Albert Pujols vs. Kris Bryant

Favorite: Pujols -125

Pujols has turned back the clock with 26 homers already and he has three Home Run Derby appearances under his belt. Bryant is the young buck, coming in with 14 home runs as a rookie. Chicago’s superstar has tons of power and he has a chance to blast some of the longest dingers we’ll see tonight, but if he doesn’t get in a groove early he could be in trouble.

Pick: Pujols.

Josh Donaldson vs. Anthony Rizzo

Favorite: Donaldson -125

Josh Donaldson is having a monster year and has the power stroke to take a deep run in this competition. This could be a major coming-out party for him after he led all All-Stars in voting and he’s the type of player who steps up in big moments. Rizzo isn’t a pure power hitter and it’s his first rodeo here too.

Pick: Donaldson

Joc Pederson vs. Manny Machado

Favorite: Pederson -175

All you have to do is take a look at Pederson’s swing in this matchup. He either hits the ball to the moon or strikes out so that’s all he’ll be doing here. Machado is no joke with 19 home runs, but this event is made for Pederson.

Pick: Pederson

Todd Frazier vs. Prince Fielder

Favorite: Even -115

This could be the best matchup of the first round. Prince Fielder already has two Homer Derby titles under his belt and Todd Frazier has 25 homers at the break compared to 29 all of last year. Fielder is hitting more for average than power so far this year so take a shot with Frazier.

Pick: Frazier

Final prediction:

Look for Donaldson and Pederson in the finals with the Toronto Blue Jays’ slugger earning the title. You can’t go wrong at +650.