Kyle Schwarber is the focal point of betting interest as some of the most electrifying sluggers in Major League Baseball (MLB) prepare to compete tonight (July 13) at Citizens Bank Park for the illustrious MLB All-Star Home Run Derby.
Kyle Schwarber of the Philadelphia Phillies competes in the 2022 Home Run Derby. Currently, Schwarber is at the forefront of tonight’s event in Philadelphia. (Image: Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
The Home Run Derby has transformed from a mere side event during All-Star Week into a prime-time spectacle, consistently drawing in 5-7 million viewers, rendering it one of the top televised events of the MLB season.
Schwarber Dominates Betting Trends
The exciting event kicks off tonight (July 13) at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on Netflix. The lineup for this year’s Home Run Derby includes:
Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies (32 home runs in 2026, +280 at DraftKings)
Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays (28, +330)
Munetaka Murakami, Chicago White Sox (20, +650)
Jordan Walker, St. Louis Cardinals (22, +700)
Jac Caglianone, Kansas City Royals (15, +700)
Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (20, +900)
Ben Rice, New York Yankees (29, +1100)
Willson Contreras, Boston Red Sox (20, +1700)
Adam Landeka, vice president of sportsbook trading at theScore Bet, indicates that Schwarber is currently attracting the most betting activity, closely followed by Caminero.
“Harper is currently seeing a lower betting volume than anticipated, landing him in the middle of the pack, while some competitors with shorter odds are capturing more bets,” he noted.
Betting Odds Influenced by Format
Landeka pointed out that a common misconception about this event is that the season’s home run leaders will automatically excel in the Derby.
“It’s important to consider the event’s format,” he explained. “With eight competitors in the first round, only the top four advance to a bracket-style semi-final. Thus, your odds can significantly change based on who you face in the semi-final round.”
Importance of Swing Mechanics
According to theScore Bet, Schwarber stands as the top betting favorite with odds of +280.
“When establishing odds, we take into account metrics such as average exit velocity and highest exit velocity,” said Landeka. “We also prefer players with more compact and efficient swings, as they are less likely to fatigue and can maintain a consistent swing pattern. Seasoned participants are also given additional consideration since the format presents unique challenges.”
