Home Run Derby Betting Guide: 2026 All-Star Week Schedule, Odds, Predictions

Welcome to the ultimate Home Run Derby betting guide to get you set for MLB All-Star week.

Midsummer Classic festivities are taking over Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, which is bringing two distinct wagering opportunities: the Home Run Derby, known for big plus-money hits, and the MLB All-Star Game. We'll dive into everything you need to know for the next couple of days before the second half of the regular season begins.

⚾ Part 1: The Home Run Derby (Monday)

Home run derby odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook

To get us started, we're flying over to Philadelphia to get your set for the Home Run Derby. To make the most of all of the festivities this week, dive into our Home Run Derby odds and Home Run Derby predictions.

The new format: Major League Baseball has officially eliminated the timer that defined the Derby since 2015. We are back to a swing-based format. Participants get 20 swings in Round 1 and 15 swings in the semifinals and finals. In the first round, all eight participants compete in a single pool with 20 swings each, every swing counts against your total, whether it's a homer or not. However, there's a Hot Hand Exception, meaning if a batter hits a homer on their 20th swing, they earn a 21st swing. They continue earning extra swings as long as they hit a homer. The top four players advance to the semifinals, where they face off in a head-to-head format (No. 1 vs. No. 4, No. 2 vs. No. 3).

• Tiebreaker: In the first round, ties are broken by the distance of the longest home run hit by the tied players. In the semifinals and finals, ties are broken by a three-swing swing-off, repeated until a winner is determined.

Key contenders to target: Playing in front of the home Philly crowd, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber are the likely favorites. Schwarber’s violent, pull-heavy swing is tailor-made for the right-field seats at the Bank. At +310, you could do worse. Don't forget, you can also bet on who will hit the longest home run.

The breakout spark: In the midst of a massive breakout year, Jordan Walker brings elite maximum exit velocity. If his launch angle stays consistent, his raw power could turn a +650 ticket into a winner.  Looking for sleepers? Don't miss out on our Home Run derby long shots.

• Where to watch: Netflix
• Time: 8 p.m. ET

⭐ Part 2: MLB All-Star Game (Tuesday)

MLB All-Star game odds courtesy of our best sports betting sites

The Midsummer Classic is notoriously difficult to cap because managers prioritize playing time over execution. However, there are a few betting trends you can follow.

Betting trends: All-Star games are historically dominated by pitching. Elite starters and high-leverage relievers come in throwing absolute gas for one inning at a time, which makes life difficult for the best of hitters. Over the last 20 years, the Under has hit roughly 75% of the time.

One-sided dominance: Since 1988, the AL has gone 28-8-1, and if we narrow the window beginning in 200, the AL is current 19-4, which includes a 13-game unbeaten streak.

Prediction: Looking for All-Star game predictions and All-Star MVP predictions? We got you covered for the week.

• Where to watch: FOX, ESPN, Sportsnet
• Time: 8 p.m. ET

❓ MLB All-Star Week FAQs

What happens if the All-Star Game ends in a tie after 9 innings?

Nobody wants a repeat of the infamous 2002 tie that left fans furious. Under the current rules, if the American League and National League are tied after nine full innings, the game is decided by a Home Run Derby-style shootout rather than standard extra innings.    

How did the Home Run Derby format change?

If you are used to the frantic, beat-the-clock chaos of previous years, the format has shifted significantly to number of swings. MLB eliminated the strict timer for the main portions of the rounds.    

Does every single MLB team have to have an All-Star?  

Yes. This remains one of the most strictly enforced rules of the Midsummer Classic. Under Major League Baseball's charter, every single one of the 30 franchises must have at least one representative named to the initial All-Star rosters.