Monday, July 13th, 2026, is locked and loaded for the Home Run Derby, easily one of the most exciting spectacles in all of sports. The energy, the power, the pure joy of watching guys absolutely launch baseballs into orbit,it’s unmatched. And if you’re anything like me, you’re still buzzing from last year when our own Cal Raleigh absolutely crushed his way to the final round. That run proved anything can happen when the big bats come out to play, and it sets the stage for what’s sure to be another incredible display of raw power this Monday.
The Royals' Young Gun Ready to Explode?
So, who’s got the hot hand, the big swing, the potential to steal the show this year? The experts at SportsLine are already dropping their top picks, and Las Vegas handicapper Zack Cimini is all-in on Jac Caglianone from the Royals. This dude, priced at +650, is tied for the youngest slugger in the Derby. Cimini thinks that youth isn't merely a number; it’s a huge advantage in this kind of intense, high-pressure environment. We saw it last year, didn't we? Junior Caminero, another young phenom, leveraged his youth all the way to the final against our very own Cal Raleigh. Caglianone is already showing that kind of explosive, pile-it-on power, hitting an unbelievable six dingers in five games from June 18th to June 23rd. That’s pure fire, Emerald City! When a guy like Cimini, who's not merely a casual observer but a serious handicapper with a 901-807-8 all-time record and an insane +1206 profit on his last 109 MLB picks, puts his weight behind someone, you know it's for a reason. Are we about to witness another young star etch his name into Derby lore?
No Timer, No Problem? Ben Rice and the Derby's New Rules
But wait, the Derby isn't solely about one guy, is it? Cimini is also calling Ben Rice from the Yankees his "value play," and Rice is sitting there at +850. Why Rice? This is where it gets really interesting for us fans. The Derby’s got some massive rule changes this year, and they sound like they’re absolutely tailor-made for a guy who can really mash without all the frantic pressure. They’ve officially scrapped the timer, which means no more rushed, off-balance swings trying to beat the clock as it ticks down. Plus, those bonus times for 450-foot moonshots are out the window too. Cimini strongly believes these changes seriously boost Rice’s chances. Think about it: we've all seen those 'heavyweight participants' get that extra time, those crucial seconds that ultimately knock a contender out of the running. Well, according to Cimini, that's not happening anymore. It's going to be a pure power contest, hitter against the ball, no artificial constraints. That could absolutely change the dynamic and shake up who we see advancing far into the later rounds.
So, as we head into Monday, you've got your favorites, your sleepers, and the experts are even looking at the League of Winner, with the National League sitting at +130. Could we see another epic, nail-biting showdown like when Cal Raleigh pushed Caminero to the absolute limit last year? That's the beauty of the Home Run Derby; you never know who's going to catch fire and light up the sky. Monday night is going to be must-watch TV, folks. Get ready for some serious bombs, some jaw-dropping displays of power, and maybe, just maybe, another young star ready to carve out their own Derby legend. I'm hyped to see who steps up and puts on a show!
This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.