The 2024 MLB season is underway, with sportsbooks offering multiple options for betting on all the action. Beyond the standard ways to wager at MLB betting sites, there’s also a large selection of props, including home run bets.
You can find betting odds on which players will hit a home run, who will hit the first home run of a game, league leaders in home runs and more below. Here’s what you need to know about home run betting.
Most regular season home runs
You can also place bets on which player will have the most home runs during the regular season. There are typically a few favorites at the top of the board and lines for all of the game’s top sluggers.
How to bet on home runs
If the player you bet on hits a home run, then you win. If not, you lose. The odds typically present a chance for solid returns if you make the right call, while the bet itself can help make the game more entertaining.
Other ways to bet on home runs
In addition to the standard bet on a player going deep, there are other options for home run bets:
- Player to hit the first home run of the game
- Player to hit two or more home runs
- Home run and moneyline parlay
The first home run of a game and multiple-HR outings are even more challenging to predict, and the betting odds tend to reflect the difficulty level. If you like a player to go deep and also feel that his team will come out on top, then the home run and moneyline parlay is an option to consider.
More about Major League Baseball odds.
Home run betting factors to consider
Just like any other MLB bet, there are no guarantees when it comes to betting on home runs. However, there are some factors to think about while handicapping the possibilities to help narrow down the field of candidates.
- Weather: The direction and severity of the wind can impact the trajectory of the ball.
- Ballpark: Some ballparks are geared toward offense, while others are more favorable for pitchers and defense.
- Batter vs. pitcher matchup: Historical batter-versus-pitcher data can help point out potentially favorable matchups.
- Batting lineup: Is the batter hitting in his usual spot in the order, or has there been a shift in the lineup?
- Current form: Just like any other athletes, MLB hitters and pitchers will go through hot and cold streaks.
- Game over/under: The pregame line for total runs is just an estimate, but it can be a useful gauge of what to expect on the offensive front.
Other MLB batter props
Home run bets are popular, but they’re far from the only hitter props on the menu. Here’s a sampling of what else is available for wagering:
- Player to record a hit or multiple hits
- Over/under on total bases
- Runs batted in
- Runs scored
- Hits + runs + RBIs
- Stolen bases
- First hit, run or RBI
- Strikeouts, singles, doubles, triples and walks
Which sportsbook has the best odds for betting on home runs?
Betting odds for MLB games and props can vary by sportsbook due to betting action and other factors, but the numbers tend to be relatively in line across the industry. There is no one sportsbook that will always have the best odds on a particular wager.
Before placing a bet, take the time to line shop and compare the odds at multiple sportsbooks. Our live odds feed above can help you scout out the options.