Now that the whole lockout business is over, Major League Baseball can go about its business determining things like playoff spots, chasing awards, and winning championships. When it comes to MLB MVP odds, there will be a diverse pool of candidates in both leagues. There are a number of players who look primed for big seasons.
Here’s a look at some MLB MVP predictions, MLB betting trends, and what play’s MLB betting odds show value compared to what is expected from each player.
MLB American League MVP Odds
When it comes to the American League, two of the top three players with the shortest MLB betting odds play for the same. The Los Angeles Angels’ duo of Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout have won the last two American League MVPs despite their team having not made a playoff appearance since 2014. However, both players are generational talents who are always a threat to win MVP.
In general, the American League doesn’t have a player who has held onto the title very long. Miguel Cabrera was the last back-to-back MVP when he earned the award in 2012-13 with the Detroit Tigers. Here’s a look at a few contenders in the American League.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays, +300
Guerrero, an infielder, has quickly ascended to stardom. Much like his father, Vladimir, who was best known as a power-hitter during his time with the Montreal Expos, son has shown a knack for the longball.
After a solid first two seasons, Guerrero exploded last year, leading the American League with 48 home runs, a .401 on-base percentage, and a .601 slugging percentage. Guerrero is part of a fast-rising Blue Jays’ squad, who are hoping to break through in 2022.
If Toronto is as good as many experts think, the Blue Jays’ are the preseason favorites to win the American League; Guerrero would be a strong bet if he can help carry Toronto to the playoffs. Guerrero should be the favorite for the award.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels, +350
Ohtani, the Angels pitcher/designated hitter, will be a strong candidate to repeat as MVP. What Ohtani has that his competitors don’t with his versatility.
At the plate, Ohtani finished second in the American League to Guerrero last season with 46 home runs and drove in 100 runs. Ohtani also stole 26 bases.
On the mound, Ohtani was 9-2 with a 3.18 ERA in 23 starters. Ohtani struck out 156 batters.
The only concern with Ohtani is the team’s success. The Angels will need to show progress with their superstars to keep seeing individual glory come to fruition.
Mike Trout, Angels, +375
Trout is a three-time MVP that is still a productive player at 29. Trout hit .333 last season but was limited to 36 games due to injury.
There is no reason to suspect that Trout won’t bounce back, but it will be tough splitting votes with a teammate if they both play well.
Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros, +2000
Alvarez, who was the 2019 AL Rookie of the Year, has demonstrated a lot of pop in his bat. Alvarez hit .277 last season with 33 home runs and 104 RBIs. If he can repeat that season with power numbers, coupled with a successful postseason run by Houston, Alvarez may be worth a small wager.
MLB National League MVP Odds
Juan Soto, Washington Nationals, +300
Soto was named to the All-Star team for the first time last year and has finished in the top 10 in MVP voting over the past three seasons. Last year, Soto finished second, drawing a league-high 145 walks and hitting 29 home runs with 95 RBIs. Soto’s candidacy could come down to how the Nationals do during the season.
Washington finished fifth last season with a 65-97 record. Unless the Nationals can rebound, it may be good to wait for a better number on Soto. Soto is the current betting favorite to win the award.
Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres, +650
Tatis, who plays shortstop, finished in the top five of MVP voting in the past two seasons. Last year, Tatis’ power numbers took a jump. He led the National League with 42 home runs and drove in 97 RBIs. He also swiped 25 stolen bases.
San Diego fell flat last season in a year where many expected the Padres to contend for a World Series. If Tatis and the Padres can win the division and contend for a title, Tatis may be a good bet to win the MVP.
Mookie Bettis, Los Angeles Dodgers, +1000
Betts was the runner-up for MVP last season. While Bettis’ numbers weren’t spectacular, he was a major cog in a successful Los Angeles season. If Betts, who hit .264 with 58 RBIs last year, can get his numbers back to the level he had them in Boston, Betts could be a solid longshot to win the award.
Los Angeles is primed to have a strong team again, and Betts will be an important piece.
Nolan Arenado, St. Louis Cardinals, +2200
Nolan Arenado had a strong first season with the Cardinals, hitting 34 home runs and driving in 105 runs. The NL Central isn’t shaping up to be the strongest division in baseball, so Arenado will have a lot of good opportunities to pad his stats.
St. Louis also should be in a good position to contend for the division title. If Arenado plays a large role in that, he could be among the top vote-getters and one of the top MLB expert picks.
How to read betting MLB MVP Odds
Futures odds are usually, though not always, plus money. Then, If a player is +300, that means if you wager $1, you would win $4 if you bet one for a profit of $3. If you bet $1 on a +1000 choice, your ticket would pay $11, returning your $1 wager plus a $10 profit.
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