Defending champion Dodgers open as favorites to repeat, Betts NL MVP frontrunner. Teammates battle for honor in AL.
Las Vegas, NV (April 2, 2021) – After a pandemic-shortened 60-game season in 2020, the MLB has officially embarked on a full 162-game schedule. This time of year, hope springs eternal for every franchise – even the Pittsburgh Pirates at +25000 World Series longshots.
Oddsmaker David Strauss of MyBookie predicts the Dodgers will become the first team since the 1998-2000 Yankees to win back-to back championships. The oddsmaker admits that’s not exactly going out on a limb – but betters shouldn’t ignore the fact that the Dodgers are the most stacked team in baseball, and by a fairly wide margin. Strauss gives them the shortest odds to become World Series champs (Dodgers +300).
The Yankees are the most talented team in the American League, but much of their success will again be dependent on the health of their sluggers – namely Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton. Money doesn’t guarantee championships, but it probably helps win a lot of baseball games. That’s why they’re favorites in the AL, (NY Yankees +550).
Angels’ Mike Trout favored to win AL MVP, but teammate Shohei Ohtani has garnered the most money so far.
At +200, Mike Trout is favored to win the American League MVP, but Trout hasn’t attracted the most money. Worldwide, more bets have flown to Trout’s teammate, Shohei Ohtani. At +2000, Ohtani represents sportsbook exposure for sure. From a betting perspective, though, Ohtani’s odds make him an underlay. Strauss says he won’t win the MVP unless he becomes the second starter in Joe Maddon’s rotation. Right now, that looks unlikely.
If you’re looking for a dark horse MVP candidate consider Randy Arozarena. The supremely gifted 24- year-old was a breakout star in last year’s postseason batting .364 (8-fr-22) with three homers in the World Series. He’s the favorite to win the AL Rookie of the Year, but he just might take home the AL MVP as well. He’d be the first to win both since Ichiro in 2001 for the Seattle Mariners.
Mookie Betts and Juan Soto favored to win NL MVP
At +750, Betts and Soto provide more value than Trout in the AL. The NL MVP race is much deeper than the AL MVP race. Fernando Tatis, Cody Bellinger, Freddie Freeman, and even Bryce Harper are all in the mix.
Strauss suggests keeping an eye on Ronald Acuna. The slugger struggled to find his rhythm last year, but the oddsmaker sees value in betting he’ll return to his 2019 greatness. If he does, don’t be surprised if he’s hoisting the NL MVP award.
2021 World Series Odds via MyBookie MyBookie
• Los Angeles Dodgers +300
• New York Yankees +550
• San Diego Padres +800
• Tampa Bay Rays +2000
• Atlanta Braves +1000
• Minnesota Twins +1800
• Chicago White Sox +1000
• Oakland Athletics +2400
• Houston Astros +2500
• Cleveland Indians +4000
• Cincinnati Reds +3500
• Chicago Cubs +4000
• New York Mets +1000
• Washington Nationals +3500
• St. Louis Cardinals +2500
• Toronto Blue Jays +2000
• Philadelphia Phillies +4000
• L.A. Angels +4000
• Milwaukee Brewers +3000
• Boston Red Sox +5000
• Miami Marlins +7000
• San Francisco Giants +8000
• Arizona Diamondbacks +10000
• Colorado Rockies +12500
• Seattle Mariners +8000
• Baltimore Orioles +10000
• Detroit Tigers +12500
• Kansas City Royals +10000
• Texas Rangers +15000
• Pittsburgh Pirates +25000
