It has been an exciting season in the National League so far. We have reached the All-Star break, and no team is running away with their division. So settle in for some tight battles down the stretch. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s odds to win the National League with MLB picks and predictions.
The Los Angeles Dodgers won the World Series in 2020 and were considered pretty heavy favorites entering this season. But while they boast the league’s top run differential (+142), the San Francisco Giants lead the NL West with a major-league-best 57-32 record.
Meanwhile, it’s the Milwaukee Brewers that have the largest division lead at the break. They lost three straight to the Cincinnati Reds this past weekend, but still hold a four-game lead over them while the St. Louis Cardinals and Chicago Cubs have each fallen eight games back.
NL Pennant odds, picks and predictions
MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Wednesday , July 14, at 8:30 a.m. ET.
- Dodgers +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
- Padres +400
- Mets +450
- Brewers +500
- Giants +650
- Reds +2200
- Braves +2500
- Cubs +3000
- Phillies +3000
- Nationals +3000
- Cardinals +5000
- Marlins +15000
- Diamondbacks +50000
- Rockies +50000
- Pirates +50000
Best bet: Milwaukee Brewers (+500)
The Dodgers are still the favorites to win the National League pennant, and the odds are reasonable at +175, but we’ll look for value elsewhere.
The Brewers were a team we recommended back in March when they were projected to finish 3rd in the NL Central and were +2500 to win the NL pennant. The Milwaukee offense hasn’t lived up to expectations, but their pitching staff is among the best in the game.
FANTASY BASEBALL: Serious about winning your league? Sign up for BaseballHQ.com to dominate the competition. Subscribe now!
The starting rotation has been the biggest strength of the team with a 3.23 ERA that ranks 4th in the majors. The top three is as strong as any in the league. RHPs Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta have combined for a 2.26 ERA and 11.8 K/9 across 51 appearances (50 starts).
The Brewers are -800 to win their division, so they should get in the playoffs. Once they’re in, they have the frontline starting pitching to compete with anyone.
Take the BREWERS +500.
MLB betting offers/promotions
BetMGM Sportsbook offers available in CO, IA, IN, MI, NJ, PA, TN, VA, WV and Washington D.C. New customer offers, terms and conditions apply.
- Bet just $1 on either team’s money line, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run during the game. Bet now!
- RISK-FREE FIRST BET. Place your first bet, if it loses you’ll get up to $600 in free bets. Bet now!
Long shot: Philadelphia Phillies (+3000)
Philadelphia sits 3.5 games behind the Mets at the break. That puts them in 2nd place in the division, and with Ronald Acuna, Jr. and Kyle Schwarber now out of the picture for the Braves and Nationals, the Phillies are the team most likely to chase down the Mets.
The Phillies offense started slow, but they have scored 5.65 runs per game since the beginning of June. RHP Aaron Nola has been struggling, but he should be better in the second half, and he’s part of a solid top three that also includes RHP Zack Wheeler and RHP Zach Eflin.
If the Phillies add another starting pitcher and some bullpen help at the deadline, they could be dangerous.
The PHILLIES (+3000) are worth a look.
PLAY: Free, daily sports pick’em contests. Play now!
Bet on MLB futures now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow @RuddHQ on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]