Tag: 2020 MLB

MLB Parlay Bet Payday: Bank on this 4-way parlay bet

Looking to cash in on MLB’s 2020 Opening Day? Bank on this 4-way parlay bet in the return of baseball.

Major League Baseball returns Thursday, July 23, with two games. The New York Yankees visit the Washington Nationals and the San Francisco Giants face the rival Los Angeles Dodgers. The rest of MLB will throw their first pitches on the official Opening Day of Friday, July 24. Let’s get some action in on MLB’s Opening Day slate with a can’t miss four-team parlay.

MLB Opening Day Parlay: Picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, July 21 at 3:15 p.m. ET.

San Francisco Giants vs. Los Angeles Dodgers: UNDER 8 (-110)

SP Clayton Kershaw takes the mound on Opening Day for the ninth time in the past 10 seasons for the Dodgers. He has owned the Giants over his career with a 1.74 ERA and 350 strikeouts in 342 1/31 career innings. He has given up two or fewer runs in eight of his last 13 starts against the Giants from 2017 to 2019. In his last five Opening Day starts, Kershaw is 3-1 over 30 2/3 innings pitched, striking out 40 batters and allowing only six earned runs.

While Giants SP Johnny Cueto doesn’t have the Hall of Fame resume of Kershaw, he has pitched well in his career against the Dodgers. His record is only 4-5 in Los Angeles, but he has a 2.36 ERA and 1.066 WHIP at Dodgers Stadium.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Milwaukee Brewers vs. Chicago Cubs: CHC moneyline (-129)

It wouldn’t be a bad idea if the Brewers went with an opener in their first game. Instead, SP Brandon Woodruff will take the mound. He’s 0-0 in five appearances against the Cubs with a 6.75 ERA.

Chicago sends out SP Kyle Hendricks who was dominant at home last season with a 6-2 record in 14 starts with a 2.04 ERA and a 0.874 WHIP. He has pitched well against Milwaukee in his career as well, going 8-6 with a 3.08 ERA all-time against the Brewers. Neither team lost key contributors to their lineups and the Cubs had more production in the box in 2019.

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Arizona Diamondbacks vs. San Diego Padres: SDP moneyline (-129)

The Diamondbacks signed SP Madison Bumgarner this offseason to replace the loss of former ace Zack Greinke and he gets the start on Opening Day. He has been pretty average, by his standards, in San Diego. Bumgarner is 5-7 with a 3.75 ERA in his career at Petco Park.

Arizona beat up on San Diego in 2019. They were 8-2 in their last 10 games versus the Padres and finished 15 games better than them in the NL West last season. Diego’s promising 24-year-old SP Chris Paddack pitched well in his three starts against Arizona. Paddack was 1-0 with a 1.08 ERA and struck out 20 batters over 16 2/3 innings pitched.

Seattle Mariners vs. Houston Astros:  HOU -1.5 run line (-139)

This is probably the chalkiest bet of the whole parlay but there’s a reason why Houston is heavily favored. The Astros had the best winning percentage against division opponents in 2019, the Mariners had the fourth-lowest. Houston has beaten Seattle in 13 straight games and won 18 of 19 meetings last season.

Seattle’s Opening Day starter is Marco Gonzales, who’s 0-4 with a 7.36 ERA in his career against Houston. Expect 2019 AL Cy Young Award winner SP Justin Verlander to be in mid-season form after spending the offseason dealing with the Astros’ sign-stealing controversy and a groin injury which had him set to miss the original Opening Day.

MLB Opening Day Parlay: Payout

A $100 wager at +940 odds for this four-leg parlay would bank a profit of $940 if all four bets win.

Want action on MLB Opening Day? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @Geoffery_Clark and SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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MLB Parlay Bet Payday: Bank on this 5-way parlay bet

Looking to cash in on MLB’s 2020 Opening Day? Bank on this 5-way parlay bet in the return of baseball.

The 2020 MLB season is here and betting odds are up at BetMGM for the Thursday and Friday Opening Day slates. At SportsbookWire, we’ve previewed all the teams, looked at all the top 2020 award contenders and made our best bets for all player props for the 60-game season. Below, we’ll look at the opening game lines and make our best picks in a 5-way parlay bet.

MLB Opening Day Parlay: Picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, July 21 at 9:25 a.m. ET.

New York Yankees at Washington Nationals: UNDER 7.5 (-110)

Gerrit Cole will make his Yankees debut in a marquee pitching matchup with the defending World Series champions and SP Max Scherzer.

The Yankees and Nationals ranked first and sixth, respectively, in runs scored last season, but two of the best pitchers in MLB will have the early edge over all hitters in this delayed start to the season.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB Opening Day bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Atlanta Braves at New York Mets: ATL moneyline (+115)

Reigning National League Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom will get the opening start at home for the Mets after dealing with a back injury throughout summer camp.

Look for the Braves to pounce early in what’s already likely to be a shortened outing for deGrom and get to a Mets bullpen that pitched to an aggregate 4.99 ERA last season. SP Mike Soroka gets the call for the Braves.

Detroit Tigers at Cincinnati Reds: CIN -1.5 (+110)

One of the most lopsided Opening Day matchups sees a popular NL Central darkhorse contender hosting a Tigers team widely projected to finish last in baseball. The universal designated hitter rule will help the Reds more than the Tigers in this interleague set.

Cincinnati should win this easily by two or more runs with Sonny Gray on the mound against Matthew Boyd.

Playing fantasy baseball? A Draft Day like no other deserves a fantasy baseball Cheat Sheet like no other. Weekly HQBasics from BaseballHQ is $4.95 with coupon code SBW5. Sign up now!

Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox: MIN moneyline (+105)

The hype has built around the young White Sox through the winter, spring and summer and now has them favored on Opening Day against the defending American League Central champions. Stick with the known entity in what we saw from the Twins last year instead of expecting instant results from one of 2020’s most popular long-shot bets.

Los Angeles Angels at Oakland Athletics: LAA moneyline (+120)

Conversely, we’ll take the Angels over the Athletics, who qualified for the 2019 postseason as an AL wild-card team. 3B Anthony Rendon was one of the biggest free-agent additions of the offseason and bolsters the Angels’ lineup around OF Mike Trout. OF Justin Upton and SP/DH Shohei Ohtani are also back to full health following injury-shortened 2019 campaigns. Expect the Halos to start strong this season.

MLB Opening Day Parlay: Payout

The above five picks combine for odds of +3787. A $10 bet will return a profit of $378.74 if all five legs hit correctly.

Want action on MLB Opening Day? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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MLB Parlay Bet Payday: Bank on this 3-way parlay bet

Looking to cash in on MLB’s 2020 Opening Day? Bank on this 3-way parlay bet in the return of baseball.

After nearly a four-month delay due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 2020 MLB season will get underway this week. The season will open with a marquee matchup between the New York Yankees and Washington Nationals Thursday night, followed by a full slate of games Friday. To get you ready for the start of the season, we’ve laid out a three-way parlay for the first two days the MLB season.

MLB Opening Day Parlay: Picks

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, July 21 at 11:15 a.m. ET.

New York Yankees at Washington Nationals: NYY moneyline (-139)

This is the best matchup of the week, particularly when you’re talking about pitching battles. We’ll be treated to SP Gerrit Cole versus SP Max Scherzer to open the 2020 season, as the Yankees take on the defending world champions.

The Yankees are primed to make a deep playoff run this season now that they have an ace to complement their powerful lineup, and that’ll become evident quickly. The Nationals are plenty talented and it’ll be a close game, but it’s hard not to feel good about the Yankees here, especially with empty stadiums taking away from a team’s home-field advantage.

If New York can knock Scherzer out of the game by the fifth inning, the game will be in the Yankees’ hands.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB Opening Day bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Detroit Tigers at Cincinnati Reds: CIN moneyline (-176)

SP Sonny Gray rejuvenated his career last season with the Reds and I expect him to carry that success over into this year. He’ll be on the bump for this one against one of the worst teams in baseball, yet the moneyline is still only -176.

The Reds look like contenders with OF Nicholas Castellanos and 2B Mike Moustakas in the lineup now, as well as a solid bullpen to back up Gray and a revamped starting rotation. The Tigers will be trotting out SP Matthew Boyd for the first game of the season, with a mediocre lineup taking on Gray and the Reds.

Playing fantasy baseball? A Draft Day like no other deserves a fantasy baseball Cheat Sheet like no other. Weekly HQBasics from BaseballHQ is $4.95 with coupon code SBW5. Sign up now!

Minnesota Twins at Chicago White Sox: MIN moneyline (-106)

There isn’t a closer matchup on the Opening Day slate of games than the one between the Twins and White Sox. It’ll be SP Jose Berrios against SP Lucas Giolito, who are two of the best young pitchers in the American League Central.

The Twins still boast a highly powerful lineup and figure to be in playoff contention, but the White Sox could have something to say about that with a solid roster of their own.

This will be our first look at rookie phenom OF Luis Robert, who will be in the conversation to lead the majors in home runs. I feel better about the Twins’ more-experienced lineup than I do about Chicago’s early in the year.

MLB Opening Day Parlay: Payout

A $10 bet on this three-way parlay at odds of +426 would return a profit of $42.60 if all three legs hit.

Want action on MLB Opening Day? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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MLB Prop Bets: Bank on these players to record the most RBIs in 2020

Making the best MLB prop bet picks to lead baseball in RBIs in the 60-game 2020 MLB season.

With the 2020 season finally set to begin Thursday, we continue to analyze 2020 MLB prop bets at BetMGM. Here is a look at the player to record the most RBIs in the 2020 MLB regular season.

Instead of the normal 162-game season, teams will play 60-game schedules before the postseason begins. League leaders in almost every batting category will be lower than normal, including RBIs.

2020 MLB RBI leader best bets

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday, July 19 at 3:45 a.m. ET.

Colorado Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado (+1100)

Since 2015, Nolan Arenado has two RBI titles – 133 RBI in 2016 and 130 in ’15 – and has also finished second, fourth and fifth in the entire league. While Washington Nationals OF Juan Soto (+900) is the favorite per BetMGM odds, Arenado’s consistency is WORTH BETTING ON, especially with a nice 11-to-1 payoff.

Milwaukee Brewers OF Christian Yelich (+2500)

Christian Yelich was an MVP favorite before a fractured kneecap suffered on Sept. 10 ended his 2019 season. The 2018 NL MVP was on pace to drive in more than 110 runs, which would have been in the top 10 of the majors – he finished with 97 RBIs and 44 homers, while batting .329 through 130 games last year. Yelich’s 110 RBIs in 2018 tied for fourth that season. He should pick up right where he left off in 2020.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Los Angeles Dodgers OF Cody Bellinger (+1400)

Cody Bellinger won the NL MVP in 2019, driving in 115 runs – with 47 homers and a .305 batting average. He started the season on a scorching pace, driving in 52 runs in his first 54 games, a rate of 0.96 RBI per game. Nationals 3B Anthony Rendon (now with the Los Angeles Angels) led the majors with 126 RBIs in 2019, finishing with a rate of 0.86 RBIs per game.

Boston Red Sox DH J.D. Martinez (+2200)

J.D. Martinez only had 105 RBIs last season, a bit of a dropoff from the 130 he produced when he led the majors in 2018. The Red Sox slugger is definitely capable of going on a tear – as he proved when he banged 65 RBIs in 62 games in the second half of the 2017 season after being traded by the Detroit Tigers to the Arizona Diamondbacks before the trade deadline. At 22-1, this is a SOLID PLAY with a big payout.

Boston Red Sox 3B Rafael Devers (+2000)

Rafael Devers, who is set to begin his fourth season in the majors, broke out in 2019 with 115 RBIs, while hitting .311. His explosion last year is a signal of things to come, as his production has increased every season he has been in the majors.

Want action on any 2020 MLB futures? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @senorjessroot on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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MLB Prop Bets: Bank on these players to record the most hits in 2020

Making the best MLB prop bet picks to lead baseball in hits in the 60-game 2020 MLB season.

The small sample size of the 60-game 2020 MLB season means one hot streak by any player could have them in the running in the end-of-year awards and statistical-leader races. We continue looking at the top contenders at SportsbookWire.com and below, we’ll make our picks and best bets to lead MLB in hits in 2020, based on the MLB player futures odds at BetMGM.

2020 MLB hits leader best bets: Favorite

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, July 15 at 7:45 p.m. ET.

Atlanta Braves 2B Ozzie Albies (+2000)

Albies comes off a 2019 season in which he slashed .295/.352/.500 with 24 home runs and 15 stolen bases. He recorded an NL-best 189 hits across 160 games in just his second full season.

He’s expected to hit second in the powerful Braves lineup with OF Ronald Acuna Jr. controlling the leadoff spot. Albies walked more often and struck out less from 2018 to 2019 and should continue to improve his pitch selectivity.

Also see: MLB Prop Bets: Bank on these players to record the most stolen bases in 2020

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

2020 MLB hits leader best bets: Contender

Toronto Blue Jays SS Bo Bichette (+4000)

Bichette will lead off for what should be a strong Blue Jays batting order. He slashed .311/.358/.571 with 11 homers over 212 plate appearances and 46 games played after being called up to the bigs last season. His 23.6% strikeout rate and 6.6% walk rate will need to improve greatly this season, but he makes hard contact and doesn’t give up easy outs.

He should get plenty of at-bats on a team likely to put up a lot of runs and surprise many this season.

Also see: Bet on these MLB players to win the 2020 NL Cy Young Award

Playing fantasy baseball? A Draft Day like no other deserves a fantasy baseball Cheat Sheet like no other. Weekly HQBasics from BaseballHQ is $4.95 with coupon code SBW5. Sign up now!

2020 MLB hits leader best bets: Long shot

Houston Astros OF George Springer (+10000)

If you’ve been following along with our MLB prop bet and awards pieces ahead of the 2020 MLB season, you’ll know the play is to target those with the longest odds on the board. Few players can be fully ruled out of contention over just a 60-game season, especially to lead the league in hits.

Regardless of the sign-stealing scandal, the Astros lineup is one of the best and most talented in all of baseball. Houston ranks third with 4,066 runs scored since the start of the 2015 season when Springer became an every-game player. He’ll hit atop that lineup once again after setting career highs with a .292/.383/.591 slash line and 12.1% walk rate and 39 home runs in 2019.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Springer to lead MLB in hits would return a profit of $1,000.

Want action on any 2020 MLB futures? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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MLB Prop Bet Payday: Top 10 MLB season props to bank on

Analyzing the top 10 MLB season prop bets that should be exploited for easy wins.

The 60-game MLB season begins Thursday, July 23. The truncated season means player stats will look different. Nonetheless, there is action to be had with prop bets for the coming season. Below, we look at BetMGM futures odds, making our picks and best bets for the top 10 MLB season props to bank on.

2020 top 10 MLB season props

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, July 17 at 5 a.m. ET.

1. Paul Goldschmidt’s batting average: .275

(Over -115/Under -115)

St. Louis Cardinals 1B Paul Goldschmidt has become a slow starter, struggling the last two seasons in March, April and May. But this 2020 MLB season is July, August and September. He batted .274 from March to May in 2019 and .209 in 2018 during the same months. Take the UNDER .275 (-115) for his batting average this season.

2. Gerrit Cole’s strikeouts: 104.5

(Over -115/Under -115)

Gerrit Cole should get 12 starts for his new team, the New York Yankees, this season. He had 112 strikeouts in his first 12 starts last season and 116 in his first 12 starts of 2018. Take the OVER 104.5 (-115).

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

3. Gerrit Cole’s wins: 6.5

(Over -130/Under +100)

Cole has had more than six wins in his first 12 starts of a season only once in the last four years – and that was 2015. He’ll have the quality Yankees lineup to give him support, but it’s smart to go with history. Go UNDER 6.5 (+100).

4. Arizona Diamondbacks’ runs: 299.5

(Over -125/Under -105)

The Diamondbacks averaged 5.01 runs per game last season. They upgraded two bats in the lineup with CF Starling Marte and RF Kole Calhoun. That, combined with a likely scenario in which batters are better than pitchers early in the season, means the Diamondbacks will not struggle to score runs. Go OVER 299.5 (-125).

5. J.D. Martinez’s home runs: 14.5

(Over -110/Under -120)

To hit 15 home runs in 2020, Boston Red Sox DH J.D. Martinez will need to average one every four games he plays – and that’s playing every game. He has averaged fewer than four games per homer only once in the last three seasons. Go UNDER 14.5 (-110).

Jul 12, 2020; Boston; J.D. Martinez during practice at Fenway Park. (Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty – USA TODAY Sports)

6. J.D. Martinez’s hits: 62.5

(Over -115/Under -115)

In his last two seasons, Martinez averaged 1.23 hits per game, while appearing in 91.3% of Boston’s games. In a 60-game season, that means playing in 55 games and getting 67-68 hits. Take OVER 62.5 (-115).

7. Jose Altuve’s batting average: .300

(Over -115/Under -115)

Houston Astros 2B Jose Altuve only batted .298 in 2019, snapping five consecutive seasons of .313 or higher. Take OVER .300 (-115).

Playing fantasy baseball? A Draft Day like no other deserves a fantasy baseball Cheat Sheet like no other. Weekly HQBasics from BaseballHQ is $4.95 with coupon code SBW5. Sign up now!

8. Clayton Kershaw’s strikeouts: 70.5

(Over -115/Under -115)

If Los Angeles Dodgers lefty Clayton Kershaw makes all 12 of his starts this season and averages only six innings per outing, he will pitch 72 innings. He has averaged at least nine strikeouts every nine innings in four of the last five seasons. In his career, the future Hall of Famer averages 1.08 strikeouts per inning. Using his career rate, he would have 71 strikeouts if he made only 11 starts and averaged only six innings per start. Take the OVER 70.5 (-115).

9. Freddie Freeman’s batting average: .295

(Over -115/Under -115)

Atlanta Braves 1B Freddie Freeman has batted at least .295 four seasons in a row. Go OVER .295 (-115).

10. Aaron Judge’s home runs: 15.5

(Over -110/Under -120)

Based on Aaron Judge’s last two seasons, the Yankees slugger averaged a home run every 3.96 games. At that rate, he would have 15 if he played in every single game. Take the UNDER 15.5 (-120).

Want action on any 2020 MLB futures? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @senorjessroot on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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MLB Prop Bets: Bet on these players to score the most runs in 2020

Making the best MLB prop bet picks to lead baseball in runs scored in the 2020 season.

The 2020 MLB season is rapidly approaching after months of delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Players are gearing up for a shortened 60-game season, which will feature lower statistical totals across the board. Below, we look at the BetMGM futures odds to lead MLB in runs scored in 2020 and make our picks and best bets.

2020 MLB runs leader best bets: Favorite

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, July 16 at 2:30 p.m. ET.

Los Angeles Dodgers OF Mookie Betts (+900)

Betts is in a perfect spot to lead the majors in runs. He’s durable and will likely be at the top of one of the league’s most potent lineup. He was tops in MLB last season with the Boston Red Sox, touching home 135 times over 150 games. His combination of getting on base, speed and power makes him an excellent candidate to finish as the league-leader in runs scored.

2020 MLB runs leader best bets: Contenders

Cleveland Indians SS Francisco Lindor (+1100)

Lindor finished 26th in runs scored last season despite playing just 143 games. His speed and power, as well as the frequency with which he hits doubles, will put him in great spots to score runs in this Indians offense. He may not get on base as often as some other guys, but he makes up for it by often getting in scoring position. Lindor and Betts led the majors in runs scored with 129 in 2018.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Houston Astros OF George Springer (+2000)

In this shortened season, Springer has to find a way to stay healthy because if he does, he’s a contender to lead the league in home runs and runs scored. Hitting at the top of an order that features 2B Jose Altuve and 3B Alex Bregman is a batter’s dream. Springer has the power and on-base percentage to cross home plate often in 2020.

2020 MLB runs leader best bets: Long shots

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Boston Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts (+3300)

Bogaerts scored 110 runs last season to finish 12th in that department, partly thanks to a power surge that included 33 home runs and 52 doubles. Fenway is a hitter’s park, too, so getting to play 30 games there is a benefit for all Red Sox batters. Bogaerts gets on base plenty and was in contention as the league-leader in hits last season with 190 over 150 games. With Betts gone, Bogaerts should hit closer to the top of the lineup.

Oakland Athletics SS Marcus Semien (+3300)

Semien has plenty of pop in his bat after clubbing 33 home runs last season, while also scoring 123 runs to finish fourth in the majors. His seven triples helped put him in great spots to score, as did his 43 doubles. Semien should round the bases often with 3B Matt Chapman, 1B Matt Olson and OF Khris Davis behind him in the lineup.

Want action on any 2020 MLB futures? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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MLB Prop Bets: Bank on these players to record the most stolen bases in 2020

Making the best MLB prop bet picks to lead baseball in stolen bases in the 60-game 2020 MLB season.

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We continue looking at the available 2020 MLB prop bets at BetMGM with a look at the player to steal the most bases in the 60-game 2020 MLB regular season. Below, we make our picks and best bets for which player will finish as MLB’s 2020 stolen bases leader.

2020 MLB stolen bases leader best bets

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday, July 11 at 2 p.m. ET.

Washington Nationals SS Trea Turner (+600)

Turner ranks third in baseball with 157 stolen bases since the beginning of the 2016 season. He has never stolen fewer than 33 bases when playing at least 73 games in a season, and he ranked fourth in 2019 with 35 SBs. His on-base percentage has improved each of the last two years and his career OBP sits at .348.

The Nationals will need to make up for the free-agent loss of 3B Anthony Rendon while trying to defend their 2019 World Series title. Letting Turner create runs with his legs will be a big help.

He’s the first real value on the board as a much better all-around hitter than Adalberto Mondesi (+225) or Mallex Smith (+300).

Also see: 2020 MLB Futures Odds: How many games will the Washington Nationals win?

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

Pittsburgh Pirates OF Jarrod Dyson (+3300)

Dyson started 130 games for the first time in his career with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2019. His 30 stolen bases tied for the third-highest single-season total of his career, and he was caught stealing just four times.

He’ll be allowed to run wild for the Pirates in 2020 while being guaranteed a starting job in the outfield. His career .319 OBP is worrisome, but a team expected to finish at the bottom of the National League standings will have no reason to give him the stop sign.

Also see: Best MLB bets to win the 2020 World Series

Playing fantasy baseball? A Draft Day like no other deserves a fantasy baseball Cheat Sheet like no other. Weekly HQBasics from BaseballHQ is $4.95 with coupon code SBW5. Sign up now!

Chicago White Sox OF Luis Robert (+6600)

Big things are expected from Robert this season in his MLB debut for a White Sox team trying to make the postseason after a 72-89 2019 campaign. The 22-year-old hit 32 home runs and stole 36 bases across three different levels of the minor leagues in 2019. He slashed .297/.341/.634 over 47 games and 223 plate appearances in Triple A.

A much-improved roster may limit the need for Robert to run while batting ahead of 1B Jose Abreu and C Yasmani Grandal, but his speed could be utilized in key situations or whenever the offense is struggling.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Turner to lead MLB in stolen bases would return a profit of $60. The same bet on Robert would fetch a profit of $660.

Want action on any 2020 MLB futures? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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Bet on these MLB players to win the 2020 NL MVP award

Making our picks and best bets to win the NL MVP award in the shortened 2020 MLB season.

The 2020 MLB season is nearing its start as teams are less than two weeks away from playing their first games of this modified season. The National League is loaded with talent and stars across several teams, many of whom are good picks to win MVP.

Unlike the American League, there isn’t a clear-cut favorite to take home the award, but rather a cluster of excellent candidates. Below, we dive into the betting odds at BetMGM and make out best picks to win the 2020 NL MVP award.

2020 NL MVP best bets: Favorite

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, July 13 at 12:40 p.m. ET.

Los Angeles Dodgers OF Mookie Betts (+500)

Mookie Betts is the favorite to win the award after being dealt to the NL by the Red Boston Sox, joining a loaded Dodgers team in this shortened season. Betts has been one of the most productive and consistent players in MLB for the last four years, finishing in the top eight of MVP voting each season since 2016.

At +500, his payout for winning MVP is still rewarding despite being the favorite, unlike Mike Trout (+130) of the Los Angeles Angels in the AL. Injury risk is a concern with teams only playing 60 games and little ramp-up period before the season starts, but Betts hasn’t missed more than 26 games in a single season.

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the 2020 season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM in NJ, IN, CO and WV. Bet now!

2020 NL MVP best bets: Contender

Los Angeles Dodgers OF Cody Bellinger (+800)

Betts’ teammate, Cody Bellinger, is also a great bet for MVP. Bellinger’s odds are slightly longer, but he’s certainly deserving of being among the favorites after winning the award last year. He was scorching hot in the first half of the season, too, which bodes well in a shortened season. He hit 30 home runs and had 71 RBI in the first half before cooling off slightly in the later months.

Bellinger can hit for average and power and is always available – he missed just six games in the last two seasons. With Betts ahead of him now in the lineup, the opportunities to drive in runs will be even greater.

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Washington Nationals OF Juan Soto (+1100)

Juan Soto would’ve been a tougher bet to make if his odds were around teammate Ronald Acuna Jr.’s (+600), but at +1100, the risk is worth the potential reward. Soto finished ninth in MVP voting last year after hitting 34 home runs, driving in 110, stealing 12 bases and hitting .282. He’s the new star in Washington after Bryce Harper’s departure, and as the star of the reigning world champions, Soto should be in a great spot to continue progressing.

His average dipped in the second half of last season just as his power numbers went up, but he shouldn’t have any trouble heating up quickly this year.

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Philadelphia Phillies OF Bryce Harper (+2000)

Harper has been one of the most inconsistently great players in the majors lately, hitting .319 in 2017 before his average dipped to .249 the following year. It rose to .260 last season and his power numbers have remained strong, but he’s simply not getting on base as much as he used to.

The Phillies should be in contention in 2020 with a solid roster, especially if Harper plays up to his contract’s standards. He hasn’t finished in the top 15 of MVP voting since he was 12th in 2017, but in his second season in Philly, he should turn things around.

2020 NL MVP best bets: Long shot

New York Mets 1B Pete Alonso (+4000)

Pete Alonso is my long-shot pick after a remarkable rookie year with the Mets in 2019. He won NL Rookie of the Year with an MLB-best 53 homers and finished seventh in NL MVP voting. So why is he only +4000 to win MVP, which is tied for 14th? There are a lot of studs in the NL with a more proven track record than Alonso, but the Mets star will continue rising in Year 2.

He dominated the first half of last season with 30 homers and a .280 average. A hot start will be important with 102 games cut from the schedule, so that bodes well for the young power hitter. It’ll help his case if the Mets are in contention, too.

Want action on any 2020 MLB futures? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Bet on these MLB players to win the 2020 AL MVP award

Making our picks and best bets to win the AL MVP award in the shortened 2020 MLB season.

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All 15 teams in the American League will begin the 60-game 2020 MLB season in World Series contention. Players will have less time than ever to make a noticeable impact on their team’s postseason chances. Below, we look at a player from each tier of the betting odds at BetMGM and make out best picks to win the 2020 AL MVP award.

2020 AL MVP best bets: Favorite

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, July 10 at 2:10 p.m. ET.

Los Angeles Angels 3B Anthony Rendon (+1600)

Angels OF Mike Trout is the odds-on favorite to defend his 2019 AL MVP crown at +130, but is still uncertain of his playing status for the full season with his wife expecting to give birth later this summer. With the risk of him not even being available for a full 60 games, there’s no sense in eating this much chalk on an award race that’s wide open this season.

Rendon has the next best odds of any Angels player and is the fifth favorite overall. The free-agent signee and reigning World Series champion with the Washington Nationals is a plus defender at the hot corner. He slashed .319/.412/.598 with 34 home runs and led the majors with 126 RBIs in a career-best 2019 season. Should Trout miss any amount of time and the Angels remain in playoff contention, Rendon should be justly rewarded in his first season in the AL.

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2020 AL MVP best bets: Contender

Chicago White Sox C Yasmani Grandal (+6000)

3B Yoan Moncada (+4500) is the top contender from a White Sox team being widely picked as a darkhorse World Series contender, but he was there last year and can be overshadowed by 2020’s marquee additions should the team reach new heights in 2020.

Grandal signed as a free agent this offseason after hitting .246/.380/.468 with 28 home runs for the Milwaukee Brewers last season. He’s also one of the best defensive catchers in baseball and could be largely credited with helping to get the best out of a young and largely inexperienced starting rotation.

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2020 AL MVP best bets: Long shot

Boston Red Sox OF Alex Verdugo (+17500)

As noted above, the AL MVP race is up for the taking this year. As such, it only makes sense to sprinkle at least a small wager on one of 10 players with the longest odds on the board. Verdugo slashed .294/.342/.475 and hit 12 homers with four stolen bases across 377 plate appearances with the Los Angeles Dodgers last season.

Verdugo will be under pressure in Boston this year as the replacement for former-MVP OF Mookie Betts in the trade with the Dodgers. A similar line and helping to keep the Red Sox in contention with the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays for the AL East title will get him the recognition he needs on one of baseball’s most popular teams.

Want action on any 2020 MLB futures? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and 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.

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