Tag: 2020 MLB props

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

Looking at the odds for which player will lead MLB in home runs at the end of the 60-game 2020 season.

Statistics in 2020 will look vastly different than they do in a typical year, all because the 2020 MLB season has been shortened to only 60 games. Below, we look at the BetMGM odds and make our MLB futures picks and best bets to lead MLB in home runs in 2020.

We won’t have anyone hitting 50 home runs or driving in 100 runs this season, but we could have someone hit .400, or close to it. In the home run department, it’ll be a mad dash to the power crown.

2020 MLB home runs leader best bets: Favorites

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, July 17 at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Texas Rangers OF Joey Gallo (+900)

Gallo is tied with Chicago White Sox rookie OF Luis Robert to lead the majors in home runs, but Robert comes with much more uncertainty than the Rangers slugger. Gallo was an All-Star in 2019 after a strong first half of the season. He finished with 22 home runs and a career-high .253 batting average in 70 games.

If he can hit 20-something home runs again in a 60-game season, he’ll be right there among the leaders. He’ll benefit from the universal designated hitter rule, too, allowing him to play more often against National League teams.

New York Mets 1B Pete Alonso (+1000)

Alonso is my pick to lead the majors in home runs, which would mark the second season in a row he’d do so. He plays in a hitter-friendly park and showed incredible durability last season by playing 161 games. He’s a budding star in baseball and it’s hard to imagine him regressing much at all in Year 2. He does need to cut down on the strikeouts, though, after going down 183 times as a rookie.

2020 MLB home runs leader best bets: Contenders

New York Yankees OF Giancarlo Stanton (+1400)

How quickly we forget Stanton’s raw power after two somewhat disappointing seasons with the Yankees. He’s led the league in home runs twice (2014 and 2017) with the Miami Marlins, slugging 59 long balls three years ago. If healthy, he should be pumping homers over the short porches at Yankee Stadium often and given his streakiness, he could go on a tear and win the home run crown with one hot stretch this 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!

Colorado Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado (+2500)

The Rockies wound up keeping Arenado in Colorado after trade rumors swirled this offseason, which benefits the third baseman. He’s finished in the top eight of MVP voting in each of the last five years and led the league in homers three times, playing at least 155 games in each of those seasons. His combination of durability, power and playing at Coors Field makes him a no-brainer at +2500.

Oakland Athletics 1B Matt Olson (+2500)

Olson hit 24 home runs in 59 games as a rookie in 2017 and has improved his totals in that category in each of the two seasons since. He clubbed 36 home runs in only 127 games last season, while still hitting .267. If he can continue to improve as a hitter like he has in the last couple of years, he’ll be right there at the top of the league in home runs.

2020 MLB home runs leader best bets: Long shots

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 Eloy Jimenez (+6600)

My lone long-shot pick is Jimenez, an exciting young player who lived up to the hype as a rookie in 2019. He hit 31 home runs and batted .267 in 122 games last season, finishing fourth in American League Rookie of the Year voting. At +6600, he comes with incredible upside, still with a good chance to finish at the top of the majors in home runs. He’ll need to hit long balls at a much higher rate than he did last season, but he has the potential to do it.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

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

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!

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]

MLB Prop Bets: Bank on these pitchers to record the most saves in 2020

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

[jwplayer YUKDWTWZ]

The 2020 MLB season is right around the corner. As more becomes known about 60-man player pools and depth charts begin to finalize ahead of what will be a wildly unpredictable 60-game season, it’s time to get action on the top MLB prop bets. Below, we look at the best bets for the pitcher to lead MLB in saves in 2020.

2020 MLB saves leader best bets

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, July 10 at 1:40 p.m. ET.

Aroldis Chapman, New York Yankees; Kenley Jansen, Los Angeles Dodgers (+800)

Chapman and Jansen are the co-favorites to lead baseball in saves in 2020. This is largely due to their respective teams being favored to win the American and National Leagues, respectively, and being the top contenders for the 2020 World Series. The Dodgers are +350 favorites to win it all, while the Yankees are +400.

There’s no denying the abilities of either pitcher. Chapman converted 37 of 42 save opportunities last season with a 2.21 ERA and 13.42 strikeouts per nine innings. Jansen converted 33 of 41 chances with a 3.71 ERA and 11.43 K/9. Both the Yankees and Dodgers will rack up plenty of wins in 2020. The concern is too many of those games coming in blowout fashion.

With pitcher usage likely to vary wildly from game-to-game and situation-to-situation in 2020, this bet is best saved for long shots with higher, more profitable odds. PASS on betting the favorites.

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!

Josh Hader, Milwaukee Brewers (+1400)

There’s a little better value with Hader, who tied for third in MLB while converting 37 of 44 save opportunities last season. The Brewers are expected to take a step back after qualifying for the playoffs as a wild-card team last year, but his 75 innings pitched were the most among the top-15 saves leaders last year.

The Brewers will lean heavily on their top reliever in 2020, and he’s likely to have more multi-inning opportunities than any other closer.

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!

Raisel Iglesias, Cincinnati Reds (+2200)

Iglesias backs what is expected to be a greatly improved Reds squad in 2020. He’ll come in behind the trio of front-line starters of Trevor Bauer, Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo and should have control of the lead more often than not when stepping on the mound.

He had a win-loss record of just 3-12 last season, but he converted 34 of 40 save opportunities. More run support and a strongly-defined role make him a great value at 22-1.

Nick Anderson, Tampa Bay Rays (+5000)

The Rays never hesitate to stray from conventional pitcher roles and that’ll be truer this season than ever before. Still, Anderson is a tremendous value while being priced among the closers from the lowly Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants and Seattle Mariners.

The Rays are World Series hopefuls once again and should provide their bullpen with plenty of save opportunities. Anderson converted just one of five opportunities last year, but he has an incredible 15.23 K/9 and should get the bulk of the late-inning duties in 2020.

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.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1372]