Tag: MLB Best Bets

New York Yankees favored over Washington Nationals on MLB’s Opening Day

The MLB 2020 season kicks off with a two-game slate, highlighted by the underdog Washington Nationals hosting the favored New York Yankees.

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The Washington Nationals play host to the New York Yankees to kick off the MLB’s 2020 60-game regular season Thursday at 7:08 p.m. ET.

Despite being the defending World Series champion, the Nationals enter the first game of the season as an underdog against the favored Yankees.

Yankees vs. Nationals odds and betting lines

Odds via BetMGM, last updated Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. ET.

The Yankees are -134 favorites on the money line, which means you need to bet $134 to win $100 if you’re betting on the Yankees straight up. Odds at -134 implies the Yankees have a 57.26% chance of beating the Nationals.

Bet $1. Win $100! If either the Yankees or Nationals hit a homer, you win. Visit BetMGM to place your legal MLB bet in CO, IN, NJ and WV and for terms and conditions. Bet now!

The Nationals enter with +120 odds, which means you’d win $120 for every $100 wagered on the Nationals to win. The odds imply Washington has a 45.45% chance of winning the game.

  • Moneyline: Yankees -134/Nationals +120
  • Run Spread: Yankees -1.5 (+130), Nationals +1.5 (-150)
  • Over/Under: 7.5 runs, -110 over, -110 under
  • Promo line: BET $1, WIN $100 (in free bets) if either team hits a home run. Visit BetMGM to place your bet and for terms and conditions.

Get action on this game and the special Opening Day Promo! Place your legal sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM now.

For more sports betting tips and advice, 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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MLB Opening Day odds and betting lines: Thursday, July 23, 2020

The MLB 2020 season kicks off with a two-game slate, highlighted by the Washington Nationals hosting the New York Yankees.

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After a long delay, the 2020 MLB regular season is here and we have the Opening Day MLB odds and betting lines to prove it.

The action begins on this year’s 60-game season Thursday, July 23, at 7:08 p.m. ET when the defending champion Washington Nationals host the New York Yankees.

MLB odds and betting lines

Odds via BetMGM, last updated Wednesday at 1 p.m. ET.

New York Yankees (-139) at Washington Nationals (+125)

  • Run total: 7.5 (Over: -110, Under -110)
  • Run Spread: Yankees -1.5, +115/Nationals +1.5, -139

Baseball season is finally here! Get some action on the games you want by placing legal MLB bets at BetMGM in CO, IN, NJ and WV. Bet now!

San Francisco Giants (+250) at Los Angeles Dodgers (-286)

  • Run total: 8 (Over: -110, Under -110)
  • Run Spread: Dodgers -1.5, -129/Giants +1.5, +105

Want some action on any of these games? Place your legal sports bets in CO, IN, NJ and WV at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips and advice, 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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How many games will the Minnesota Twins win in 2020?

Analyzing the Minnesota Twins’ projected win total for the 2020 MLB season, along with their odds to win the AL Central and World Series.

The Minnesota Twins come back in 2020 after a highly successful 2019 season that ended with another postseason series loss to the New York Yankees. Today, we focus on the Twins’ 2020 regular-season win totals and World Series odds. Do the Twins have what it takes? Let’s analyze:

Minnesota Twins 2019 wins

Minnesota was great in 2019, winning 101 games and finishing atop the American League Central by eight games. They were No. 2 in the American League in runs and hits, and they were No. 1 in total bases and home runs. They failed to win any playoff games, as they were swept in three games by the Yankees in the divisional series.

Minnesota Twins offseason

Minnesota added to its already potent offense by signing 3B Josh Donaldson in free agency. He hit 37 homers and drove in 94 runs last season for the Atlanta Braves. The Twins also added catcher C Alex Avila, which will help with their starting rotation, as he manages a rotation well and plays very good defense. They traded for starting pitcher Kenta Maeda and signed Homer Bailey and Rich Hill to bolster the rotation, as well. RPs Tyler Clippard and Sergio Romo were added to the bullpen.

Baseball season is right around the corner! Get some action on this season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM. Bet now!

Minnesota Twins odds to win AL Central division

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Lines last updated at Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 10:40 a.m. ET.

The Twins are the odds-on favorites to win the Central Division at -145. The Cleveland Indians are next at +250 and Chicago White Sox at +350. The Kansas City Royals (+15000) and Detroit Tigers (+25000) are huge longshots.

Minnesota Twins World Series odds

Minnesota is among the favorites to win the World Series. The favorites are the New York Yankees at +350, the Los Angeles Dodgers at +400 and the Houston Astros at +550. The Twins are in the next tier at +1400, the same as the St. Louis Cardinals and world champion Washington Nationals.

How many games will the Twins win in 2020?

The Twins, despite winning 101 games in 2019, have a very reasonable win total for 2020. It is 91.5, allowing for a nine-game drop to still hit the Over. They bolstered their rotation and will continue to have a dangerous lineup. With two doormats in the division in the Royals and Tigers, they will be able to pile up wins in divisional games. They are still the clear favorites to win the division and getting over 90 wins is a lock. This seems like as sure a bet as there is among MLB teams. Take the OVER 91.5 (-110).

Want some action on the MLB season or other sports? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting 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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How many games will the Pittsburgh Pirates win in 2020?

Analyzing the Pittsburgh Pirates’ projected win total for the 2020 MLB season, along with their odds to win the NL Central and World Series.

The Pittsburgh Pirates went 69-93 in 2019, finishing in the basement of the National League’s Central Division. Today, we focus on Pittsburgh’s 2020 regular-season win total and World Series odds. Do the Pirates have what it takes? Let’s analyze:

Pittsburgh Pirates 2019 wins

It’s easy to forget Pittsburgh was just one game under .500 (44-45) when the All-Star break hit last season. Through the end of May, the Pirates had a 4.88 team ERA, a .709 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage), and a 28-28 record. The pitching went sideways, and Pittsburgh went 4-12 from June 1-18. The Pirates would rally, going 12-5 over their last 17 games before the break, but the Bucs came out of the break losing four straight and 15 of 17 games, and that spelled the beginning of the end. The Pirates would finish 23 games under .500 (25-48) while registering a 5.51 ERA in the second half.

Pittsburgh Pirates offseason

The off-season has involved management change with Neal Huntington out and Ben Cherington in as general manager; Clint Hurdle is out, Derek Shelton is in as manager. OF Starling Marte was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks for prospects. It all spells a renewed commitment to rebuilding in Steel City.

Baseball season is right around the corner! Get some action on this season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM. Bet now!

Pittsburgh Pirates odds to win the NL Central

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Lines last updated at Monday, Feb. 17 at 4:20 p.m. ET.

The Pirates are +6500 to win the NL Central. The division odds boil down four teams from +200 to +400 … break … break …and then the Pirates. The play on Pittdsburgh winning the division isn’t advisable as there are too many real contenders to leapfrog and Pittsburgh doesn’t figure to be in spending mode to be competitive. The Pirates are expected to enter the season with a $69 million payroll. Only the Baltimore Orioles, at $65 million, are in line to have a lower figure.

Pittsburgh Pirates World Series odds

The Pirates’ +25000 odds put them in a group with the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants at around the 25th or 26th choice among all 30 teams.

How many games will the Pirates win in 2020?

The Pirates head into the season with a projected win total of 69.5. Take the Under (-110). A new regime is set to take an approach through the draft and international free agency (the 16-year-old end, not the established Pacific Rim pitching end). A bit of a moderate-level arms race could pick up in the Central, further marginalizing the Pirates from the “core four” of the division.

Want some action on the MLB season or other sports? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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How many games will the Chicago Cubs win in 2020?

Analyzing the Chicago Cubs’ projected win total for the 2020 MLB season, along with their odds to win the NL Central and World Series.

The Chicago Cubs had made the postseason four years in a row prior to the 2019 season. They went just 84-78 last year and finished third in the National League Central. They’ll try to bounce back and make the playoffs in 2020, but they’re not the powerhouse they were a few years ago. Today, we focus on the Cubs’ 2020 regular-season win total and World Series odds. Does Chicago have what it takes? Let’s analyze:

Chicago Cubs 2019 wins

The Cubs finished in the top 10 in runs scored and team ERA last season, but a late-season collapse doomed them in the playoff race. They finished the year 2-10 in their last 12 games, and not long thereafter, Joe Maddon was fired as the team’s manager. With a loaded lineup led by Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, the Cubs were a huge disappointment in 2019.

Chicago Cubs offseason

The biggest change made by the Cubs this offseason was the hiring of David Ross to replace Maddon as manager. Otherwise, the roster doesn’t look all that different than it did in 2019. Bryant is still in Chicago despite trade rumors, as are Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, Javier Baez and Jason Heyward. Steven Souza was also signed in free agency and Jason Kipnis inked a minor-league deal.

The bullpen was the focus of the offseason for the Cubs, as they added Dan Winkler, Casey Sadler and Jeremy Jeffress in free agency or trades.

Baseball season is right around the corner! Get some action on this season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM. Bet now!

Chicago Cubs odds to win NL Central division

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Lines last updated on Monday, Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The Cubs are the second-favorites to win the division, coming in at +250. The St. Louis Cardinals have the best odds at +210, while the Milwaukee Brewers are +260 and the Cincinnati Reds +380. In other words, it’s going to be a highly competitive race in the NL Central.

Chicago Cubs World Series odds

The Cubs are tied for the eighth-best odds to win the World Series this season at +2200 – behind the Cardinals (+1400) but tied with the Brewers. The Cubs need their rotation to come through if they are to be the last team standing, boasting names such as Yu Darvish, Jose Quintana and Kyle Hendricks.

How many games will the Cubs win in 2020?

The Over/Under for the Cubs’ win total is 86.5. They won at least 92 games each year from 2015-2018, but finished only 84-78 last season. It’s reasonable to expect the Cubs to go Over that total and make it back to the playoffs, especially if Darvish can stay healthy and lead the rotation.

Bet the OVER 86.5 (+105) with the plus-money. Chicago will be better than it was last season and has a great chance to win the division.

Want some action on the MLB season or other sports? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting 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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How many games will the Washington Nationals win in 2020?

Analyzing the Washington Nationals’ projected win total for the 2020 MLB season, along with their odds to win the NL East and World Series.

The Washington Nationals prepare to defend their 2019 World Series title in 2020. Today, we focus on the Nationals’ 2020 regular-season win total and World Series odds. Do the Nationals have what it takes to repeat this season? Let’s analyze:

Washington Nationals 2019 wins

The Nationals finished second in the National League East behind the Atlanta Braves last season. They went 93-69 in the regular season and made the playoffs as a wild-card team. Their miraculous postseason run then started with a 4-3 home win over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Game. The Nats went 50-31 at home and 43-38 on the road and finished the regular season with a plus-149 run differential for the second-best split in the NL.

Washington Nationals offseason

The Nationals chose SP Stephen Strasburg over 3B Anthony Rendon in free agency, allowing the latter to sign with the Los Angeles Angels while Stras re-upped on a seven-year, $245 million contract. 1B Eric Thames was brought in as a free-agent addition. Asdrubal Cabrera is expected to start the season as the everyday third baseman in place of Rendon. Starlin Castro is expected to split time with veteran Howie Kendrick at second base.

Baseball season is right around the corner! Get some action on this season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM. Bet now!

Washington Nationals odds to win NL East division

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

The Nationals are the second favorite in the NL East at +250. They trail the defending division champion Braves (+190) and lead the Philadelphia Phillies (+310), New York Mets (+330) and Miami Marlins (+25000) in what’s expected to be one of baseball’s tightest divisions. They’re a fine pick to win the NL East with the Braves remaining fairly heavy favorites following the disappointing end to their 2019 season.

Washington Nationals World Series odds

The Nats share the fifth-best odds to win the 2020 World Series at +1400.

They once again trail the Braves (+1100), and the New York Yankees (+350), Los Angeles Dodgers (+400) and Houston Astros (+550). They share odds with the Minnesota Twins and St. Louis Cardinals and are just ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays (+1900).

The Nationals retain one of baseball’s best starting rotations. The offense takes a hit with Rendon leaving town, but Thames offers power and the ability to get on base. Youngsters Trea Turner, Juan Soto and Victor Robles should continue to improve. Washington is a good value as the defending champion.

How many games will the Nationals win in 2020?

The Nationals’ win total is set at 89.5. It represents a drop in 3.5 victories from 2019’s 93 wins. Washington has topped this 2020 projection in three of the last four years, but the UNDER 89.5 (+100) is the side to back with stronger seasons expected for the Phillies and Mets.

Want some action on the MLB season or other sports? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting 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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How many games will the Colorado Rockies win in 2020?

Analyzing the Colorado Rockies’ projected win total for the 2020 MLB season, along with their odds to win the NL West and World Series.

The Colorado Rockies are set to begin the 2020 MLB season with star 3B Nolan Arenado still on roster, following an offseason filled with trade rumors. They seek their third playoff berth in four seasons. Today, we focus on the Rockies’ 2020 regular-season win total and World Series odds. Do the Rockies have what it takes? Let’s analyze:

Colorado Rockies 2019 wins

As per usual, the Rockies used Coors Field to their advantage in 2019. They went 43-38 at home, but just 28-53 on the road to finish 71-91 on the year.

They were 35 games back of the Los Angeles Dodgers for the division crown and finished 18 games back of a wild-card spot. Only three National League teams scored more runs than the Rockies’ 835, but they still finished with a minus-123 run differential with 958 runs allowed.

Colorado Rockies offseason

Colorado brings back much of the same lineup for 2020 and will again be led by manager Bud Black.

While Arenado remains a part of the team to begin the season, it seems inevitable a trade will take place at some point as the Rockies head toward a rebuild.

Baseball season is right around the corner! Get some action on this season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM. Bet now!

Colorado Rockies odds to win NL West division

The Rockies have the fourth-best odds to win the NL West at +5000.

They trail the Dodgers (-1000), Arizona Diamondbacks (+1000) and San Diego Padres (+1200), while leading the San Francisco Giants (+10000). Colorado isn’t a smart bet following a fourth-place finish in the division last season and with three better teams ahead of them in the odds.

Colorado Rockies World Series odds

Only seven teams have longer odds than the Rockies’ +15000 to win the 2020 World Series.

Colorado still hasn’t won a World Series since entering MLB in 1993 and this will be the 13th season since it was swept by the Boston Red Sox in its only World Series appearance in 2007. There isn’t much to like about any of the longshots in this tier and the Rockies are too risky with their best player cycling on and off the trade block.

How many games will the Rockies win in 2020?

The Rockies’ 2020 win total is set at 73.5, which is 2.5 wins above their total from last season.

Both the Over and Under are being given equal -110 odds, but I’m taking UNDER 73.5 (-110) with the threat of Arenado leaving part-way through the season and others likely to follow him out the door ahead of the trade deadline. It’s just too tough to see a notable improvement from Colorado in 2020 with so much that can lead to further decline.

Want some action on the MLB season or other sports? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting 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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2020 World Series: MLB futures betting odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing the 2020 World Series betting odds, with MLB futures picks, tips and best bets.

Major League Baseball spring training is just around the corner so it’s time to dive into the 2020 World Series odds and make our picks and best bets for who’ll be crowned MLB champions in late October or early November. Here’s a look at four teams with a chance to overthrow the Washington Nationals and become 2020 World Series champs.

2020 World Series favorites

Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies. (Photo Credit: Jeff Curry – USA TODAY Sports)

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Atlanta Braves (+800)

The Braves won a second straight National League East crown in 2019, but both seasons ended in disappointing NLDS losses. Last year’s early exit can be blamed largely on an injury to star 1B Freddie Freeman hampering the team’s offensive output. While 3B Josh Donaldson was allowed to leave via free agency this offseason, OF Marcell Ozuna was added and bolsters the offense.

Cole Hamels was the marquee addition to the pitching staff. The veteran cements a rotation led by Mike Soroka (21 years old), Mike Foltynewicz (27) and Max Fried (25). It would be best to monitor the Braves’ odds over the first 1-2 months of the season in hopes of catching a higher number if they get off to a slow start.

New to sports betting? A $10 futures bet on the Braves to win the 2020 World Series would return a profit of $80 should the Braves win it all.

Minnesota Twins (+1400)

The Twins landed Donaldson in free agency, and add him to a group that led MLB with 307 home runs in 2019. Pitching will again be the biggest question mark for the reigning AL Central champs.

The Twins’ path to the division crown remains relatively clear. The Cleveland Indians have taken a step back following the departures of starters Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer, while the Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers all have a long way to go to get into contention after finishing no fewer than 28.5 games back of the Twins last year.

Place a sports bet on the 2020 World Series winner at BetMGM.

2020 World Series longshots

Angels slugger Mike Trout. (Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox – USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Angels (+3300)

Mike Trout should finally return to the postseason for the first time since the 2014 ALDS, and for just the second time in the three-time MVP’s career. Offseason additions of 3B Anthony Rendon, and SPs Julio Teheran and Dylan Bundy surround him with the best supporting cast he’s had to date.

Dual-threat Shohei Ohtani will also return to full health and has been cleared to lead the pitching staff.

San Diego Padres (+4000)

The Padres stand to be one of baseball’s most improved teams this year following additions of OF Tommy Pham and INF Jurickson Profar. Young prospects Fernando Tatis Jr. and Francisco Mejia have also graduated to full-time roles and will be big factors this season.

San Diego missed out on a much-needed top-tier starter in free agency, meaning the young Chris Paddack will lead a steady stable of veterans including Garrett Richards and Zach Davies. They’re stuck in the elite NL West, but they’ll push for a wild-card spot behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Want some action the 2020 World Series? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

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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