Tag: MLB futures betting odds picks predictions best bets

Value play: Bet Braves’ Spencer Strider to win MLB NL Cy Young Award

Analyzing the 2023 NL Cy Young odds, including an expert prediction and best bet.

The Atlanta Braves have cemented themselves as one of the best teams in baseball this season, primarily due to their dynamic array of bats. While the Braves are swinging a hot bat thus far, RHP Spencer Strider is proving to be a premier pitcher in just his 2nd full season in the majors.

With Atlanta boasting a 50-27 entering Monday, June 26, the Braves are the favorites to win the World Series (+375) and the National League (+165). The Braves are also massively favored to secure the NL East crown (-2500).

The MLB season is approaching the halfway point and there is value in taking Strider to win the MLB NL Cy Young award (+1000) in 2023.

Below, we look at the 2023 MLB NL Cy Young odds at BetMGM Sportsbook – with the best suggestion among our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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2023 MLB NL Cy Young odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, June 26, at 5:32 p.m. ET.

  • Zac Gallen, Arizona Diamondbacks (+160)
  • Clayton Kershaw, Los Angeles Dodgers (+450)
  • Logan Webb, San Francisco Giants (+750)
  • Zack Wheeler, Philadelphia Phillies (+800)
  • SPENCER STRIDER, Atlanta Braves (+1000)
  • Marcus Stroman, Chicago Cubs (+2000)
  • Mitch Keller, Pittsburgh Pirates (+2000)
  • Justin Steele, Chicago Cubs (+2500)
  • Black Snell, San Diego Padres (+3000)
  • Merrill Kelly, Arizona Diamondbacks (+3500)

OTHERS

+6000: Alex Cobb (Giants), Eury Perez (Marlins)

+6600: Corbin Burnes (Brewers)

+8000: Bryce Elder (Braves), Jesus Luzardo (Marlins), Max Scherzer (Mets)

+10000: Hunter Greene (Reds), Yu Darvish (Padres), Aaron Nola (Phillies), Michael Wacha (Padres)

+15000: Andrew Abbott (Reds), Tony Gonsolin (Dodgers), Charlie Morton (Braves), Freddy Peralta (Brewers), Kodai Senga (Mets), Julio Urias (Dodgers), Justin Verlander (Mets)

+20000: Sandy Alcantara (Marlins), Bobby Miller (Dodgers), Jordan Montgomery (Cardinals), Joe Musgrove (Padres), Johan Oviedo (Pirates), Drew Smyly (Cubs), Brandon Woodruff (Brewers)

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2023 MLB NL Cy Young best bet

RHP Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves (+1000)

Strider put together a stellar rookie campaign in 2022 to finish 2nd in NL Rookie of the Year voting, only behind his teammate OF Michael Harris II. The hard-throwing pitcher finished last season with an 11-5 record, 2.67 ERA, 1.00 WHIP, 3.1 BB/9 and 13.8 K/9 in 131 2/3 innings (31 appearances, including 20 starts).

Following an exhilarating 1st year in the majors, Strider picked up where he left off in 2022 to begin the 2023 season. Through his first 15 starts this season, Strider owns an 8-2 record, 3.93 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 3.2 BB/9 and 14.5 K/9 in 84 2/3 innings.

The last 5 NL Cy Young winners in non-shortened seasons have been right-handers Sandy Alcantara, Corbin Burnes, Jacob deGrom (twice) and Max Scherzer. In those 5 seasons, each of the winners of the NL Cy Young award had a WAR (wins above replacement) of 5.3 or higher, 10-plus wins, an ERA of 2.43 or better and at least 207 strikeouts.

Strider has certainly had forgettable outings in his recent starts, which is why he has great value to win the award. At the moment, Strider is on pace for a fantastic record on one of the best teams in baseball and he leads the league in strikeouts with 136.

The ace for the Braves is capable of lowering his ERA, and his WAR should improve as the season progresses. The oddsmakers seem to believe that a pitcher in the NL West is likely to win the award, but the 2nd-year pitcher out of the NL East is poised for an impressive finish to the 2023 campaign.

BET SPENCER STRIDER to win MLB NL Cy Young (+1000) in 2023.

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Value play: Bet Rangers’ Nathan Eovaldi to win MLB AL Cy Young Award

Analyzing the 2023 AL Cy Young odds, including an expert prediction and best bet.

We are approaching the midway point of the 2023 MLB season, which means it is a good time to look at potential future bets. The Texas Rangers have been one of the most dominant teams in baseball thus far and RHP Nathan Eovaldi is leading the way in the pitching department.

The Rangers own the 2nd-best record in the AL at 47-30 (entering Monday, June 26) and have the 4th-best odds to win the World Series (+900). Texas also has the 2nd-best odds to win the AL (+425) — behind the Tampa Bay Rays (+200) — and is the favorite to win the AL West (-165).

There is certainly value in betting on the Rangers to finish the season strong and have success. But in terms of future bets for player awards, there is fantastic value in wagering on Eovaldi to win the AL Cy Young award (+1800) in 2023.

Below, we look at the 2023 MLB AL Cy Young odds at BetMGM Sportsbook – with the best suggestion among our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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2023 MLB AL Cy Young odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, June 26, at 4:45 p.m. ET.

  • Framber Valdez, Houston Astros (+260)
  • Shane McClanahan, Tampa Bay Rays (+400)
  • Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees (+425)
  • Kevin Gausman, Toronto Blue Jays (+475)
  • Luis Castillo, Seattle Mariners (+1100)
  • Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (+1200)
  • Joe Ryan, Minnesota Twins (+1400)
  • NATHAN EOVALDI, Texas Rangers (+1800)
  • Sonny Gray, Minnesota Twins (+3500)
  • George Kirby, Seattle Mariners (+6000)
  • Cristian Javier, Houston Astros (+6600)
  • Zach Eflin, Tampa Bay Rays (+10000)

OTHERS

+15000: Hunter Brown (Astros), Reid Detmers (Angels), Logan Gilbert (Mariners), Lucas Giolito (White Sox), Jon Gray (Rangers)

+20000: Chris Bassitt (Blue Jays), Jose Berrios (Blue Jays), Shane Bieber (Guardians), Yennier Cano (Orioles), Dylan Cease (White Sox), Tyler Glasnow (Rays), Pablo Lopez (Twins), Eduardo Rodriguez (Tigers)

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2023 MLB AL Cy Young best bet

RHP Nathan Eovaldi, Texas Rangers (+1800)

Before the 2023 season began, the Rangers were expected to take a step forward after signing RHP Jacob deGrom and Eovaldi in free agency. It was a solid start to the season for deGrom, but he unfortunately suffered another injury that will force him to miss the rest of the season.

With deGrom sidelined, Eovaldi has taken the reins as the No. 1 pitcher for the Rangers this season. The veteran right-hander is currently sporting an impressive 9-3 record with a 2.80 ERA, 0.99 WHIP, 2.0 BB/9, and 8.6 K/9 in 105 1/3 innings (16 starts).

Tampa Bay’s McClanahan has been the favorite to win the AL Cy Young since the start of the season, however, he recently suffered an injury. It remains to be seen if he misses any time, though, he’s fallen behind Houston’s Valdez for the best odds to win the award.

Eovaldi currently has a higher xERA (3.27) than 6 of the 7 pitchers ahead of him in the AL Cy Young odds. Those 6 pitchers are Valdez, McClanahan, Cole, Gausman, Castillo and Ohtani.

While McClanahan and Valdez are viewed as the odds-on favorites, Eovaldi is worth throwing a few dollars on to win the AL Cy Young. In the last 5 full seasons, the winner of the award has registered at least 13 wins, an ERA of 2.84 or better and 185 strikeouts or more.

At the moment, Eovaldi is on track to record 15-plus wins, have an ERA below 2.90 and tally somewhere around 200-plus strikeouts. If the Rangers can remain one of the best teams in the AL — and in the league — Eovaldi will be a big reason why.

BET NATHAN EOVALDI to win MLB AL Cy Young (+1800).

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American League and National League pennant odds, predictions and best bets

American League and National League pennant odds, with MLB playoff picks and predictions for the winners and best bets.

October baseball and Major League Baseball playoffs have arrived, and the battle to make it to the World Series begins Tuesday with the American League wild-card game. Five teams in each league vie for their respective pennant. Below, we give our picks and best bets for the American League and National League pennants.

In the American League, the Houston Astros and Chicago White Sox face one another, while the Tampa Bay Rays await the winner of the wild-card game between the New York Yankees and the Boston Red Sox.

In the National League, the Atlanta Braves will face the Milwaukee Brewers, while the San Francisco Giants await the winner of the National League wild-card game between the Los Angeles Dodgers and St. Louis Cardinals.

American League and National League pennant odds

Odds via Tipico Sportsbook and last updated Tuesday, Oct. 5.

American League

  • Houston Astros +220
  • Tampa Bay Rays +250
  • Chicago White Sox +320
  • New York Yankees +600
  • Boston Red Sox +700

National League

  • Los Angeles Dodgers +180
  • San Francisco Giants +280
  • Milwaukee Brewers +330
  • Atlanta Braves +600
  • St. Louis Cardinals +900

American League and National League pennant predictions and best bets

American League

Tampa Bay won the most games in the American League and played in the toughest division, where four of the five teams won more than 90 games. The Rays were 11-8 against the Yankees and 11-8 against the Red Sox, while they posted a 3-3 record against the White Sox and a 2-4 record against the Astros; they were 48-42 against winning teams.

The Rays have the second-best home record in the AL and the top road record.

Tampa Bay was led by its pitching which was first in ERA and WHIP and fourth in opponents’ batting average in the American League.

The White Sox, Yankees and Astros round out the top four teams in the AL in pitching.

The Astros had the best win percentage against winning teams at 45-32. Houston led the American League in batting average and runs, and was second in OPS and fifth in home runs.

The Rays and the Astros are battle-tested in the playoffs. Tampa finished the regular season with seven wins in its last 10 games; Houston won four of its final 10.

Take the RAYS (+250).

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National League

The National League’s best team was the Giants but only won their division over the Dodgers by one game.

The hottest team to end the year was the Cardinals, who won 21 of their last 25 games but finished the season losing two in a row. They face the Dodgers, who won 18 of their final 21, in a one-game wild-card game.

Because one will be eliminated immediately, neither makes a good bet to win the pennant.

Neither the Braves nor the Brewers had a winning record against winning teams this season. The Brewers lost 10 of their last 14 games, while the Braves finished hot, winning 12 of their final 14.

However, the Giants, who won the most games in all of baseball, won 10 of their last 12 games and went 21-5 over their last 26 games.

The Dodgers have three of the best pitchers in the league but the Giants went 10-9 against them in the regular season. The Cardinals went 4-2 against the Giants and 3-4 against the Dodgers.

The Dodgers and Giants were No. 1 and No. 2 in runs scored and also ERA.

The Giants were 35-28 against winning teams and the Dodgers were 35-27. Los Angeles was four games better at home than San Francisco, but the Giants were five games better than the Dodgers on the road.

The National League is really a battle between those two teams, and since the Dodgers have to win a one-game series, it makes them a worse bet than the Giants.

Take the GIANTS (+280).

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2021 World Series odds, picks and prediction for second half

Looking at the odds to win the 2021 World Series, with MLB futures picks, predictions and best bets.

The unofficial midway point of the 2021 Major League Baseball season has passed, and we’re on our way to the second half. We’ll take a look at the best plays to win the 2021 World Series. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s odds to win the 2021 World Series with MLB picks and predictions.

The Los Angeles Dodgers pulled into the All-Star break with a 56-35 record and are two games back of the San Francisco Giants in the National League. While the Giants have the best record in the majors, it’s the Dodgers who are listed as the chalk.

World Series odds, picks and predictions

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Thursday, July 15, at 8:15 a.m. ET.

Los Angeles Dodgers (+375)

The Dodgers lead the majors with a 3.17 ERA, while trailing only the Milwaukee Brewers (935) with 918 strikeouts. While pitching wins championships, the offense is pretty outstanding, too.

Houston Astros (+550)

The Astros are percentage points behind the Chicago White Sox for the top mark in the American League, and both teams are neck and neck in the ERA department. Chicago has a 3.58 ERA, while Houston has a 3.63 mark.

The difference between the two teams is in the offense department, with the Astros just a little more prolific. That, and the fact the Astros have the postseason experience, make them the team to beat in the AL.

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!

New York Mets (+900)

If you’re looking for a team with slightly longer odds, look no further than the New York Mets. They have outstanding pitching with SP Jacob deGrom leading the way. The MVP and Cy Young candidate pulled into the break with a 7-2 mark and a ridiculous 1.08 ERA and 0.54 WHIP, both tops in the majors.

New York’s no one-trick pony, as Home Run Derby champ 1B Pete Alonso leads an offense capable of doing more. The Mets are 3 1/2 games clear of the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East heading to the second half.

Tampa Bay Rays (+1400)

If you’re looking to go even deeper on the odds sheet, the Rays are an outstanding value. Remember, the frugal Rays are the defending American League champions, and they check in seventh in the majors with a 3.51 ERA.

They also can tap into their experience from last fall when they lost by a whisker to the Los Angeles Dodgers for all the marbles.

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New York Yankees (+2500)

The Yankees have been a huge disappointment, as they enter the second half tied with the Toronto Blue Jays for third in the American League East. It’s hard to imagine a team with their salary posting a mere plus-1 run differential through 89 games, but that’s exactly what they did.

Despite a 23-22 record at home, the poor run differential and a rather mediocre 3.80 ERA, the Yankees are right in the thick of things and you know they’ll load up at the non-waiver trade deadline in a couple of weeks. At this price, they’re a tremendous value.

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2021 AL Pennant odds, picks and prediction

Looking at the odds to win the 2021 AL Pennant, with MLB futures picks, predictions and best bets.

On the eve of the 2021 season restarting with a key American League rivalry series between the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees, we have reached a key juncture where we can prognosticate October using current-season trends. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s odds to win the AL pennant with MLB picks and predictions.

This season is unique because due to the shortened campaign a year ago, 2021 stands alone more than most with what we have to go on heading into the second half. The current AL division leaders are the Red Sox (East), Chicago White Sox (Central), and Houston Astros (West).

The Oakland Athletics and Tampa Bay Rays also own win percentages north of .550 and should be considered contenders for an AL flag. Which of those five teams present the best value in the betting market? What darkhorse candidate/s might join them by September?

Let’s look at the top-five value bets to be the Junior Circuit’s World Series representative.

AL 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 2 p.m. ET.

Houston Astros (+225)

In regard to wins-vs.-run differentials and wins-vs.-supporting metrics that form the building blocks of run-scoring and run prevention, the Astros stand out as the most valid of the three current division leaders.

The Red Sox and Astros own the same winning percentage (.604) at the break, but one could wiggle Boston’s figure down below .525 and Houston’s up over .625. An area we can expect the ‘Stros to make gains is in the bullpen.

If Houston can turn a 4.09 bullpen ERA into more of the 3.37 figure it has posted since June 1, the Astros could run away with the West. Houston is 42-22 against teams that are .500 or better. It’s a club worthy of its favorite status, and the +225 figure may give other contenders a bit too much credit.

New York Yankees (+1000)

The Yankees face the Red Sox in eight of their next 10 games beginning Thursday. That stretch can either vault the Bronx Bombers — owners of a much improved .779 OPS since June 6 — into a tighter race or send them into seller mode on the trade market.

New York has room for legitimate gains in starting pitching and batting. The Yanks bullpen went into the break in shambles; getting the relief bunch turned around and playing a ton of games against the overachieving Red Sox and Rays makes the Yankees worth a look.

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!

Toronto Blue Jays (+1100)

See Yankees, New York.

A similar track to success exists for New York state’s other 2021 AL East team. The Buffalo-based Blue Jays have a top-10 offense and a capable starting rotation. Toronto had an inexplicable stretch from May 19-June 18 when the team scored 4.8 runs per game on an .807 OPS … and went 8 games under .500 (10-18).

The Jays have been undone by a 6-10 mark in 1-run games. Look for big things in the second half.

Los Angeles Angels (+5000)

The Halos head into the second half one game over .500 at 45-44 and in fourth place in the West; however, L.A. went into the break on a 9-4 run.

The Angels also have a top-five offense and a capable enough rotation to put together a few more fortnights just like that in July, August, and September. The second- and third-place clubs ahead of them in the Athletics and Seattle Mariners, respectively, are gettable.

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Minnesota Twins (+15000)

The Twins, who played .600 ball last summer, may be too far under-.500 to get going on a serious wild-card run. At 39-50, they have a long way to go before they can make any noise, but they can dominate in their weak division for a couple months.

The Twins have cranked out 4.73 RPG and Statcast quality of contact metrics indicate bigger numbers being easily attainable. Minnesota has also endured low batting averages on balls in play in inning lead-off and other high-leverage situations.

Add in a bullpen which can be more average than a lofty 4.91 ERA suggests, and the Twins have the materials to put together a surprise run.

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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. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.

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2021 NL Pennant odds, picks and prediction

Looking at the odds to win the 2021 NL Pennant, with MLB futures picks, predictions and best bets.

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.

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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.

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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.

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2021 NL Cy Young odds, picks and prediction

Looking at the odds to win the 2021 NL Cy Young Award, with MLB futures picks, predictions and best bets.

With the Midsummer Classic arriving, a three-day hiatus from the MLB schedule gives us a chance to reset our sights on 2021 awards betting. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s odds to win the 2021 NL Cy Young Award with MLB picks and predictions.

New York Mets RHP Jacob deGrom remains the odds-on favorite to win his third Cy Young (2018, 2019) at -1000. DeGrom owns a minuscule 1.08 ERA through 15 starts. In 92 IP, he has allowed just 39 hits and 11 walks while striking out 146 batters.

The right-hander’s odds have dipped to the point where a $100 bet would return a profit of just $10. That’s now out of bounds … but not by much. Below are five other candidates to monitor for value, but consider deGrom at -850 should the price swing back toward Earth.

Also see: AL Cy Young odds, picks and prediction

2021 NL Cy Young Award odds, picks and predictions

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Monday, July 12, at 7:35 p.m. ET.

Milwaukee Brewers SP Brandon Woodruff (+1500)

Woodruff could be in the best position to pounce if there’s is a deGrom injury or second-half slide of some kind. The 28-year-old hurler gives the Brewers a lot of innings (113 1/3 through 18 starts), and he’s an ultra consistent rates-control guy.

It seems he’s always on par with hit, walk, home run and strikeout rates, and that has made for a tremendous first-half 2.06 ERA. Woodruff is strong in third-time-through-the-order situations (.531 OPS allowed) and a weak-hitting NL Central doesn’t hurt.

San Francisco Giants SP Kevin Gausman (+1500)

Gausman’s the No. 1 pitcher for a Giants club thus far upstaging the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres. He has been a big-time beneficiary of some generous rates around the margins with a .212 batting average on balls in play, for instance.

However, he gets deep into games (6-plus innings in all but three outings so far) and has been shut-down dominant against right-handed batters with a .395 opponent OPS.

Philadelphia Phillies SP Zack Wheeler (+1800)

The Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals (and maybe even the Miami Marlins) are less of contenders than most figured would be the case. Enter the 44-44 Phillies with a chance to make things interesting in the second half.

Leading the Phils on the mound is Wheeler, who has a 2.50 ERA over 2020 and ’21 combined. Over these last two seasons, the former Mets starter has gotten more ground balls (49.7% in 2021) while improving his control and getting more velocity on his fastball.

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!

San Diego Padres SP Joe Musgrove (+7000)

Musgrove doesn’t bring the name recognition of some of his pitching peers in Southern California, but the 28-year-old righty is enjoying a career year.

His bat-missing ability has taken a leap forward the last two years: swinging strikes are feeding a 10.6 K/9 figure thus far. As with other NL West hurlers here, he has the potential to pitch in some big pennant race games in September.

Cincinnati Reds SP Tyler Mahle (+10000)

Cincinnati is in a similar boat to that of the Phillies as a surprise second-place team at the break. The Reds have been buoyed by the strong pitching of Mahle who owns a 3.68 ERA despite battling some home run to fly ball issues.

His problems have come at home, and if he can recapture the mojo of a 3.03 home-yard ERA of 2020, he’ll be relevant in voters’ minds come September.

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2021 AL MVP odds, picks and prediction

Looking at the odds to win the 2021 AL MVP Award, with MLB futures picks, predictions and best bets.

The unofficial midway point of the 2021 Major League Baseball season is here. We’ll take a look at the best plays for the American League Most Valuable Player Award. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s odds to win the AL MVP Award with MLB picks and predictions.

Los Angeles Angles DH/SP Shohei Ohtani is the leader in the clubhouse at the All-Star break, socking a league-high 33 home runs, while also making the midsummer classic as a pitcher. There is still plenty of time for the pursuing players to close the gap.

2021 AL MVP odds, picks and predictions

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Monday, July 12, at 7 p.m. ET.

Los Angeles Angels DH/SP Shohei Ohtani (-350)

Ohtani is the odds-on favorite or heavy chalk, but he will cost you three and a half times your potential return, and there is no real value in playing that with this much time left in the season.

A potential injury in the second half, or a cooling-off period, could still derail his chances. He looks like a sure thing now, but never bet such a heavy favorite.

Toronto Blue Jays 1B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+220)

Guerrero will bat second in Tuesday’s All-Star Game behind Ohtani, and that’s ironic since he is the closest on Ohtani’s tail for AL MVP. He pulls into the break with a slash line of .332/.430/.658 while blasting 28 home runs and 73 RBIs.

Sure, he doesn’t pitch, but he was the leading vote-getter for the ASG. Do the baseball writers love him as much as the fans? Bettors should love the greater value.

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.

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Boston Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts (+4000)

It’s a two-horse race in the eyes of the books, but don’t sleep on Bogaerts. He is worth a small-unit play at this price. He has a healthy .321 average with 15 home runs and 51 RBIs at the break, and he ranks fifth in the American League with a .930 OPS.

Last season was a disaster for the BoSox, but Bogaerts has been the biggest piece of the turnaround back to contention.

Cleveland Indians 3B Jose Ramirez (+5000)

I kicked around some of the Houston Astros players in this particular spot, but I don’t like the fact there are so many teammates in the same odds neighborhood. They tend to cannibalize the chances of each other.

Instead, I like singular candidates like Ramirez, as he has no close competition on his team. If “Enriquito” can dramatically improve his .260 batting average, and turn up the power a skosh, he could easily enter the chat for MVP. Right now, he is an outsider looking in, but a speculative value play.

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New York Yankees OF Aaron Judge (+6000)

The Yankees haven’t had the kind of season anybody expected. Judge’s numbers are solid, yet unspectacular, with a .282 average, 21 homers and 47 RBIs. He needs to do more and is capable of putting up big power numbers in bunches.

I believe the numbers will “all rise” (see what I did there?) in the second half, and the Bronx Bombers will have a big surge, led by their magistrate outfielder.

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2021 AL Cy Young odds, picks and prediction

Looking at the odds to win the 2021 AL Cy Young Award, with MLB futures picks, predictions and best bets.

As we roll into the MLB All-Star break, the time is right to check in on awards futures. Let’s analyze BetMGM Sportsbook‘s odds to win the 2021 AL Cy Young Award with MLB picks and predictions.

A recent migration of solid top-shelf starters to the National League (RHP Marcus Stroman (New York Mets), RHP Joe Musgrove (San Diego Padres), RHP Charlie Morton (Atlanta Braves), etc.) made for New York Yankees RHP Gerrit Cole being a big preseason favorite for the American League Cy Young Award.

Cole looked to be on his way to paying off that March confidence in logging a 1.37 ERA, 0.68 WHIP through eight starts; however, the Yankees ace has stumbled a couple of times over recent starts. Saturday, he went 129 pitches over 9 IP in a 1-0 win over the Astros; even that performance perhaps ripples forward with fatigue issues.

So, like a horse race with a big favorite that might have some warts, the AL Cy Young derby sets up as a good one for bettors. Below are five good values to keep an eye on.

2021 AL Cy Young Award odds, picks and predictions

MLB odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list. Odds last updated Monday, July 12, at 6:25 p.m. ET.

Chicago White Sox SP Lance Lynn (+400)

Lynn has been ultra-consistent while holding foes to 2 or fewer earned runs 13 times through 16 starts. He was a top-six Cy Young vote-getter each of the last two seasons, and he’s dominating at home this season with a 1.53 ERA in his first season with the ChiSox.

His season ERA of 1.99 is buoyed by a .243 batting average on balls in play and an 8.7% home run to fly-ball rate; however, he’s pitching on a contending club, and he’s the veteran presence on the mound. In this year of push-back against spin rates and (to a lesser extent) velocity, Lynn fits as a pitcher’s pitcher and a likable candidate on a ballot.

Minnesota Twins SP Jose Berrios (+4000)

Berrios registered sub-4.00 ERAs in his age-23, -24 and -25 seasons before posting a 4.00 ERA over 63 innings last year. With a sustained velocity gain in 2020-21 and an uptick in ground-ball rate this season (43.7%), the Minnesota righty is posting a career-best xFIP of 3.54.

A second-half surge by the Twins would go a long way toward getting Berrios serious consideration if his production keeps up.

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.

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Chicago White Sox SP Lucas Giolito (+5000)

Giolito was a +500-type favorite for this award back in April, but some early-season misfires seemed to derail his candidacy. A top-seven vote-getter the last two years, he logged a 5.68 ERA through his first five starts of the 2021 season.

Since then, he has been a workhorse, going deeper and deeper into games while hoisting an ERA of 3.66 (alongside a 1.14 WHIP). Big-time swing-and-miss stuff (10.8 K/9) and an ability to get more innings than other top starters are factors in his favor.

Oakland Athletics SP Frankie Montas (+8000)

Montas totes a 4.41 ERA into the second half and won’t be on many radar screens; however, the Oakland right-hander has been a bit undone around the margins, and his expected-ERA metrics settle in the 3s.

Innings will be an issue for the 28-year-old who is already at his career-high with 100 innings pitched.

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Toronto Blue Jays SP Robbie Ray (+8000)

The Yankees open the second half with eight of 10 games against the Boston Red Sox. Should the Yanks fall by the wayside, there would be room for the Blue Jays to make a push in the AL East and for Ray to be recognized as a big catalyst.

A career-best in first-pitch strikes led to a career-best 2.2 BB/9 for the veteran lefty. Over his last 48 2/3 IP, Ray has notched a fine 2.40 ERA.

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Bet on MLB futures now at BetMGM Sportsbook. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.

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.

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