Bet on these MLB pitchers to win the 2020 NL Cy Young Award

Making our picks and best bets to win the NL Cy Young Award in the shortened 2020 MLB season.

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Our 2020 MLB award previews at SportsbookWire continue with a look at the National League Cy Young. NL pitchers won’t be required to hit in the shortened 2020 season, meaning they’ll each need to face a designated hitter every time through the opponent’s batting order. Below, we make our picks and best bets to win the 2020 NL Cy Young Award.

2020 NL Cy Young best bets: Favorite

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday, July 11 at 2:35 p.m. ET.

Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals (+450)

Scherzer leads all National League pitchers with an average of 12.60 strikeouts per nine innings in the first half of the season since 2017. His 2.30 first-half ERA ranks third over the last three season and his 129 1/3 innings pitched are the most of all starters.

Scherzer has three career Cy Young Awards, including back-to-back wins in 2016 and 2017. He hasn’t finished outside of the top five in voting since 2012 while still with the Detroit Tigers in the American League. His odds are nearly twice as high as those of reigning back-to-back winner Jacob deGrom (+280).

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on Scherzer (+450) to win the NL Cy Young would return a profit of $45. The same bet on deGrom fetches a return of just $28.

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 Cy Young best bets: Contender

Josh Hader, Milwaukee Brewers (+3300)

I’ve been down on Hader as a 2020 Fantasy Baseball target, but his versatility and importance out of the Brewers bullpen could have him in the running for the 2020 NL Cy Young in a season expected to shake up conventional pitcher roles.

Hader ranked ninth among all Brewers pitchers with 75 2/3 innings pitched last year. Top-two starters Zach Davies and Chase Anderson left this offseason. De facto No. 1 starter Brandon Woodruff tossed just 121 2/3 frames in his breakout 2019 campaign.

Hader went 3-5 with 37 saves last year. He enters the 2020 campaign as the Brewers’ closer, but he could also make some starts as an opener this year. The modified extra-inning rules, which will see each team start every half-inning with a runner on second base, could give Hader more win opportunities this season.

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2020 NL Cy Young best bets: Long shot

Robbie Ray, Arizona Diamondbacks (+5000)

Ray ranks second to Scherzer with an 11.78 strikeout rate over the first half of the last three seasons. He finished 2019 with a 4.34 ERA but a career-best 12.13 K/9. He even cut down on his walk rate from 2018.

He’s the incumbent ace of an improved Diamondbacks team entering the season. SP Madison Bumgarner was signed in free agency, and his experience could help Ray, who enters just his sixth full season.

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 AL Cy Young award

Looking at the betting odds to win the 2020 AL Cy Young award, and making our best MLB picks and bets.

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The 2020 MLB season is rapidly approaching as teams are currently working through camp ahead of the July 23 start. The American League has plenty of quality starting pitchers across the board, led by SP Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees. Below, we break down the best bets to win the 2020 AL Cy Young award with targets from all tiers.

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 AL Cy Young best bets: Favorite

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, July 14 at 10:30 a.m. ET.

New York Yankees SP Gerrit Cole (+265)

It’s easy to see why Cole is the heavy favorite to win the Cy Young award this year. He was arguably the best pitcher in the American League last year despite finishing second in the voting to Houston Astros teammate Justin Verlander. His 2.50 ERA and 326 strikeouts both led the AL last season, going 20-5 for the Astros.

With the Yankees’ offense expected to pace the majors, Cole will get ample run support to drive up his win total, while his ERA should remain low once again. He’s set up better than just about every pitcher in the league.

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 AL Cy Young best bets: Contenders

Houston Astros SP Justin Verlander (+600)

Verlander will try to become the latest pitcher to win back-to-back Cy Young awards after taking home the hardware last season. He led the majors in wins, starts and WHIP. Assuming the Astros can avoid the distractions that are sure to come with their sign-stealing scandal, they should once again be in World Series contention.

Verlander also benefited from the season being pushed back because he would’ve missed some time due to a groin injury had it started in April. And with Cole out of the picture in Houston, Verlander will garner a lot of attention from voters in that rotation.

Cleveland Indians SP Shane Bieber (+1100)

Bieber broke out in a big way last season, going 15-8 with a 3.28 ERA and two complete-game shutouts. His 1.68 walks per nine innings was also tops in the league, helping him finish fourth in 2019 AL Cy Young voting. As the ace in Cleveland with Cory Kluber and Trevor Bauer gone, all eyes will be on the young Bieber.

Tampa Bay Rays SP Tyler Glasnow (+1200)

Glasnow was off to a red-hot start in 2019 before suffering an injury that caused him to miss most of the summer. He won his first six starts and opened the year at 6-1 with a 1.86 ERA, 55 strikeouts and only nine walks through 48 1/3 innings. If he can bounce back and stay healthy, Glasnow should be one of the top contenders for the Cy Young award. He has the stuff to win around 10 games in this shortened season.

2020 AL Cy Young best bets: Long shot

Minnesota Twins SP Jose Berrios (+2500)

Berrios was an All-Star for the second year in a row last season, going 14-8 with a 3.68 ERA and 195 strikeouts. Playing at the pitcher-friendly Target Field helps keep the ball in the yard for Berrios, and with his nasty stuff, he’s sure to approach 9 K/9 again 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 @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.

Also see:

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.

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!

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.

Follow @camdasilva 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 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.

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 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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2020 MLB Futures Odds: How many games will the Toronto Blue Jays win?

Looking at 2020 MLB futures odds for the Toronto Blue Jays, including their 2020 World Series odds and win total.

How many games will the Toronto Blue Jays win in the 60-game 2020 MLB season? We look at the Blue Jays’ MLB futures odds, including their projected 2020 win total and Over/Under odds at BetMGM, and make our best bet.

Toronto Blue Jays’ 2019 recap

The Blue Jays continued a rebuild under president Mark Shapiro and general manager Ross Atkins in 2019. Their 67-95 finish was disappointing to fans but not overly surprising. They finished fourth in the American League East and short of the postseason for the third year in a row.

The success was in having top prospects SS Bo Bichette, 2B Cavan Biggio and 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. make their MLB debuts, providing hope for the fanbase moving forward.

The Jays went 78-84 against the run line with a 75-80-7 Over/Under record in 2019. They went 33-43 against the tough AL East and a miserable 3-17 in interleague play. They ranked just 23rd in baseball with 726 runs scored and 21st with 828 runs allowed.

Toronto Blue Jays’ offseason

The Blue Jays made a long-awaited splash in free agency by luring SP Hyun-Jin Ryu away from the Los Angeles Dodgers. Chase Anderson and Tanner Roark were also added to boost the rotation. Shun Yamaguchi was brought over from Japan to join the bullpen.

1B/3B Travis Shaw was the biggest add to the offense and provides some experience for the young core.

Also see:

Toronto Blue Jays’ 2020 schedule

The Blue Jays open their season Friday, July 24, against the Tampa Bay Rays. They’ll play 10 games against each against the AL East rival Rays, Baltimore Orioles, Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees this season.

They’ll play 20 games against the National League East, including six against the “rival” Philadelphia Phillies. The season ends Sunday, Sept. 27, with a seven-game homestand against the Yankees and Orioles.


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


How many games will the Toronto Blue Jays win in 2020?

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, July 8 at 6:15 p.m. ET.

The Blue Jays win total is set at 27.5. With a young but strong offensive core and improved starting rotation, the OVER (+100) is well worth taking at even money.

The schedule is tough, but the Blue Jays have plenty of talent and their young players should excel in the shortened season without fear of burn out. They’ll feast on the Orioles and Miami Marlins, and should at least challenge the Red Sox for third in the division.

Toronto Blue Jays’ World Series odds

The Jays are getting +10000 odds to win the 2020 World Series. While the chance of a $1,000 return on a $10 bet is tempting, Toronto ultimately doesn’t have a strong enough top-three group of starters to contend when games become more meaningful. PASS.

Toronto Blue Jays’ playoff odds

While the AL East crown will be well guarded by the Yankees and Rays, the Jays could hang around long enough to contend in the wild-card race.

With +750 odds to make the postseason, this is the best 2020 futures bet for the Blue Jays. PASS on the +3500 odds to win the division.

Toronto’s odds to win the AL pennant is +5000.

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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2020 MLB Futures Odds: How many games will the Seattle Mariners win?

Looking at 2020 MLB futures odds for how many games the Seattle Mariners will win in the 60-game MLB season.

How many games will the Seattle Mariners win in the 60-game 2020 MLB season? We look at the Mariners MLB futures odds, including their projected 2020 win total and Over/Under odds at BetMGM, and make our best bet.

Seattle Mariners’ 2019 recap

Seattle finished in last place in the American League West in 2019, going 68-94 overall. The M’s were better against the run line, going 80-82, and they were one of the most consistent teams at hitting the Over in their games. They were 87-69-6 against projected totals. Only four teams in the majors hit more Overs.

Seattle Mariners’ offseason

The Mariners did not lose much in the way of talent, although P Felix Hernandez‘s 15-year career in Seattle ended when he signed with the Atlanta Braves this offseason.

They also did not add much. They signed two former Arizona Diamondbacks pitchers — starter Taijuan Walker and reliever Yoshihisa Hirano. They extended the contracts of P Marco Gonzalez and 1B Evan Walker.

Seattle Mariners’ 2020 schedule

Seattle will play 40 games in its division and another 20 against the National League West. They will kick off their season July 24, opening with a four-game road set against the Houston Astros and then another three games on the road against the Los Angeles Angels. They will close the season on the road against the Oakland Athletics.


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!


How many games will the Seattle Mariners win in 2020?

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, July 10 at 11 a.m. ET.

The Mariners’ projected win total for the 60-game season is 24.5. They play in a tough division with the Astros and Athletics and are counting on a lot of youth to develop, which is not ideal in a short season.

While some struggling teams might pack it in if off to a slow start in a short season, Seattle will remain competitive. Take the OVER 24.5 wins, although they’re likely to land somewhere in the 25-27 range.

Seattle Mariners’ World Series odds

Seattle, at +50000 to win the World Series, is one of the longest shots in the majors. Only the Baltimore Orioles have longer odds. DO NOT bet the Mariners to win the World Series.

Seattle Mariners’ playoff odds

Every team wants to say it will be competitive and shoot for the playoffs, but it’s not in the cards for the Mariners this year.

They have the longest odds by far to win the AL West at +6500 and are +1500 to make the playoffs at all. They are –5000 not to make the postseason, but those odds aren’t worth the wager, as you only win 20 cents for every $10 you wager. AVOID any futures bets on the Mariners.

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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2020 MLB Futures Odds: How many games will the Texas Rangers win?

Looking at 2020 MLB futures odds for how many games the Texas Rangers will win in the 60-game MLB season.

How many games will the Texas Rangers win in the 60-game 2020 MLB season? We look at the Rangers MLB futures odds, including their projected 2020 win total and Over/Under odds at BetMGM, and make our best bet.

Texas Rangers’ 2019 recap

The Rangers finished below .500 for the third year in a row in 2019. They were 78-84 at season’s end, for third place in the American League West.

They went 33-43 against their divisional opponents. As disappointing as their regular-season record was, they did go 86-76 against the spread in 2019. The pitching staff was a huge issue last season, having no depth in the rotation beyond Mike Minor and Lance Lynn.

Texas Rangers’ offseason

Texas recognized its weakness in the rotation and tried to fix the situation this offseason. The Rangers acquired SP Cory Kluber from the Cleveland Indians, signed SP Kyle Gibson and also added SP Jordan Lyles in free agency.

They also addressed their hole at third base by signing 3B Todd Frazier. At first base, they acquired Sam Travis from the Boston Red Sox in a trade.

Texas Rangers’ 2020 schedule

The Rangers begin their 2020 season July 24 against the Colorado Rockies, the start of a 60-game campaign against the AL West and National League West. They’ll play 40 games against their own division and 20 against their interleague counterpart.

The season will end Sept. 27 with the Rangers’ final series of the season coming against the rival Houston Astros.


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


How many games will the Texas Rangers win in 2020?

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, July 10 at 9 a.m. ET.

The Rangers’ projected win total is 29.5, so the oddsmakers see them finishing right around .500. They haven’t had a record better than .500 since 2016 when they went 95-67.

This is a tough bet to make because the rotation should be improved, but the lineup still doesn’t look that great. Not to mention, the AL West will be highly competitive with the Astros and Oakland Athletics also in the hunt.

I’d bet the UNDER (-110) simply because of the schedule and the lack of consistency in the starting lineup.

Texas Rangers’ World Series odds

The Rangers’ World Series odds are long, sitting at +8000. It’s hard to see them making the playoffs, let alone pushing deep into the postseason with a run at the World Series.

They’re not worth a bet to win it all this October. PASS.

Texas Rangers’ playoff odds

The Rangers are +600 to make the playoffs and -910 to miss them. The Astros and Athletics both figure to be in the postseason race to the end, which makes the chances of Texas reaching the playoffs lower.

With their low probability to make the postseason and the limited reward of betting on them to miss the playoffs, I’d PASS on both sides.

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

Follow @camdasilva 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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2020 MLB Futures Odds: How many games will the San Diego Padres win?

Looking at 2020 MLB futures odds for how many games the San Diego Padres will win in the 60-game MLB season.

How many games will the San Diego Padres win in the 60-game 2020 MLB season? We look at the Padres MLB futures odds, including their projected 2020 win total and Over/Under odds at BetMGM, and make our best bet.

San Diego Padres’ 2019 recap

The 2019 season looked promising for the Padres early; San Diego was in first place in the National League West through 19 games, behind the hot-hitting of rookie Fernando Tatis Jr. and respectable pitching from a young pitching staff.

They were 45-45 heading into the All-Star break but injuries to Tatis and struggles hitting—their lineup was 28th in batting average and third in strikeouts post-All-Star break—caused them to finish with a disappointing 70-92 record. As far as their quick 2019 betting recap: The Padres had a 76-86 run line record and Over/Under record of 73-76-13.

San Diego Padres’ offseason

San Diego has made splashes in free agency—signing 1B Eric Hosmer in 2018 and 3B Manny Machado in 2019—but mostly stood pat this offseason. The Padres have the 13th highest payroll in the majors. Their only notable additions were RP Drew Pomeranz and 2B Brian Dozier, who’s actually in the minor leagues at the moment.

The more notable additions were via trade, with OFs Trent Grisham and Tommy Pham arriving in San Diego.

Also see:

San Diego Padres’ 2020 schedule

San Diego’s 60-game season starts when they host the Arizona Diamondbacks Friday, July 24. The season wraps up Sunday, Sept. 27 at the San Francisco Giants.

Every team will play a regional schedule and how that rounds out for the Padres is they’ll play 40 games against NL West foes and the other 20 games against AL West teams. San Diego is the second-favorite to win the NL West, behind the Los Angeles Dodgers.


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!


How many games will the San Diego Padres win in 2020?

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, July 8 at noon ET.

LOVE THE PADRES OVER 30.5 WINS in 2020. The 60-man player pool rule for 2020 should benefit the Padres who have the second-best farm system in baseball, according to MLB.com. This holds true even after calling up 20-year-old Tatis who hit .317 with 22 home runs and 53 RBI in just 89 games last season.

The starting rotation is a bunch of kids in their mid-20s and a few could take steps forward. If they don’t, again the Padres have awesome pitching prospects they could put into the lineup. Also, they have two players (Machado and Tatis) tied for top-seven favorites to win NL MVP. If these big names stay healthy and rake, the Padres are going to be dangerous.

Plus, through 60 games in 2019, San Diego was 31-29, which would push them Over this year’s 30.5 wins total.

San Diego Padres’ playoff odds

Based on the value here, I LIKE the PADRES TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS (+320). I expect the Dodgers to win another NL West crown, but it’s not out of the realm of possibility for the Padres to make the race interesting. The bet mostly hinges on them earning a wild-card berth and, for me, betting $50 to win $160 for San Diego to make the postseason is worth it.

San Diego Padres’ World Series odds

The most likely outcome in the NL West race is the Dodgers winning it so that would force the Padres to win the wild card. It’s tough seeing this young pitching staff winning three straight road playoff series en route to a World Series title. PASS.

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

Follow @Geoffery_Clark 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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2020 MLB Futures Odds: How many games will the Tampa Bay Rays win?

Looking at 2020 MLB futures odds for how many games the Tampa Bay Rays will win in the 60-game MLB season.

How many games will the Tampa Bay Rays win in the 60-game 2020 MLB season? We look at the Rays’ MLB futures odds, including their projected 2020 win total and Over/Under odds at BetMGM, and make our best bet.

Tampa Bay Rays’ 2019 recap

The 2019 Rays went 96-66 (.593), finishing second in the American League East behind the New York Yankees and earning an AL Wild Card spot. They’ve now improved on their win percentage three straight years and will need to win 36 games in 2020 to do so once again.

Tampa Bay averaged 4.7 runs per game while yielding just 4.0. The latter figure was the best mark in the AL. The Rays were tabbed as an underdog 41 times in 2019, and they made plus bettors some money — Tampa Bay won 21 of those games and netted a 15.6% return on investment.

Tampa Bay Rays’ offseason

The roster has been a revolving door, but a couple key bats to watch are outfielders Yoshitomo Tsutsugo and Hunter Renfroe. A strength of the Rays — and likely a key factor in a season that figures to reward depth — is the team’s ability to develop and acquire plus talent that doesn’t jump off the page but still manages to win ballgames.

Also see:

Tampa Bay Rays’ 2020 schedule

Tampa Bay will play 40 games against AL East opponents and another 20 against National League East foes (New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Miami Marlins, Washington Nationals, Atlanta Braves). The season starts Friday, July 24, at home against the Toronto Blue Jays.


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!


How many games will the Tampa Bay Rays win in 2020?

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, July 8 at 9 a.m. ET.

The Rays are currently projected for 33.5 wins (Over: -125, Under: +105). That’s a figure mostly on the mark but for a tough slate. SHADE THE UNDER 33.5 (+105).

Tampa Bay Rays’ World Series odds

Tampa Bay is listed at +2000 to win the World Series. There’s value there for what is a quality group at the plate and in the field. And its a team with October experience. YES to betting the Rays to win the World Series.

Tampa Bay Rays’ playoff odds

The Rays are tagged at -115 to make the postseason, +330 to win the AL East, and +1000 to win the AL pennant. The last of those is the play with the most value.

BET the Rays to win the World Series (+2000) and/or the AL (+1000).

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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2020 MLB Futures Odds: How many games will the San Francisco Giants win?

Looking at 2020 MLB futures odds for how many games the San Francisco Giants will win in the 60-game MLB season.

How many games will the San Francisco Giants win in the 60-game 2020 MLB season? We look at the Giants’ MLB futures odds, including their projected 2020 win total and Over/Under odds at BetMGM, and make our best bet.

San Francisco Giants’ 2019 recap

The Giants had a disappointing 2019, finishing 77-85, 29 games out of first place in the NL West. They finished a mediocre 80-82 vs. the run line with a 79-75-8 Over/Under record. Only nine teams had a better percentage of hitting the Over. In the division, they finished an even 38-38 straight up.

San Francisco Giants’ offseason

San Francisco lost its ace in Madison Bumgarner, who signed with the rival Arizona Diamondbacks. However, the Giants added RHP Kevin Gausman, IF Wilmer Flores and, after a one-year stint with the Texas Rangers, they brought back OF Hunter Pence.

Also see:

San Francisco Giants’ 2020 schedule

The Giants will play 40 games in their division and another 20 against the five teams in the AL West. They will open on the road July 23 with a nationally televised game in the first of a four-game set against the Los Angeles Dodgers on the road. They have two 10-game road trips and end the season with six home games, wrapping up the regular season Sept. 27.


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!


How many games will the San Francisco Giants win in 2020?

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, July 7 at 11:45 p.m. ET.

Their win total is set at 25.5 wins with the Over and Under both carrying -110 odds. A Fangraphs projection for the 162-game season had them winning 71 games. That would equate 26.3 wins in the 60-game schedule. The Giants have talented players like C Buster Posey, 3B Evan Longoria and SS Brandon Crawford, although they are not expected to compete for the division title. That said, take the OVER 25.5 (-110) WINS. They will hang around .500.

San Francisco Giants’ World Series odds

The Giants are one of the longest shots to win the World Series at +15000. Only two National League teams have longer odds and six teams in all the major leagues. They are not as good as their 2019 team, so AVOID a bet on the Giants to win it all.

San Francisco Giants’ playoff odds

The Giants are +1500 to make the postseason and -5000 to miss it. They have the longest odds in the NL West to win the division at +5000 and +8000 to be National League champs. DO NOT BET the Giants to win the division or the NL pennant, and DO NOT BET on them to make the playoffs.

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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