Tag: MLB Prop Bets

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

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

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

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

2020 MLB RBI leader best bets

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

Colorado Rockies 3B Nolan Arenado (+1100)

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

Milwaukee Brewers OF Christian Yelich (+2500)

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

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

Los Angeles Dodgers OF Cody Bellinger (+1400)

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

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

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

Boston Red Sox 3B Rafael Devers (+2000)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2020 MLB hits leader best bets: Favorite

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

Atlanta Braves 2B Ozzie Albies (+2000)

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

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

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

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

2020 MLB hits leader best bets: Contender

Toronto Blue Jays SS Bo Bichette (+4000)

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

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

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

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

2020 MLB hits leader best bets: Long shot

Houston Astros OF George Springer (+10000)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2020 top 10 MLB season props

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

1. Paul Goldschmidt’s batting average: .275

(Over -115/Under -115)

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

2. Gerrit Cole’s strikeouts: 104.5

(Over -115/Under -115)

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

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

3. Gerrit Cole’s wins: 6.5

(Over -130/Under +100)

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

4. Arizona Diamondbacks’ runs: 299.5

(Over -125/Under -105)

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

5. J.D. Martinez’s home runs: 14.5

(Over -110/Under -120)

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

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

6. J.D. Martinez’s hits: 62.5

(Over -115/Under -115)

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

7. Jose Altuve’s batting average: .300

(Over -115/Under -115)

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

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

8. Clayton Kershaw’s strikeouts: 70.5

(Over -115/Under -115)

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

9. Freddie Freeman’s batting average: .295

(Over -115/Under -115)

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

10. Aaron Judge’s home runs: 15.5

(Over -110/Under -120)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

2020 MLB runs leader best bets: Favorite

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

Los Angeles Dodgers OF Mookie Betts (+900)

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

2020 MLB runs leader best bets: Contenders

Cleveland Indians SS Francisco Lindor (+1100)

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

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

Houston Astros OF George Springer (+2000)

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

2020 MLB runs leader best bets: Long shots

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Boston Red Sox SS Xander Bogaerts (+3300)

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

Oakland Athletics SS Marcus Semien (+3300)

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

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

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

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

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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.

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

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

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

2020 MLB stolen bases leader best bets

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

Washington Nationals SS Trea Turner (+600)

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

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

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

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

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

Pittsburgh Pirates OF Jarrod Dyson (+3300)

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

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

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

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

Chicago White Sox OF Luis Robert (+6600)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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MLB Prop Bets: Bank on these pitchers to record the most strikeouts

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

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

2020 MLB strikeout leader best bets

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, July 13 at 1:05 a.m. ET.

Favorite: Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees (+230)

With the Houston Astros last year, Gerrit Cole’s MLB-leading 326 strikeouts were the most in a season for any current pitcher. Cole cashed in on his 2019 dominance this offseason with a fat new deal, signing with the New York Yankees, and enters the COVID-altered 60-game season as a heavy favorite to repeat as the majors’ strikeout leader.

The Yankees fan in me expects Cole to dazzle in pinstripes, but the gambler in me hates the +230 value. Too many things can go wrong, between injury and COVID, and a 60-game schedule is too small of a time frame for such little payout. PASS ON COLE LEADING THE MLB IN STRIKEOUTS.

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!

Best Bet:  Max Scherzer, Washington Nationals (+550)

Max Scherzer fell out of the MLB’S top-3 in strikeouts last season for the first time since 2011 — when he ranked eighth. He led the NL in strikeouts three consecutive seasons, 2016-18, and led the majors in 2016 an ’18. However, 2019 wasn’t a down year for Scherzer — he led the NL in K’s per nine innings (12.691) a second consecutive season — but he only started 27 games, the first time he’s started less than 30 games since his debut season in the majors (2008).

Questions about a World Series hangover are fair in most cases, but not with Scherzer. He is one of baseball’s fiercest competitors and expect to see the best of him as the Nationals defend their title. I LOVE SCHERZER (+550) TO RECORD THE MOST STRIKEOUTS IN 2020. 

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

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

Sleeper:  Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals (+2500)

Like Scherzer, I believe in a motivational edge for Stephen Strasburg in 2020. Health has always been a concern for Strasburg — who has only started 30+ games in three of 10 career seasons — but he is generally dominant when he pitches. He’s led the NL once in strikeouts (co-leader in 2014), averages 10.6 K’s per nine innings and 241 strikeouts per 162 games for his career.

The major factors of why I LIKE Strasburg (+2500) to fan the most batters in 2020 are the insane value, the COVID-altered schedule 60-game and his performance against NL East foes. Strasburg had the third-most strikeouts against division opponents (most in the NL).

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

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

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

2020 MLB saves leader best bets

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

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

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

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

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

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

Josh Hader, Milwaukee Brewers (+1400)

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

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

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

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

Raisel Iglesias, Cincinnati Reds (+2200)

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

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

Nick Anderson, Tampa Bay Rays (+5000)

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

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

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

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

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

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