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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.
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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
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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.
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