The 2024 MLB season is at the halfway stage, so now is the perfect time to look at the latest futures markets. Which teams represent the best bets for winning the World Series? Which outsiders could go all the way? And who will scoop the MVP award?
In this article, we will attempt to answer those questions, plus look at some of the key areas you need to assess when making MLB futures bets.
Dodgers still favorites…but lacking in value
Given their 50-31 record and stacked roster, it is no surprise to find the LA Dodgers at the top of the World Series betting odds. Their squad depth is unrivalled, and they have been in superb form in recent weeks. With the likes of Free Agent pick up Shohei Ohtani and Teoscar Hernandez in their ranks, the Dodgers seem strong contenders to go all the way.
However, we are not entirely sold on LA, especially at odds of just 4.00. For a start, they have recently lost Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Mookie Betts to long-term injuries, which seriously cuts down on their starting options. Then, there is the fact that this season’s league has some excellent depth. There are several strong contenders for the World Series, all of whom are capable of beating each other on any given day. That makes backing the favorite a dangerous game. In short, whilst the Dodgers are an undoubtedly strong team, we don’t think they represent a great value bet.
Value in Cleveland
Because of the aforementioned depth in the league, we think it’s wise to look at some longer odds options when making your MLB title pick. Of the teams priced at between 11.00 and 20.00 to win the World Series, we really like the look of the Cleveland Guardians.
Despite being largely unfancied coming into the season, the Guardian have proved the doubters completely wrong with a series of superb performances. They currently sit on top of the AL Central, boasting an excellent 51-26 record, the third-best in the entire league.
Not only is their record hugely impressive, but they also pass the eye test. The likes of Emmanuel Chase and Jose Naylor and Jose Ramirez are performing exceptionally well, so much so that the season-ending injury to Shane Bieber has barely impacted team performances. The Guardians are still priced at around 20.00 with most leading bookmakers, which looks like fantastic value given the quality of their roster.
Reigning in Baltimore?
The Baltimore Orioles are also priced appealingly at around 9.00. Their 49-30 record is one of the best in the league, albeit not good enough to put them above the New York Yankees in the AL East.
The Orioles were fancied coming into the season following last year’s 101-win campaign, so their odds are actually slightly longer than they were in the preseason. We’ve seen nothing to suggest the Orioles have dropped off since 2023, so now looks like a great time to get on board.
MVP odds: Too early to Judge?
One name is dominating the MLB American League MVP betting market — Aaron Judge. The Yankees outfielder is enjoying a stellar campaign and leads the Home Run rankings with 29 already this season, four clear of his nearest rival. The big problem for anyone looking to back Judge for the award is that he is just -190 in the betting. So unless you are a high roller, you are not going to get much return
If you are looking for a bit of value in this market, then Judge’s teammate Juan Soto has some appeal at +700. If Soto can produce an exceptional second half of the season, and Judge’s form drops off, then it is very possible that Soto could pip his teammate for the award.
Three top tips for MLB Futures betting
Those are our current picks for the World Series and MVP Awards, but whatever your selection, it is important to get the very best value from your bets. Here are three essential tips for doing exactly that.
Timing is everything
Whilst making your MLB picks for today requires instant action, futures betting is all about biding your timing and placing your wager at the ideal moment. Look at market trends to see which teams and/or players are drifting in the market. A couple of defeats may be when your preferred team lengthens in price, thus making them a more attractive bet. Monitor the situation and place your bet as soon as the odds become static.
Of course, it is important to understand why a team is drifting in price. So make sure you do your research before placing your bet. This will ensure that there is no underlying long-term reason for the price change that genuinely impacts the team’s chances of success.
Shop around
MLB futures odds can vary drastically between sportsbooks. The only way to ensure that you take advantage of the best odds for your selection is to sign up at a wide range of sites. Then use an odds comparison tool to discover the best price every time you want to place a bet.
Another advantage of joining several sports betting sites is that it allows you to claim the various new player promotions currently being offered. In many cases, you will be able to use these promotions on MLB futures markets.
Hedge your bets
Hedging is a great way of guaranteeing a profit when betting on MLB futures. Hedging essentially means betting against your original selection. For example, let’s say you place a preseason bet on the New York Yankees winning the World Series at odds of +2500. The Yankees then reach the World Series final where they come up against the LA Dodgers. If you then place a bet on the Dodgers winning the title, you can guarantee a profit regardless of the outcome.
Of course, the size of your profit will depend on a). the outcome of the series and b). the amount of money you place on the Dodgers. So take some time to look at the various scenarios based on different stake sizes and outcomes.
