Gross Bombs: NFL Props for Week 16
Josh Gross
While the status of the 2022 MLB season is currently up in the air, sportsbooks still currently have odds listed for MLB-related future bets. One of the most exciting bets currently offered for the 2022 MLB season is the odds for AL and NL MVP.
After taking a dive into some legal sportsbooks, I have identified my three best bets for MVP in both the AL and the NL. Whenever looking to take any bet at all, it is imperative to look through multiple sportsbooks to make sure you are getting the best odds available. Though it is uncertain if the season will begin on time, or at all this year, there is still value in the MVP futures market.
AL MVP Odds and Picks 2022
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani is the favorite to win the AL MVP award at +300. Not far behind Ohtani is his teammate and three-time AL MVP Mike Trout, with odds of +350. While both of these Angels are the two favorites for the award this season, I am looking at three other options for the AL MVP award:
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. +400
- Rafael Devers +2000
- Byron Buxton +4500
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
For my three AL MVP picks, my rationale is pretty straightforward. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. currently has the third-best odds to win AL MVP, and after his miraculous 2021 campaign that resulted in a second-place MVP finish last season, there’s no reason to believe Vlad won’t continue his ascension into MLB stardom.
My two longshot bets for AL MVP certainly have to defy the odds, but I think these are two players that have the capability to win MVP. Rafael Devers is 25 years old and has gotten better every season. He has never cracked the top 10 in MVP voting, but after a Silver Slugger 2021 season, Devers can certainly take home the award. Byron Buxton is 28 years old has been often injured in his career. However, in just 61 games last season Buxton had an OPS of 1.005, played stellar defense and stole 9 bags. Give Buxton a full 162, and at +4500 odds, he’s a dark-horse candidate for AL MVP.
NL MVP Odds and Picks 2022
Mike Trout is the best player in baseball and Shohei Ohtani has a unicorn-like skillset. That’s why they are obvious candidates for MVP in the American League. But what about the National League?
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the two favorites for NL MVP are Juan Soto and Fernando Tatis Jr. at +350. Based on the rest of the odds, my three best bets for NL MVP are:
- Juan Soto +350
- Mookie Betts +1000
- Cody Bellinger +6000
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Juan Soto is the favorite in the NL, and for good reason. Soto finished second in MVP voting last season and, at 23 years old, is getting better every season.
Mookie Betts is a star who also plays for a team that is expected to win not only the NL West but the World Series. After coming second in MVP voting in 2020, I expect Mookie to be back in the swing of things this season, and at +1000 odds, I’ll certainly take the chance. For an even longer shot, I’ll stick with the Dodgers and take former NL MVP Cody Bellinger at +6000 odds. Bellinger has struggled since his MVP win in 2019, but if Bellinger can spark the Dodgers to another pennant, +6000 odds may have been too generous.
When taking a dive into a future bet like MVP, or any bet for that matter, it is important to check what is available at other sportsbooks to make sure you are getting the best odds for your wager.
