If you look at the current odds for MLB MVP bets, there are a lot of options at +2000 and above that are intriguing to say the least. Don’t expect to find your Mike Trout or Cody Bellinger types here. The guys with longer odds need a few things to break their way if they’re going to seriously mount an MVP charge.
That is what makes MLB MVP bets crapshoots. You never know who is getting injured, who comes out of nowhere and who just doesn’t show up for the season (looking at you Jose Ramirez). All things considered, MLB MVP bets are fun since they don’t require you to invest large sums. With opening day rapidly approaching, here are some of the most MLB MVP bets for the 2020 season.
See more: More betting advice from The Touchback
1) Rafael Devers or Xander Bogaerts to win AL MVP – 30/1 (+3000)
At the time of writing, this number was +3000 at William Hill and +3100 over on Bet365. At the moment, it is impossible to figure out what is going to happen to the Red Sox. MLB still hasn’t dished out their punishment for stealing signs in 2018 as the case continues to linger. But this is what also makes the MVP bets for both Rafael Devers and Xander Bogaerts fascinating.
Regardless of what punishment Rob Manfred doles out, the Red Sox are going to approach this with an “us against the world” mentality that could actually benefit the team. And if they start winning games while playing with a chip on their shoulders, Devers and Bogaerts will most likely be the catalysts for it.
Why you shouldn’t make this bet?
Unless you are a Red Sox fan, all the Boston versus the world talk that would be generated during a Devers or Bogaerts MVP campaign sounds awful.
2) Javier Báez to win NL MVP – 25/1 (+2500)
In our recent video on longshot prop bets for the 2020 MLB season, we discuss this wager in-depth. It really all comes down to your belief in the Cubs this season. If you think they can be a playoff contender, then you probably want to bet on Javier Báez to win the NL MVP award. He already has a second place MVP finish to his credit, so we know he has the upside. And if you don’t believe in Chicago…
Why you shouldn’t make this bet?
You think the Cubs are a .500-ish team that won’t make the playoffs this year. It is hard to see Báez putting up numbers so great that he can overcome playing for a non-playoff team.
3) Fernando Tatis to win NL MVP – 31/1 (+3100)
Of the three MLB MVP bets on this list, Fernando Tatis is the most difficult to see happening. Basically, three things need to occur for this bet to payout. Firstly, Tatis has to stay healthy. Secondly, he has to keep up the blistering pace he was on last season. This is probably the most likely of three things to happen. Finally, the Padres actually need to be somewhat competitive in 2020.
Why you shouldn’t make this bet?
Tatis needs a lot of things to go right in order to mount a serious MVP season. If he manages to play 140+ games this season, he will likely post MVP-caliber numbers. However, will MVP voters care if he does so on a team that wins 70-80 games for the tenth time in a row?
