Three MLB Futures Worth Betting Before the Odds Disappear

Some prefer to bet on MLB futures over games, where one wager can keep them invested in the outcome of games for most, if not all, of the season.

Of course, if I make a bad call and the player/team struggles and falls out of contention early, the opposite is true.

But pick right and bet early in the season (like now) and you can lock in a nice price for a contender that will result in a solid payday. I’m not talking about betting on something like the Braves to win the NL East (currently -380 at FanDuel).

No, I’m talking about markets with at least +100 odds, because I want to at least double my money. So, with that in mind, here are the three MLB futures bets I am locking in right now.

National League Winner

Los Angeles Dodgers at +100 (FanDuel)

No one in the NL can hold a candle to these guys.

Despite a 13-game stretch in late April/early May that saw them lose nine games, they lead their division and have the second-best record in the NL. LA’s pitching staff has the second-best ERA in the NL, best WHIP, second-lowest OBA, and has given up the fourth-fewest home runs. They are just as dominant on offense (best OPS, second-best BA, second-most home runs, etc.)

With how the season is shaping up, this may be the last chance you’ll have to get them at plus money odds. So, if you are thinking about betting on the Dodgers, the time is now.

AL MVP Winner

Ben Rice at +1900

Last year, Aaron Judge was the clear and obvious choice for the AL. He wasn’t just a one-trick pony; he hit for power (53 home runs, .688 slugging) but also got on base (.331 BA, .457 OBP). His OPS was by far the best in the AL (1.145).

But this season, at least so far, he’s looking more like a home run and less like the total package. By that metric, Ben Rice is just as valuable, if not more so, than Judge. Both are tied for second in the AL in home runs with 16, but Rice leads the AL in slugging percentage and OPS.

It may not last, or Judge could come alive, but if it does, you’ll be happy you locked him in at +1900.

AL Manager of the Year

Will Venable +460 (FanDuel)

It’s easy to make a case for Rays manager Kevin Cash just because his team is leading the AL East and beating the Yankees. But, I think, when push comes to shove, voters will recognize Venable over him (assuming both seasons play out on their current trajectory).

Cash will have a solid case, but I’d argue that taking a perennial doormat like the White Sox and leading them to even a wild card spot in his second year as manager is a greater accomplishment.

Of course, at 25-24, the season could easily go south for the White Sox. But if you believe this team is for real and ready to be competitive, lock in Venable at +460 before those odds get shorter.