MLB Futures: 3 Best Bets for AL MVP Award

The 2024 MLB season is at the halfway point, which means now is as good a time as ever to analyze the latest MVP odds. The American League’s MVP race has a clear frontrunner, but there are several names worth considering as a challenger for this coveted award.

We’ve gathered the latest AL MVP betting odds from the industry’s top online sportsbooks. Head to each site today to place a futures bet on the next star to capture the American League’s most decorated prize.

AL MVP Odds (as of 6/28/2024)

Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge is the runaway MVP favorite three months into the season. Every sportsbook has Judge at -200 or better, and the profit margin will continue decreasing if the slugger continues his torrid pace this summer. The 32-year-old won the 2022 AL MVP after slugging a league-record 62 home runs.

The rest of the consensus top five includes Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson, Yankees outfielder Juan Soto, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez. After that, there’s a step drop before the next group of MVP contenders.

Top 3 Bets for AL MVP

Betting on the AL MVP or any futures market requires patience and a bit of luck. However, making the right pick is a surefire way to build your bankroll.

Here are the top three players I’d consider betting on to win the 2024 American League MVP award:

Aaron Judge -200

While it’d be nice if Judge had more profitable odds, this might be the most value he’ll have for the rest of the season. The power-hitting centerfielder leads the league in many offensive categories, including home runs (30), RBI (77), OPS (1.131) and offensive WAR (5.7). In addition, Judge’s exceptional play at the plate has led New York to a 52-31 record and a share of the AL East lead.

Voters might hesitate to cast a ballot for Judge when his teammate, Juan Soto, also boasts a strong MVP argument. But as long as the homers keep flying and the Yankees keep winning, Judge will be the deserving favorite to claim his second MVP award in three seasons.

Gunnar Henderson +400

The only player currently within striking distance of Judge is Henderson. Baltimore’s 23-year-old phenom is one of MLB’s best young players, blasting 26 home runs (2nd in AL) and registering a 1.002 OPS. But Henderson also leads the league with a 6.0 WAR and 72 runs scored for an Orioles team that is 51-30 and tied with the Yankees for first place in the division.

Henderson trails Judge by four home runs with plenty of games left. But even if he doesn’t catch Judge, Henderson could end the season as the league leader in WAR and a second straight AL East title. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Gunnar receive more MVP love as the season progresses.

Bobby Witt Jr. +1100

There’s a darkhorse in the 2024 American League MVP race, and his name is Bobby Witt Jr. This five-tool star is second among qualified AL hitters in batting average (.310), first in hits (103) and second in stolen bases (21). He also leads the Royals in nearly every major offensive category, arguably making him more valuable to his team than Judge and Henderson.

Kansas City is 45-38, clinging to the final Wild Card spot. Even if they miss the postseason, the team has already exceeded expectations after losing 106 games in 2023. Witt is the main reason for the turnaround and a sneaky pick to claim his first MVP award.

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