MLB MVP Odds

Picking the MLB MVP  

The MVP market is an attractive futures bet option for baseball bettors. You can wager on whom you think will be awarded MVP in the National League and American League, offering two betting options. 

Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels has won the AL MVP three times since 2014, while Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies has won the NL MVP twice in the same period. However, his 2015 win came when he represented the Washington Nationals. 

While some MLB MVPs have short odds at the start of the season - Mike Trout (+160) in 2016 and (+125) in 2019, for instance, this isn’t always the case.

 Christian Yelich of the Milwaukee Brewers started at (+15,000) when he won the NL MVP in 2018, while Freddie Freeman was (+2,500) when he won the 2020 MVP while at the Atlanta Braves. Therefore, picking the MVP at the start of the season for each division can be incredibly lucrative, and it’s undoubtedly a worthwhile bet to consider. 

How to Bet on the MLB MVP

The first thing to know about the MLB MVP is that the odds change throughout the season based on a player’s performance on the field. As such, both injuries and form can play a big part in the lengthening and shortening of a player’s MVP odds, so it’s essential to bear this in mind. 

As Yelich’s win in 2018 proved, it’s not always the highest-profile player in the league that scoops the prize. If you place an MVP bet at the start of the season, it’s helpful to use the previous season’s statistics as a guide.

 However, if you want to wait until the action gets underway, be sure to track a player’s performance throughout the season and try and back him when his odds are favorable. 

How is the MVP Award Decided? 

Every season, the Baseball Writers' Association of America decides the MVP of both divisions within the MLB. Within the group are writers for daily newspapers, magazines, and qualifying websites.

Every MLB city has two writers put forward by their local chapter, who can then offer their selection. Writers are only permitted to vote for an MVP in the league in which their city’s team plays - a writer from Seattle could only vote on the American League MVP, for instance. 

Recap: MLB MVP Odds

Choosing the MVP in the AL and NL is a great way to add futures wagers to your MLB betting slip. This offers decent variety and means that you don’t always have to focus on the current game week when making your selections. Be sure to check out our complete guide to betting on MLB so you can select the best markets as you back your favorite MLB players and teams throughout the season.