Home Run for Bettors: Bobby Witt Jr. Shakes Up AL MVP Odds
The race forMajor League Baseball’s MVP awards is a thrilling spectacle, a highlight of the year that captivates fans and bettors alike. It distinguishes itself as one of the most prestigious accolades across all professional athletics. In a marathon 162-game season, the criteria for earning the MVP title are rigorous, emphasizing consistent performance and a significant impact on the team’s success. Unlike other major North American sports leagues that present a single MVP award, MLB awards the honor to two exceptional athletes—one from the American League and one from the National League—every year.
In the previous season, the spotlight was ablaze with the brilliance of Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and Shohei Ohtani, then of the Angels. Acuña Jr. dominated the National League with a remarkable .337 batting average, 41 home runs, 106 RBIs, and 73 stolen bases, securing the NL MVP Award. Meanwhile, Ohtani sent shockwaves through the American League, clinching his second MVP title with a .304 average, 44 home runs, and 95 RBIs over 135 games. His off-season move to the Dodgers added another intriguing chapter to his already fascinating career trajectory.
As we examine the updated AL MVP MLB odds, we anticipate that these star players and other contenders will create more awe-inspiring moments in 2024. The stage is set for a season of thrilling performances and unexpected twists.
Bobby Witt’s MVP Odds Moving Fast
While betting on Soto might be the “smart” choice, I can’t help but be tempted by the stunning value brought by Royals’ star Bobby Witt Jr.
Bobby Witt Jr. odds to win AL MVP at #BetMGM
+2000: Open
+1000: Last week
+650: Now 🚀pic.twitter.com/FoLMFNchq0
— John Ewing (@johnewing) April 16, 2024
On Opening Day, Bobby Witt Jr. was tucked away at +1400 odds to snag the AL MVP, placing him in a modest seventh place. But as the season progressed, Witt Jr. has been on a meteoric rise, now sitting at a sleek +450, just behind Yankees’ powerhouse Juan Soto (+300).
Witt Jr. has been slinging stats that make number-crunchers swoon: batting a cool .298, slugging .564, and boasting an OPS of .910. He’s notched four homers, plated eight runs, scored 20 times, and stolen four bases while earning a 1.6 WAR.
2024 AL Position Player WAR Leaders
Bobby Witt Jr. (1.6)
Daulton Varsho (1.6)
Juan Soto (1.4)
Riley Greene (1.4)All Leaders: https://t.co/kNAGpFzAme pic.twitter.com/6dfIVFei2p
— Baseball Reference (@baseball_ref) April 22, 2024
And if that’s not enough, he’s also a maestro with the leather, ranking second among AL shortstops in Outs Above Average (3).
Looking at these stats makes me wish I had more faith in this kid last month when his betting line was +1000 or longer. While Witt might win the MVP, we’ll unlikely get that value out of him for the rest of the season.
SEEEEEE YAAAAAA!
Juan Soto hits 3-run BLAST 💥#YANKSonYES pic.twitter.com/xqV3LII2Ak
— YES Network (@YESNetwork) April 20, 2024
As for Soto, he’s still playing out of his mind, and the Yankees trade for him is paying off massively. Since his high-profile trade in December, Juan Soto has been the frontrunner for the MVP award. He’s truly distanced himself from the competition early this season, delivering an impressive start with a batting line of .322/.439/.522.
If I had to choose one to wager on, Soto would be the guy. But Witt is a tempting bet, along with Mike Trout (+650) and Aaron Judge (+1200).
