2017 MLB season prop picks are always fun to consider. Eliminating some of the options with research, educated guessing and general baseball betting smarts is a whole lot of fun. So here are the value and favorite bets that we see for each league.
2017 MLB Season Prop Picks and Possible League MVPs
American League MVP
Mike Trout is the current favorite at +125, but the Angels are not expected to contend this year. That’s a fact that shouldn’t go unnoticed. Voters like to see competitiveness from the winner’s team. A former MVP, Josh Donaldson is next at +650, along with Manny Machado. Between those two, I like Machado if he can stay healthy, since the Orioles don’t have as much firepower as the Jays and Machado will stand out. Plus, he’s the far superior defensive player as well.
As for a longshot to consider? If the Rays are anywhere close to .500 and competitive then Evan Longoria (+6600) is worth the MLB odds. I mean, I know that Gary Sanchez had a great half year as a rookie, but how is he +2500 and Longoria only +6600?
Stay away from both Jose Altuve (+1200) and Carlos Correa (+1000). They’ll cancel out each other the same way that David Ortiz and Mookie Betts did last year.
National League MVP
No surprise, Kris Bryant is the favorite right now at +225. But he isn’t the leader by much. Bryce Harper, who homered on opening day, is +300. Both are solid picks. Since the Cubs are more stacked, I’d tend to favor Harper, particularly if the power is back and the runs scored are high.
As for longshots, look no further than Giancarlo Stanton. At only +4000 he is not getting enough respect from oddsmakers. The Marlins won’t be terrible. If Stanton lights it up and stays healthy he could be in the MVP race. One guy to stay away from? Nolan Arenado at +1000. The Rockies aren’t winning anything this year.
One interesting NL MVP way to go would be to consider the ANY PITCHER option of +1200. We’re talking about a league that has Clayton Kershaw, folks. Never rule him out.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.
