MLB futures ignite the betting euphoria during spring training.
DraftKings Sportsbook West Virginia, catering to online bettors in the Mountain State, has recently unveiled its over-under win totals for all major league teams, along with the betting odds for various player props.
April 1 marks the commencement of the season.
MLB win totals at WV sportsbooks
The highest over-under total at DraftKings is for the Los Angeles Dodgers, the defending World Series champions, at 102.5.
These are the other leading teams:
- New York Yankees 95.5
- San Diego Padres 94.5
- Atlanta Braves 91.5
- Chicago White Sox 91.5
- New York Mets 90.5
Teams of regional interest:
- Cleveland Indians 81.5
- The Cincinnati Reds are projected to have 82.5 wins, or 81.5 wins according to William Hill.
- Washington Nationals 84.5
- Baltimore Orioles 64.5
If you’re looking to bet on the over, the Orioles offer a good value at 63.5 odds on William Hill WV.
The benefits of betting win totals
Placing a bet on a team’s anticipated number of wins grants gamblers a vested interest every evening, despite the fact that the outcome of the bet will not be determined for several months.
Season-long wagers possess a hidden advantage as they provide a framework to evaluate a team’s daily performance in comparison to initial expectations.
A team that exceeds or falls short of its season-long expectations is inevitably destined to experience periods of correction. When a team is outperforming their capabilities, they will eventually encounter a slump. Conversely, an underperforming team will eventually find their stride and start performing exceptionally well.
Once you identify the pattern, you can make a bet based on it.
Popular MLB teams with WV bettors
Cleveland Indians: 81.5 victories
At first glance, the number might appear to be on the lower side since Cleveland had a record of 35-25 in the previous season, which would translate to approximately 95 wins over a complete season.
However, the off-season resulted in the emergence of two significant gaps.
The New York Mets acquired Shortstop Francisco Lindor and ace starting pitcher Carlos Carrasco.
There is still one significant positive aspect.
Following an exceptional Cy Young award-winning season, Shane Bieber showcased immense talent on the field. He achieved an impressive 8-1 record, accompanied by a remarkable 0.87 earned run average, a 1.63 WHIP, and an outstanding 122 strikeouts.
In a 60-game season, the total tally of strikeouts would have exceeded 300.
After his impressive 2019 season, where he achieved a record of 15 wins and 8 losses along with an astounding 259 strikeouts, it continued to showcase his excellence.
Last season, Jose Ramirez of the Indians showcased his prowess by delivering an impressive 17 home runs and driving in 46 runs.
Cincinnati Reds: 82.5 victories
Hey shoppers, listen up! The Reds have an over-under of 82.5 at DraftKings and 81.5 at William Hill. You have the opportunity to choose either side with just a one-game difference.
Last year, the Reds had an impressive season with a 31-29 record, successfully clinching a spot in the postseason. However, their projected win total for this year poses a significant challenge due to the departure of a key member.
Trevor Bauer, who has joined the Dodgers, led them.
Sonny Gray and Luis Castillo will attempt to elevate their performance.
Last year, the Reds did not have any players with a batting average above .300, with only one player surpassing .250.
The team requires assistance in both the leadoff position and in terms of speed.
Washington Nationals: Time to reset
The Nationals, facing injuries and potentially still recovering from their World Series run in 2019, are anticipated to have a successful comeback season. After winning just 26 games in the abbreviated 60-game season of 2020, Washington is predicted to achieve a total of 84.5 wins.
Baltimore Orioles: Return of the over achievers
Last season, the Birds dominated in the over, finishing with a record of 25-35. If they were to maintain this level of success throughout a full season, it would result in an impressive 68 victories.
The Pittsburgh Pirates’ bettors are observing the lowest total on the board, which is set at 58.5 wins. The initial betting activity is showing a preference for the under.
Betting a high total
With a challenging goal of achieving 102.5 wins, the Dodgers face a formidable task. However, the defending World Series champions have strengthened their already impressive lineup by acquiring Bauer, an exceptional pitcher who ranks among the league’s finest.
Timing is crucial when contemplating how to place our bets.
According to Johnny Avello, the head of race and sportsbook operations at DraftKings, numerous experienced bettors tend to favor betting against teams with high win expectations.
Now would be a recommended time for individuals interested in betting on the under, as there is a possibility that significant funds could cause the number to decrease.
Those considering betting on the over would patiently wait, anticipating a decrease in the number of wins, and then place their bets.
Minimum games played consideration
In order for a bet to be considered active, William Hill has set a minimum requirement of 150 games that a team must reach.
To account for any potential COVID-19 cancellations, the book and bettors are assured that the wager will still be valid. The requirement has been intentionally set about 10 games lower than usual, demonstrating the book’s flexibility in accommodating unforeseen circumstances.
According to Avello, DraftKings has strategically set its number at 160, taking into account practical considerations.
The bet remains valid if a reduced number of games won does not impact the result.
For example:
The number of wins for Cleveland is 81.5, and the total number of games played is 155.
If Cleveland had already secured 82 wins, the over bet will be deemed successful.
If Cleveland were to achieve 70 wins, even if they managed to win all seven remaining games, their total would not surpass 81.5. Therefore, it can be concluded that they would fall under the projected number of wins.
If Cleveland were to win 75 games, achieving a clean sweep of the remaining matches would result in a total of 82 wins. As the outcome of this bet can still be determined in either direction through mathematical calculations, it will be refunded.
Bieber prominent in player props
Bieber holds a prominent role in two important endeavors.
The Yankees’ Gerrit Cole is listed at odds of +325 to secure the American League Cy Young award, closely followed by Bieber with odds of +400.
The strikeouts competition holds significant worth as it involves participation from both leagues. Presented below are the top contenders:
- Cole +450
- Jacob deGrom +500
- Bieber +600
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