After extensive negotiations, the owners and players have reached a new agreement on their collective bargaining agreement, paving the way for the long-awaited 2022 MLB season.
Despite the delayed start, the upcoming year promises a complete season of 162 games, which will surely delight numerous baseball enthusiasts. Furthermore, the removal of certain rules implemented during the pandemic-shortened season adds to the excitement for fans.
Starting from now, extra innings will no longer commence with a player positioned on second base. Additionally, double-headers will revert back to the traditional nine innings duration, instead of the shortened seven innings.
A few weeks back, West Virginia sportsbooks unveiled odds for the upcoming MLB season. However, due to the uncertainty surrounding the season length, they decided not to include any individual props.
The Mountain State’s betting platforms are now offering a diverse selection of MLB futures, featuring both your preferred teams and players, now that everything has been settled.
MLB odds at WV sportsbooks
The MLB odds are currently unpredictable, primarily because of free agency. The delay in the offseason negotiations has resulted in several prominent free agents still finalizing their new contracts.
Placing a futures bet on MLB is currently fascinating due to the potential for numerous developments. Notably, players such as Carlos Correa and Trevor Story are yet to secure contracts.
Taking advantage of the current odds available can be achieved by accurately predicting the destinations of these prominent figures.
At DraftKings, you can engage in a market where you wager on the team that will secure the best record. Although it shares similarities with the World Series odds, there are notable differences between the two.
LA Dodgers or NY Yankees?
The rival Los Angeles Dodgers have successfully acquired former Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, one of the most significant free agents.
Los Angeles, known for having an impressive MLB lineup, has now made a significant upgrade by acquiring one of the top players in the sport. The only downside to the highly regarded Freeman is his age, as he celebrated his 32nd birthday in September.
With a value of $162 million, his recently signed Dodgers contract spans six years. He will be joining the formidable roster of Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, and Cody Bellinger, constituting the most formidable team in baseball.
The Dodgers were already regarded as the frontrunners to clinch the 2022 World Series, even prior to their relocation. DraftKings WV Sportsbook currently places them at +500 odds to emerge victorious, establishing a significant margin between them and the second-ranked team.
The New York Yankees are displayed on the online sportsbook with odds of +900.
The Dodgers hold the top spot, while the Toronto Blue Jays follow closely at second place with +600 odds.
In the past month, they have been quite occupied, making significant additions to their team that had already achieved 91 victories last year. Toronto welcomed pitcher Yusei Kikuchi and acquired third baseman Matt Chapman from Oakland through a trade.
The order may not perfectly match the Dodgers, but it is undeniably impressive, featuring standout players such as Vlad Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and George Springer.
Betting on MLB futures markets
Every team has numerous additional futures options available. Bettors have the opportunity to place bets on the winner of each league and division, as well as the regular-season win total for each franchise.
A significant number of individuals in the Mountain State take pleasure in the sports scene of Pittsburgh, particularly the Pirates during the spring season. Although they are not anticipated to achieve remarkable success this year, you can certainly wager on their specific team statistics.
DraftKings has set the Pirates’ win total at 65.5, with odds of -110 for both the over and under. These betting markets are worth considering for a team like Pittsburgh. The odds of the Pirates making the postseason are +1500, whereas the odds of them missing the playoffs are -5000.
The online sportsbook presents several captivating opportunities related to win streaks. Bettors have the option to place a wager on the team that will achieve the longest win streak of the season, where the Pirates are listed at +15000, indicating their position towards the bottom.
Additionally, each team also has their own respective ones.
According to DraftKings, the Pirates’ potential winning streak has been set at 5.5 games. The odds favor a streak of under 5.5 games with a -165, while the odds for a streak over 5.5 games are +135.
The all-time longest successful streak in Pittsburgh came to an end in 1937 and 1938, after 17 consecutive victories. This achievement places Pittsburgh in a tie for the 14th spot in terms of regular season streaks.
MLB odds: player futures and prop bets
Betting on player futures and props offers an excellent opportunity to wager on baseball. Just like the team options, there are predetermined odds for specific players, along with markets that predict the leaders in various statistical categories.
The ever-popular MVP
The Most Valuable Player (MVP) category holds significant popularity, and making the right player selection prior to the commencement of the year can lead to a substantial reward. Even the top contenders in each league boast odds close to +300.
Juan Soto of the Nationals is indisputably leading the pack in the NL with a considerable margin. He boasts an impressive +280 odds to win the MVP title, while Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Braves follows closely behind at +700.
Mookie Betts from the Dodgers and last year’s champion, Bryce Harper from Philadelphia, are the only two individuals with odds of +900, while others fall outside of +1000.
In the AL, three players stand out from the rest. Shohei Ohtani, last season’s MVP representing the Angels, leads the pack with odds of +350. Close on his heels are his teammate Mike Trout and Gurrero Jr. with odds of +400.
Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Award props
Pittsburgh fans have a chance to potentially make some extra cash through the Rookie of the Year category, as their shortstop Oneil Cruz is currently the frontrunner to win the NL award with odds set at +300.
In 2021, the Dominican player, who stands tall at 6’7″ and weighs 210 lbs, made the most of his nine at-bats. He accomplished an impressive feat by securing three hits, resulting in three RBI. Additionally, he managed to cross home plate twice during those hits.
The combination of Cruz at shortstop and his fellow young teammate Ke’Bryan Hayes at third base is undeniably one of the most exhilarating infield duos in the major leagues.
The Cy Young Award also garners a considerable amount of attention.
In the American League, the top three contenders are Gerrit Cole of New York (+425), Shane Bieber of Cleveland (+700), and Robbie Ray of Seattle (+900).
According to DraftKings, Jacob deGrom of the Mets is listed as the clear frontrunner in the NL with odds of +380. The other pitchers trailing him are as follows:
- Max Scherzer +800
- Corbin Burnes +800
- Walker Buehler +850
- Zack Wheeler +1000
- Brandon Woodruff +1000
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