The second half of the Major League Baseball season is on the way. The updated odds for the Most Valuable Player award have been released, and it’s time to take a look at some of the candidates. While it’s been a great season so far, we expect the second half to be even better. Here are some of the best players from the first half of the season and their current odds to win the award:
Ronald Acuna -350
The Atlanta Braves slugger has been outstanding. He is second in the National League with a .331 batting average, along with 21 bombs. The Braves offense is one of, if not the best in all of Major League Baseball. Acuna Jr. gets plenty of help from Matt Olson and Austin Riley in the middle of the lineup. Acuna is going to be hard to beat when it comes to taking down for this award. Acuna is getting -350 odds as of the start of the second half of the season.
Mookie Betts +620
The veteran is having a sensational season for the Dodgers. Betts is second behind Matt Olson in the National League with 26 homeruns, and also among the leaders with 62 runs batted in. Betts participated in the Home Run Derby last week, but was unable to get out of the first round. Betts continues to be a steady hand in the Dodgers lineup, and on the defensive side, he has been able to play all over the field. Betts comes into the second half of the season at +620.
Freddie Freeman +1075
Freeman continues to have a Hall of Fame-type career. The slugging first baseman is with the Dodgers, alongside Betts. Dave Roberts and his squad continue to get better, and will be one of the teams to beat when October arrives. Freeman sits with a .320 batting average, while crushing 17 bombs and driving in 61 runs. Freeman comes into the second half with some interesting odds, as you can get him at +1075. If you think the Dodgers make a big-time run at the Braves for the best record, this is a bet to consider!
Corbin Carroll +2700
Not only was Carroll on the All-Star team, he was a rookie, going back home for the All-Star game. Carroll has been great for the Diamondbacks, who are right in the middle of the race with the Dodgers. Carroll is hitting .289 for Arizona, with 18 home runs, and an additional 48 runs batted in. Carroll plays an above-level defense for the Diamondbacks as well, and has been a consistent bat in the lineup. Carroll is listed at +2700.
Luis Arraez +3500
After winning the American League batting title a season ago, Arraez is trying to get it done in the National League as well. Arraez has 126 hits in 329 at bats, with just 22 extra-base hits. While he does not have a ton of power, the man can hit. Arraez is part of the season the Marlins are in the spot they are; which is at the top of the National League wildcard standings. Arraez is +3500 in the latest odds.
Juan Soto +4000
If the Padres are going to make a second-half run; Soto is going to have to be the guy to guide the Padres. Soto has just 15 homeruns and 47 runs batted in, but he continues to be an on-base monster. The Padres need to get going, and do it fast, and Soto needs to be the guy to lead them there.
Others in Consideration:
- Matt Olson +4500
- Paul Goldschmidt +5000
- Fernando Tatis Jr +6400
- Pete Alonso +7500
- Sean Murphy +8000
- Elly De La Cruz +8000
No matter what direction you go when betting on the National League Most Valuable Player – best of luck whatever you choose to do. This should be a fun race, and one worth monitoring as the season goes along.
