Mike Trout earned American League MVP honors for the second time in three years last season. Based on his overall production, it should be no surprise that he is the sports betting favorite to win the award once again in 2017. We took the time to break down the numbers and take a closer look at the top candidates in order to help you in the AL MVP futures market. Here is a look at the best bets for the 2017 AL MVP futures.
The Favorite: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angeles
Odds To Win AL MVP: +240
It will be difficult to bet against Trout based on his elite production over the years. Trout hit .315 with 29 home runs and 100 RBI last season. He was also outstanding defensively in center field for the Angels. Trout is set to turn 26 this summer, which puts him in the prime of his career.
His main challenge will be the team. The Angels aren’t expected to be very good, so if Trout’s numbers are very good, but not great, he’ll have a tougher time making a case. Remember, part of the MVP is how good would the team be without the player. If there’s a stud on a contender, that would trump Trout if the Angels are in third or fourth place.
The two-time AL MVP is the obvious favorite to repeat again this year for a reason. As long as he stays healthy, he should have a good shot at his third MVP award.
Next In Line: Mookie Betts, Boston Red Sox
Odds To Win AL MVP: +400
The Red Sox are expected to contend for a World Series as one of the best teams in the AL this season. Boston will not have David Ortiz in its lineup, but with so much talent sprinkled throughout the roster there are plenty of candidates to step up as the next MVP of their offense. Betts is the most likely candidate after his monster 2016 season. Betts hit .318 with 31 home runs, 122 runs and 113 RBI last season. He was also excellent in right field for the Red Sox. Still just 24-years-old, Betts will have the opportunity to take another step forward this season. There is no doubt about his overall potential. Betts might be the best bet to knock off Trout in the AL MVP race.
The Dark Horse: Edwin Encarnacion, Cleveland Indians
Odds To Win AL MVP: +3000
Cleveland signed Encarnacion away from Toronto with the hope that he could put them over the top this season. The Indians are a World Series contender and Encarnacion will be an integral part of their success. The veteran hitter mashed 42 home runs last season, which was the third-best total in the AL. Encarnacion’s batting average hasn’t been elite, but he has hit a combined 238 RBI over the last two seasons with the Blue Jays. Encarnacion could end up with the best numbers on the best team in the AL. Considering he is listed at +3000 odds to win AL MVP, it might be worth taking a chance on him as a dark horse sleeper pick.
Player To Avoid: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers
Odds To Win AL MVP: +1000
The two-time AL MVP award winner has hit .313 in each of his last eight seasons. He has hit 25 home runs or more in each season in which he had 148 or more plate appearances over that span. However, there are a number of factors working against Cabrera this season. First, he is playing for a Detroit team that might not make the playoffs. Second, Cabrera could be traded at some point this year if the Tigers decide to shift to a complete rebuild. Third, Cabrera will turn 34 in April and there is no guarantee he can hold up for a full season. Cabrera has already dealt with back tightness in spring training. While he has managed to stay healthy throughout his career it’s not worth banking on it happening again this season. Cabrera isn’t a terrible option to win AL MVP. However, with better options on the board it makes sense to avoid him in this year’s futures markets.
The 2017 MLB season is rapidly approaching, so if you’re looking at some early lines and World Series futures, click here to bet on MLB (or any other sports) at BetDSI!
