The 2017 MLB season begins on Sunday night. Those that have done their homework for this year’s fantasy baseball leagues might also want to try out betting on some MLB futures bets.
Taking a look at the National League race, obviously a couple of key members from the Chicago Cubs are going to be at the top of the odds. However, many people feel there’s great value in Bryce Harper. Is he ready to rebound?
We took the time to get you primed for the best bets when it comes to the National League MVP outlook this season. Here is a look at the best bets for the 2017 NL MVP futures.
The Favorite: Kris Bryant, Chicago Cubs
Odds To Win NL MVP: +250
The defending NL MVP is the sports betting favorite to win the award again in 2017 and for good reason. Bryant hit .292 with 39 home runs and 102 RBI while leading the Cubs to 103 wins last season. He led the NL in WAR with a 7.7 mark and his .939 OPS was the fourth-best in the NL. When you include the fact that Bryant is excellent as a corner infielder for the best team in baseball it seems obvious that he should be a favorite. Bryant is the best bet on the board to repeat as the NL MVP, but he could have some tough competition.
Next In Line: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies
Odds To Win NL MVP: +400
The most likely MVP competition could come from the Rockies All-Star third basemen Arenado. The 25-year-old led the NL with 41 home runs and 133 RBI last season while hitting .294 with 116 runs scored. Arenado has hit at least 40 home runs and 130 RBI in consecutive seasons. While he has benefited from the thin air at Coors Field in home games, Arenado had hit a combined 38 home runs and 104 RBI on the road over the last two seasons.
The challenge is the team. Could you really see Arenado winning the MVP with numbers like he posted last season if the Rockies aren’t battling for a playoff spot? Think about it: Rizzo/Bryant and the Cubs should be in contention, maybe even Bryce Harper (below) and the Washington Nationals. If the Rockies are in third or fourth place in the National League West, will anyone care about Arenado for MVP?
On the whole, Colorado is set to take another step forward as a playoff contender this season. If everything does go right and they make that push, Arenado could be the best bet to knock off Bryant as NL MVP.
The Dark Horse: Anthony Rizzo, Chicago Cubs
Odds To Win NL MVP: +1200
Considering the love his MVP teammate is getting, it’s hard to overlook Rizzo as a dark horse value pick for the award. Rizzo hit .292 with 32 home runs last season. He hit seven more RBI than Bryant to finish with 109 and still scored 94 runs. Rizzo is healthy heading in to the 2017 season and in terms of elite hitters he has one of the best floors in the game. He is one of three batters that has made contact with at least 75% of his swings and has hit at least 30 home runs in each of the past three seasons, joining Edwin Encarnacion and David Ortiz. Rizzo has the potential to put up big numbers again this season and at +1200 odds to win the NL MVP, he is an excellent sleeper pick.
Player To Avoid: Bryce Harper, Washington Nationals
Odds To Win NL MVP: +350
While Harper continues to be lauded for his immense potential, the reality is that it’s not worth taking the chance on him in the NL MVP futures market. Harper hit a disappointing .243 with just 24 home runs and 86 RBI last season. While injuries were a part of the problem last year, there is no guarantee he bounces back with similar numbers to the ones he put up in 2015.
Harper is still just 24 years old, so there is definitely room for improvement as he continues towards the prime of his career. However, with Bryant, Arenado and Rizzo on the board as better options, it makes sense to avoid Harper in the NL MVP futures market.
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!
