We’re just a couple weeks into the 2018 MLB season but we already have an early idea of who is going to be running in the Most Valuable Player race. In the American League, one of the biggest surprises so far has been the play of Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani, who has performed so well that he’s moved into the role of favorite to win the MVP award.
Ohtani, who opened the season as 100/1 longshot, is now a +150 favorite, according to the oddsmakers at BetDSI Sportsbook. This comes on the heels of an incredible start by Ohtani and the Angels, who have won seven of their first 10 games so far this season.
If you’re not familiar with the Japanese import, Ohtani is a very rare two-way star that pitches and is in the batting lineup as a regular. He’s excelled in both realms so far, going 2-0 with 2.08 ERA and 0.46 WHIP as a starter while also clubbing three home runs and batting .389 as a hitter. That puts him among the leaders in both categories.
While Ohtani has impressed, so have a few other American League stars that should give him a run for the MVP award. Didi Gregorius of the New York Yankees has been on fire to start the season. He has three home runs, 10 RBI’s and is batting .375. Jose Altuve – last year’s MVP – has carried over his strong play from last season, batting .368. Remember that Ohtani is mostly going to be a designated hitter this season so while he has the pitching element to boost his chances, he won’t offer the defense/fielding aspect, which could detract a little bit.
At any rate, no matter how good any of his competitors are, if Ohtani is hitting well, has won close to 15 games as starter and the Angels are in contention, he’ll be hard to beat out for the MVP award. Here’s a look at the updated betting odds to win the AL MVP:
Odds To Win 2018 American League MVP Award
Shohei Ohtani +150
Mike Trout +200
Jose Altuve +500
Didi Gregorius +1000
Carlos Correa +1500
Aaron Judge +1800
Francisco Lindor +1900
Giancarlo Stanton +2000
Josh Donaldson +2000
Mookie Betts +2000
Manny Machado +2000
J.D. Martinez +2500
Robinson Cano +3000
Jose Ramirez +3000
Gary Sanchez +3000
George Springer +4000
Field (Any Other Player) +250
