2023 MLB futures: Best bets to win NL MVP
Last week, we took a closer look at the AL MVP market, highlighting some players who stood out as values.
We're going to do the same this time around, instead focusing on the National League. Let's get right to it.
Note: Only listed players 50:1 or shorter
PLAYER | ODDS |
---|---|
Juan Soto | +550 |
Mookie Betts | +800 |
Fernando Tatis Jr. | +1000 |
Pete Alonso | +1200 |
Paul Goldschmidt | +1200 |
Ronald Acuna Jr. | +1200 |
Trea Turner | +1200 |
Freddie Freeman | +1400 |
Austin Riley | +1500 |
Manny Machado | +1500 |
Nolan Arenado | +1500 |
Francisco Lindor | +1800 |
Matt Olson | +2000 |
Kyle Schwarber | +2500 |
Bryce Harper | +3000 |
Xander Bogaerts | +3000 |
Dansby Swanson | +4000 |
Michael Harris II | +4000 |
Jazz Chisholm Jr. | +5000 |
Ronald Acuna Jr. (+1200)
Those of you who read my World Series best bets know I'm sky-high on the Atlanta Braves this year. I think it's possible - perhaps even likely - they lead the majors in many of the league's offensive categories. Assuming that's the case, Acuna will be at the forefront of it all.
He was very effective for the Braves a season ago, piling up 124 hits and 29 stolen bases in 119 games while being treated with baby gloves following ACL surgery.
We didn't see Acuna's lethal power, but, after posting ISOs of .313 or higher the previous two years, I'll give him the benefit of the doubt in trying to get up to speed after a major injury.
Acuna is one of the league's most dangerous players with the bat in his hands, and he can also kill you on the base paths. Hitting at the top of the lineup for a lethal Braves offense, I think Acuna will put up monster numbers and show that his injury is well behind him.
Trea Turner (+1200)
Turner provided a very fresh reminder at the World Baseball Classic that he's one of the sport's elite hitters. I expect he'll pick up where he left off in his debut season with the Philadelphia Phillies.
While there are some strong pitching staffs in the division to worry about, Turner is capable of getting on base against anybody. It's also worth noting he'll be playing in a more hitter-friendly ballpark this year, which should result in a bit of a power spike.
Although the Phillies aren't as deep offensively as the Dodgers, Turner will have a couple of top-tier batters supporting him in Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper. If Turner gets on base as consistently as he's shown year after year, those two will bring him home.
If all goes well, Turner could flirt with a 30/30 season while producing a ton of runs for a playoff-caliber team.
Pete Alonso (+1200)
The pitching injuries are starting to pile up for the New York Mets. Thankfully, Mr. Reliable is still healthy.
Pete Alonso possesses as much raw power as anybody in the sport. Even playing in more of a pitcher-friendly park, he has the ability and consistency to lead the majors in homers.
Alonso is hitting in the heart of the order for a very good Mets team, which should lead to another massive year in terms of run production.
There's a good chance Alonso hits 40-plus homers and is in the top five, if not top three, in RBIs. Those kinds of numbers - and around 95 wins - could lead to a lot of attention from voters.
Todd Cordell is a sports betting writer at theScore. Be sure to follow him on Twitter @ToddCordell.
HEADLINES
- Wheeler strikes out 12 to lead Phillies past Braves
- Freeman extends hitting streak to 16 games as Dodgers beat Rays
- Boone 'not going to change' after MLB-leading 4th ejection, suspension
- MLB Roundtable: Rivalries, buyer's remorse, is the sticky stuff ban enough?
- Castro hits 2 of Twins' 4 HRs in win over Blue Jays