A Guide to Baseball Betting Futures: Win Totals, MVP, Playoffs & More
Baseball is one of the most exciting sports to bet on, especially when it comes to futures betting. Unlike daily game bets, futures wagers focus on long-term outcomes—like a team’s total wins, whether they’ll make the playoffs, or who will win the MVP award. These bets allow you to capitalize on early season predictions, potential value plays, and even hedge your bets as the season unfolds.
If you’re looking to dive into baseball betting futures, this guide will break down the different markets and how they work.
1. Betting on MLB Win Totals
One of the most popular baseball futures markets is season win totals. Sportsbooks set a projected number of wins for each team before the season begins, and bettors can wager on whether the team will go over or under that number.
Example of a Win Total Bet:
- New York Yankees – Over/Under 92.5 Wins
- Over 92.5 Wins (-110) → Yankees must win 93 or more games to cash your bet.
- Under 92.5 Wins (-110) → Yankees must win 92 or fewer games for you to win.
Factors to Consider for Win Totals:
- Injuries: A key player missing time can impact a team’s success.
- Offseason Moves: Did the team add an ace pitcher or lose a superstar hitter?
- Schedule Strength: A team in a tough division might struggle more than expected.
Win total bets are season-long wagers, meaning you won’t cash in until the end of the 162-game season.
2. Betting on Teams to Make the Playoffs
Instead of betting on a specific win total, you can wager on whether a team will or won’t make the playoffs.
Example of a Playoff Bet:
- Los Angeles Dodgers to Make the Playoffs (-300) → You win if they reach the postseason.
- Boston Red Sox to Miss the Playoffs (+200) → You win if they fail to qualify.
This type of bet is simpler than win totals because it only depends on whether the team clinches a playoff berth, not how many games they win.
Best Time to Bet on Playoff Futures:
- Before the Season: If you think a team is undervalued, betting early can provide the best odds.
- Midseason: If a team is on the rise but still a longshot, you might find great value.
3. Betting on the World Series, Pennant, and Division Winners
World Series Winner
The most well-known futures bet is picking the World Series champion before or during the season.
Example of World Series Odds:
- Atlanta Braves +500 (5-to-1 odds)
- Houston Astros +750 (7.5-to-1 odds)
- San Diego Padres +1600 (16-to-1 odds)
If you bet $100 on the Braves at +500, you’d win $500 if they win the World Series.
Pennant and Division Winners
- Pennant Bets → Wager on a team to win the AL or NL Championship and reach the World Series.
- Division Winner Bets → Bet on a team to finish first in their division.
These bets offer better odds than betting on single games but require patience since you won’t get paid out until the end of the season.
4. MLB Player Futures: MVP, Cy Young & Rookie of the Year
MVP Betting (Most Valuable Player)
Betting on the MVP award means picking the best overall player in each league (AL & NL MVP).
Example of MVP Odds:
- Shohei Ohtani (+200) – Heavy favorite
- Aaron Judge (+700) – Contender
- Julio Rodríguez (+1200) – Longshot
Cy Young Betting (Best Pitcher in AL/NL)
This bet is for the best pitcher in each league. Keep an eye on:
- ERA (Earned Run Average)
- Strikeouts
- Team Performance
Rookie of the Year Betting
If you believe in up-and-coming stars, betting on Rookie of the Year can be rewarding.
- Top prospects with a clear path to playing time have better chances.
5. Other Baseball Futures Markets
Aside from the main bets, sportsbooks offer other fun futures markets, such as:
Most Home Runs Leader
- Betting on which player will hit the most home runs in the season.
Most Wins by a Pitcher
- A bet on which pitcher will lead MLB in total wins.
Exact World Series Matchup
- Predicting the two teams that will meet in the World Series.
Final Thoughts on Baseball Betting Futures
Betting on MLB futures is a great way to stay engaged with the season and take advantage of early betting value. Whether you’re picking a World Series winner, betting on MVP candidates, or wagering on win totals, there are plenty of ways to get involved.
Tips for Betting Baseball Futures:
✅ Look for Value: Underdogs can offer big paydays.
✅ Shop for the Best Odds: Different sportsbooks may offer better lines.
✅ Consider Injury Risks: One key injury can ruin a bet.
✅ Be Patient: Futures bets take months to pay out, so don’t tie up too much of your bankroll.
With so many ways to bet on America’s pastime, baseball futures offer exciting action all season long. ⚾🔥