MLB Futures 2024

MLB Futures Odds Unpacked

If you want to place MLB futures bets, you’ll need to be an expert at reading odds and knowing what a good deal is. To help you out, let’s go through the three different ways you might see betting odds displayed at online sportsbooks.

MLB futures odds come in a few flavors, depending on where you’re betting from. In the US, you’ll mostly see American odds. These might show a positive number like +150, which means you’d win $150 on a $100 bet, or a negative like -200, where you need to bet $200 to win $100.

Decimal odds are super straightforward—your total return on a bet is right there in the number. For example, +200 in American odds translates to 3.00 in decimal, meaning you triple whatever you put down. Then there are fractional odds, often used in the UK, showing your profit as a fraction, like 3/1—you win $3 for every $1 bet.

How Far in Advance Should an MLB Futures Bet Be Made?

Deciding when to place MLB futures bets can vary and largely depends on your confidence and insight.

For instance, if you spot a team with enticing long odds on the World Series during spring training—perhaps due to strategic offseason acquisitions and rising stars—then it might be wise to place your bet early.

However, for individual awards like the MVP or Cy Young, it’s often safer to wait until mid-season. This lets the contenders emerge more clearly, giving you a better chance to assess the field.

How are MLB Futures Odds Calculated?

Sportsbooks craft MLB futures odds by analyzing a blend of team performance, player stats, and real-time developments. These odds adjust in response to game results, injuries, and key trades.

Additionally, the volume of money placed on certain outcomes influences how odds are set and shifted. As the season progresses and teams either fall behind or move ahead, the odds for the remaining contenders are updated, typically narrowing the field and potentially reducing the odds.

This dynamic adjustment keeps the betting landscape fresh and full of opportunities.

Understanding MLB Futures Odds

For a great example of the insane value that MLB futures odds provide, last year’s current odds to win the World Series tell an incredible story. Let’s take a quick look at the top five teams by 2023 World Series odds to start the season.

1. Houston Astros: +600
2. New York Yankees: +600
3. New York Mets: +600
4. Los Angeles Dodgers: +700
5. Atlanta Braves: +900

If you watched baseball at all last season, you’d notice that none of these teams even made the World Series, and two missed the playoffs entirely. Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks (+10000) and eventual champions Texas Rangers (+4500) weren’t even in the conversation.

This shows us two things. 1) there is inherent risk in placing futures bets early in the season and 2) there is also incredible value if you do your research.

What Kind of MLB Futures Odds are Available to Bet On?

The best part about baseball futures bets is that you have so many more choices than just MLB title odds. Markets like the Cy Young Award, Rookie of the Year, and the Home Run Derby champion each offer a unique challenge and specific research in order to win big.

Let’s take an in-depth look at some of the best most common MLB futures odds, and what it takes to succeed.

World Series Champion

Betting on the World Series Champion is thrilling yet tricky, largely because the MLB playoffs are more compact compared to other major leagues, and surprises are common. Over the last decade, Wild Card teams have clinched the title three times.

When picking a potential World Series winner, look for teams that boast a strong rotation of starting pitchers and key hitters capable of catching fire. A well-timed hot streak can turn the tides in the playoffs, making value bets on such teams potentially lucrative.

MVP

In Major League Baseball, the MVP award truly celebrates individual achievement, often going to standout players regardless of their team’s overall success. Unlike other sports, it’s not uncommon for players on lower-ranking teams to win.

The MVP typically favors hitters, especially those batting over .300, who either possess the power to hit 40+ home runs or exhibit top-tier defense at critical positions like shortstop or center field. Pitchers are less frequently considered, making this award a prime opportunity to bet on high-achieving batters.

Cy Young Award

The Cy Young Award, honoring the best pitcher in baseball annually, predominantly goes to starters in recent decades—no reliever has won it in over 20 years. While pitchers with the highest win totals once had the edge, the focus has shifted toward more sophisticated metrics like Fielding Independent Pitching (FiP).

This trend reflects a deeper appreciation for pitchers who excel beyond traditional stats, suggesting bettors should delve into advanced analytics to identify the most deserving candidates.

Rookie of the Year

The Rookie of the Year award is always an exciting race, open to standout newcomers from any position. To get ahead, start by tracking top prospects, especially those who shined in AAA and are poised for substantial roles in the majors.

Don’t overlook players who join the big leagues later in the season, either. History shows that late arrivals can make a significant impact, sweeping in to claim the title with stellar performances down the stretch

Manager of the Year

Manager of the Year isn’t just about leading the team with the best record; it often goes to skippers who surpass expectations. Look for teams that made smart off-season moves or underperformed last year but show signs of a strong turnaround.

Managers who guide these teams to unexpected heights, especially into playoff spots, are prime candidates for this award, as they reflect strategic brilliance and motivational prowess.

Home Run Derby Champion

Betting on the Home Run Derby is a blast and should be all about fun. When picking potential champions, don’t just look for players who hit a lot of homers—focus on those who hit them far. Analyze stats like average fly ball distance and home run trajectory. Players who consistently smack long balls are likely to excel in the derby’s slugfest atmosphere.

How To Make an MLB Futures Bet

Diving into MLB futures betting starts with a few straightforward steps but requires a keen eye for details.

First, choose a reputable sportsbook and create an account. Once signed up, deposit funds into your account using one of the available payment methods—most sportsbooks offer options like credit cards, e-wallets, or bank transfers.

Now, the real fun begins: researching your bet. Whether you’re eyeing MLB World Series odds or individual award winners, look at the latest stats, player performances, and expert analyses. Check historical trends and current season dynamics. Finally, when you feel confident about your pick, place your futures bet and get ready for a season-long ride.

Which Sportsbooks have the Best Futures Odds for MLB?

Baseball is America’s pastime after all, so you should have no trouble finding quality futures lines like MLB odds to win the World Series at all the top sportsbooks.

To help you choose, here are ten of our favorite sportsbooks for MLB futures bets in 2024.

FanDuel

FanDuel knocks it out of the park with excellent MLB futures odds and occasional odds boosts. This sportsbook offers a vast array of betting options, from intricate in-game parlays to a deep futures market. Their international coverage is particularly impressive, featuring odds on Japan’s NPB, Korea’s KBO, and Mexico’s LMB.

BetMGM

BetMGM combines the excitement of Vegas with savvy sportsbook finesse, making it a prime spot for MLB betting. They’re not just about the odds; their live streaming lets fans watch the games as they bet. Plus, their team-specific promos add an extra layer of thrill to your bets.

DraftKings

DraftKings is all about giving you more bang for your buck with fantastic MLB futures odds and regular boosts. Their free-to-play pools are a real crowd-pleaser, letting you test your skills and potentially win big—all in the spirit of good competition.

BetRivers

At BetRivers, the futures odds are as sharp as a slider on the corner of the plate. They go the extra mile with detailed live stats that give bettors the insights needed to make those clutch playoff bets. It’s like having a stat guru by your side every step of the way.

Caesars

Caesars offers a royal treatment when it comes to MLB futures, complemented by handy odds boosts and solid betting insurance. Their Bet & Get MLB parlays could turn any game day into a payday. Don’t forget about their loyalty program—great for snagging perks both online and off.

ESPN BET

ESPN BET has quickly become a powerhouse in online baseball betting, leveraging ESPN’s media clout to enhance the betting experience. They offer superb futures odds and nifty odds boosts, complemented by a slew of promotions like a versatile welcome bonus and extra perks for parlay lovers.

Betway

Betway excels in the futures game with their attractive odds and the occasional boost, making them a hit among MLB enthusiasts. Don’t miss out on their parlay club, which gifts a $10 free bet weekly when you drop at least $25 on baseball parlays—a real game-changer!

Bet365

At Bet365, the MLB futures market is vast and varied, offering unique prop bets not available elsewhere. They entice with occasional odds boosts and a customizable welcome bonus. If you fancy an early payout, Bet365 makes it possible if your team gains a significant early lead. Plus, they’re the reigning SBC sportsbook of the year.

Borgata

Borgata is not just any sportsbook; it’s where MLB futures shine with boosts ranging from 15% for a modest four-leg parlay up to 40% for the daring seven-leggers. It’s perfect for those looking to make every game and every bet count.

Betfred

Betfred steps up to the plate with great MLB futures odds and the occasional boost, making it a favorite for long-term bettors. Their “10th on Us” promotion offers a free bet after nine MLB wagers, adding value to your futures betting journey.

MLB-Specific Futures Tips

Now that you know about how futures bets work and some of the best sportsbooks in the game, it’s time to talk about the most fun part of betting, making your own picks. After all, there’s no better feeling than telling all your friends who’s going win the World Series ahead of time and being right.

Here are three MLB-specific futures tips to help you make smart picks.

Hold off on Individual Award Betting

Unfortunately, baseball is a sport that’s wrought with injuries, specifically for pitchers. At any moment, the dreaded Tommy John surgery could strike and leave a Cy Young contender out for the entire season, or a major MVP candidate could hurt their knee sliding into third.

Because of this, betting on individual awards is very risky early in the season, and we highly recommend holding off until at least a few months in so you can at least avoid some of the inevitable injuries.

A Couple of Strong Pitchers is All You Need

Playoff baseball is a fickle thing. For a sport that has such an insanely long regular season, five and seven-game postseason series often lead to some insane upsets.

And, the ultimate key to upsetting teams is starting pitching. A wild card squad really only needs two really good starters to take control of a series. Just ask the Arizona Diamondbacks, who rode strong starts from Zac Gallen and Merrill Kelly all the way to the World Series.

Don’t Fall for BABiP Luck

One thing that always seems to get beginner bettors is unlikely players who start the season on an absolute tear. But, we have a hint for you. A lot of the time these insane runs are just pure luck.

To find out if this is an aberration look at Batting Average on Balls in Play (BABiP for short). If a player’s BABiP has taken a massive jump from year to year in line with increased production that’s probably a sign they’re just getting a little lucky and you should expect regression.

The Final Word On MLB Futures Betting Odds

While MLB futures bets are exciting and potentially very profitable, they’re also challenging compared to baseball prop bets. Tons of playoff upsets and constant injuries can send teams with the best odds to win the World Series crashing down at a moment’s notice.

So, just make sure to do your research, don’t bet too early, and, most importantly, manage your money.