Way Too Early MLB MVP Race
We’ve seen only a few games this season, and without a doubt, a lot can and will change. With that said, it is never too early to look for value plays to grab tickets on. Worst case scenario, they are losers. Best case scenario, you end up with plus money on someone that ends the season as the favorite. Some of you can even hedge your bet by selling it on a site like Prop Swap.
In the American League, I have my eye on two players who could actually keep up a reasonable amount of their current performance: Shohei Othani and J.D. Martinez. The media, both old and new, love Othani. It feels like this guy could be voted MVP if he has a season equivalent to a #2 starter and above average season at the plate. My point, if it isn’t clear, is that I think voters will give him extra points for pitching and hitting for the full year. Realistically though, he could keep up his .340 average and come close to his 54-home run pace. That definitely could be good enough for MVP. At +1200 on FanDuel Sportsbook, I love his value here and have spent $100 on a lot worse.
J.D. Martinez has had seasons that were worthy of at least consideration for MVP, but has never brought home the hardware. He is currently hitting .378 (obviously not sustainable, but he is a .291 career hitter and hit .330 in 2018). With five home runs and 16 RBIs so far, he is producing at an MVP level. Can he keep it up on a Red Sox team that won’t protect him much? I kind of doubt it, but at +3500, that’s hard to ignore.
Over in the National League, the big name to watch is Ronald Acuna Jr. He's one of the top names in the game, so this could be his year to take the MVP. He is already hitting a scorching .447 with six home runs and 12 RBIs (thanks in large part to a two-home run, four RBI game on Wednesday). He is also walking at roughly the same rate as he is striking out, which is a good sign too. He is the current favorite at +500. I feel like that number is low for being so early, but this guy has potential, so this might be the best number you get the rest of the year.
Juan Soto is another dude that we need to keep an eye on. He is also a bit lower in value than our American League players to watch at +750, but he is another who has the potential to ride a hot start through the entire season. He is batting .375 with lower numbers in the other key areas (home runs, RBIs, doubles, etc.), but those will increase as the season moves on.
All of these are way too early to place real substantial money on, but again, dropping $10 or $20 on a couple of these could get you some good results!