Now that sports betting has become such a significant subdivision of sports entertainment, prominent American sports are witnessing an explosion in new markets and new bettors to legitimize the existence of these derivative markets. Betting on baseball, like many other sports, simply used to be a case of betting on what team would win the World Series or what team would win a game outright. However, since the emergence of mobile phones has changed our world forever, digital sportsbooks have been able to utilize this technology to full effect.
With the MLB season due to close this month, many teams are all too aware of just how important this business end of the season is. We’ve picked out a handful of bets that could provide some value in the final month of the standard season. Alongside the NBA and NFL, the MLB has millions of fans in America. As these sports betting markets expand in North America, the number of available states for sports betting grows alongside it. With both these markets helping each other out, the result is more eyes and ears paying attention to baseball, with fans elevating their viewing enjoyment by placing a wager on their favorite teams or the top games.
Betting considerations
You should practice safe gambling before you place any bet, regardless of how well you know the sport. By putting into place simple stopgaps, you can manage the amount of time and money you spend placing sports bets, which will help you safely address any potential betting issues that could arise.
If you believe you’re chasing losses or begin viewing gambling as a source of income, these are both red flags. The best advice is to stop gambling and contact a professional who can assist you or speak to a trusted family member or friend to help you address your issue.
Some of our picks for September
Historically, some of the biggest and best games in the MLB season have occurred in the final month of the main season. It spurs the appetite for the off-season nicely and sets up some compelling playoff matches. Major League Baseball has thrown some real curveballs this month on multiple levels, so it can be tricky to pull out accurate picks. The league is fast-moving and constantly full of surprises, but by exploring what has already happened this month, let’s see if we can find some value in the current market.
The Braves for the World Series
This may sound like an obvious starting point, but there are still several games to go through, and there’s still value in this outright market. You can still find odds of around +240 for the Braves, and we think there’s still value in this; it really is a case of the Braves versus everybody else. This season, Atlanta has scored 132 runs in the first inning, breaking the franchise record.
For the sixth year in a row, the Braves wrapped up their 23rd East Division Championship. By picking the Braves for the World Series so early, you’re not just gambling on them being the best team, which they currently are by a long shot; you also need a bit of luck to ensure they steer clear of injury and keep up their blistering form — but it feels like it is destiny.
Ronald Acuña for MVP
If the Atlanta Braves make it to the World Series, then the next bet would be for Ronald Acuña Jr. to win MVP. The Venezuelan is one of the best baseball talents of his generation. Although Jeremy Peña took the award last year, it seems like Acuña already has his name on the trophy. The Braves have been doing their bit on the field by decimating their opposition, but players like Acuña are a strong reason that they have been performing at such a world-class level. According to many of his peers, the Venezuelan outfielder is among the best players of all time.
The scary thing is that he doesn’t appear to have hit his peak yet, and this is despite breaking a longstanding MLB record this year by becoming the first player to land 50 stolen bases and over 19 home runs by the end of July. Clearly, any MVP bet also hinges on the Braves reaching the World Series Final. However, the value for this market is solid, and the odds will thin considerably if the Braves make the World Series.
Like the last bet we discussed, it all hinges on them reaching the final, but you could find value in both markets if you place your bet early enough. However, before placing any wager on any MLB market, you should do your research and explore a range of sources.
Strong end to the season for the Dodgers
If there’s one team that could close ground on the Braves and give them something to think about, then it is the LA Dodgers. While they might not have the generational talent of World Series MVP and franchise hero Troy Glaus on their roster, the Dodgers are piecing together a spirited end to the regular season. The bookmakers have identified this strong run of form, and with the spotlight firmly on the Braves, the Dodgers could fly under the radar and put together a significant number of wins between now and the end of September.
There are several variables to consider when a team pushes for baseball’s highest honor. More often than not, there will be a player who sticks out above the rest and can put in a spirited effort to pull up the overall standard of the team. Freddie Freeman is currently that man for the LA Dodgers, and although it’s a challenging task and unlikely he will be able to do it on his own, his current form is driving a rich vein of form for the West Coast outfit.
With 13 games left in the month, the Dodgers aren’t going to win every game, but given how often they’re firing on full cylinders, you could find a great deal of value in their upcoming games. Looking at the outright markets for the Dodgers and individual player markets could provide some surprises and value.
Conclusion
Although a lot of these markets are looking further ahead into the post-season, by placing wagers in September, you will receive better odds. The quickfire nature of MLB means that outright markets can be a struggle to predict even a week from now once you factor in other variables. However, some of these outright wagers and medium-term markets are among our picks for this month. While it might seem heavily weighted toward the Braves, it does feel like it is their year, so understandably, many of the markets we have identified today focus on their team and their top names.
MLB betting has transformed over the last few years, and now that you can view highlights of all games online and explore in-play markets, the internet has transformed how we interact with betting markets. As long as you gamble safely, within your time and monetary means, and review a variety of sources, you will be able to enjoy MLB betting and, most importantly, the games themselves.