It’s no surprise the likely winners of their respective League MVP awards are the top two choices in the Fall Classic. Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge have led their teams to the World Series and both have a chance to potentially complete the double-MVP this season. But for bettors, what is the value play? Over the last 9 World Series MVPs, the average price has been +2300. So let’s dive in.
Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers +225
Shohei Ohtani is playing insane baseball right, especially with a chance to drive in runs. Ohtani is 18 for his last 23 with RISP and so far in the postseason, the Dodgers star is hitting .286/.434/.500 with three homers, 10 runs batted in and 11 walks. There’s no question if L.A. wins, the Japanese superstar likely wins the MVP.
Aaron Judge, Yankees +500
This price seems a bit overvalued considering Aaron Judge hasn’t hit well in the postseason. Just 5 hits from 31 At bats, but two were home runs. The slugger is .161/.317/.387 slash line with six runs batted in. But he’s also struck out 13 times. Can he turn it around in the World Series? If he does, and New York wins, how can he not win the MVP?
Mookie Betts, Dodgers +700
He started slow in the NLDS but fared better in the NLCS getting his batting average to .296. Mookie Betts also has four homers to go with his 12 runs batted in and has the playoff experience. If you like the Dodgers to win, but not liking the short price on Ohtani, Betts offers better value.
Giancarlo Stanton, Yankees +900
Giancarlo Stanton had a tremendous ALCS smacking four home runs in five games against the Guardians en route to the MVP. But Since the NLCS and ALCS awards began in 1977 and 1980, just 9 players have won both in the same playoff run.
Longshots:
Tommy Edman, Dodgers +2200
Tommy Edman came alive in the NLCS taking the MVP after hitting .407 with a home run and 11 RBI, that production helped fill the void with Freddie Freeman dealing with an injured ankle. As mentioned with Stanton, it’s’ not often a player completes the playoff MVP double.
Gerrit Cole, Yankees +3300
Just two pitchers in the last ten years have won the WS MVP and if any starter has a shot, it has to be Gerrit Cole. If he can deliver two gem starts and the Yankees win it, he’ll be in consideration. But he faces some dangerous hitters. Still, at this price, don’t be surprised if he takes a lot of action.
World Series MVP Odds
Shohei Ohtani +225
Aaron Judge +500
Juan Soto +550
Mookie Betts +700
Giancarlo Stanton +900
Max Muncy +1600
Tommy Edman +2200
Teoscar Hernandez +2500
Freddie Freeman +2500
Enrique Hernandez +2800
Gerrit Cole +3300
Gleyber Torres +4000
Jazz Chisholm Jr +6000
Will Smith +6000
Jack Flaherty +6000
Carlos Rodon +10000
Austin Wells +10000
Anthony Volpe +10000
