The first month of the new MLB regular season is in the books. There are a few surprises in the early division standings, especially in the National League. However, the betting futures at Bovada to win each of these races by season’s end still point towards the preseason favorites. The following is a closer look at the three NL division title races in terms of the best betting value in the updated odds.
NL East
The separation between the New York Mets (11-11) at the top of the standings in the East and the last place Miami Marlins (11-16) is just two and a half games through the first month of play. However, New York is a +130 favorite to end up winning this division race while the Marlins are +5000 longshots. The Atlanta Braves have gone 12-16 through their first 28 games and head into the first full week of May with a four-game losing streak. They have the second-best odds on the board at +190. While they lead the division in runs scored (129), the early concern for this team has been its pitching. The third-favorite on the board is the Philadelphia Phillies at +400. They are 13-15 through 28 games. The Washington Nationals are an even 12-12 with longer +800 odds to win the East. This should turn into a two-team race come late summer. The value play at this point of the season would be the Braves with a slightly better return than New York. Free Pick: Atlanta at +190
NL Central
The Milwaukee Brewers are setting the early pace in the Central at 17-11 with the St. Louis Cardinals just one game back at 16-12. The Brewers also get the nod as -115 favorites to win this division. St. Louis is a +185 second-favorite on the board. The Cincinnati Reds are next at +600 odds behind a 13-14 start in 27 games. The Chicago Cubs have stumbled a bit out of the gate at 12-16. Their updated odds to win this division have ballooned to +1400. As expected, the 12-15 Pittsburgh Pirates have the longest odds to win the Central at +6600. This has been one of the most competitive MLB divisions for quite some time. Milwaukee’s fast start is somewhat of a surprise and so are the Brewers’ current odds to win. Do not count out the Reds or the Cubs but the value play for betting this division race is St. Louis. Free Pick: St. Louis +185
NL West
The Los Angeles Dodgers opened the season as heavy favorites to win their ninth-straight NL West Division title. At 17-12 through 29 games, nothing has really changed with the updated odds set at -375. The San Francisco Giants have been the early shocker in the standings at 17-11. However, they still have long +1700 odds to hold onto first place through 162 games. The odds that the San Diego Padres take first are +310 following their 16-13 start.
The Arizona Diamondbacks are above .500 at 15-13 but their odds are even longer at +6000. At 10-18 through 28 games, it is easy to see why the Colorado Rockies have +25000 odds to win the West. Betting the Dodgers is only going to get more pricy as the season wears on to offer very little value. A very small play on San Diego might be worth the risk if you absolutely have to bet this MLB division race. Free Pick: San Diego +310
Get more of our predictions on the daily games: MLB Picks.
