AL MVP Race Heats Up

As the 2025 MLB season reaches its midpoint, the race for the American League MVP is intensifying. Aaron Judge of the New York Yankees, the reigning MVP, continues to dominate with a .355 batting average, 35 home runs, and 81 RBIs at the All-Star break. However, Cal Raleigh of the Seattle Mariners is closing the gap with a breakout season, now sitting at +325 odds after starting at 100-1.

Judge remains the favorite at -600, but Raleigh’s performance has made him a significant contender, especially with his 33% handle for AL MVP at BetMGM. Raleigh’s laidback attitude, Home Run Derby win, and amusing nickname have only fueled his MVP narrative.

World Series Favorites

On the National League side, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain the favorites to win the World Series at +240, despite several injuries. Their depth has kept them competitive, and they are +140 to win the NL pennant.

In the American League, the Detroit Tigers have emerged as a surprising contender. After opening the season at +1200 to win the AL and +3000 for the World Series, the Tigers now boast the best record in baseball, with their odds improving to +250 for the pennant and +700 for the championship.

Rising Stars in the NL

The National League Rookie of the Year race has also been captivating. Jacob Misiorowski of the Milwaukee Brewers has quickly risen to become the favorite at -220 after a stellar performance against Paul Skenes of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Skenes, last year’s Rookie of the Year, is now trailing in the NL Cy Young race, with Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies leading at -130.

Betting Insights

Betting markets have been active, with Raleigh and the Tigers becoming significant liabilities for sportsbooks. Raleigh’s long odds early in the season allowed bettors to capitalize, while the Tigers’ underdog story has resonated with the public, making them a popular futures pick.

As the season progresses, these storylines will continue to evolve, keeping fans and bettors alike on the edge of their seats.