You’re probably pretty tired of hearing about it by now, but anything can happen in a 60-game sample size with this 2020 MLB season. Odds are that the top teams will hold serve, as they should, with heightened importance placed on each and every game, but a basic knowledge of statistics and sample size is all you need to realize that some craziness could happen.
That is especially true of the futures market for player awards. We’re talking about probably 10-12 starts for all of the starting pitchers. We’re talking about maybe 225 or so plate appearances for the MVP candidates. We’re talking about a lot of individual variance.
As we look at some MLB player futures markets in the lead-up to the season, which starts on Thursday July 23, you’ll want to keep that in mind. Many people, myself included, have said over and over again that taking short prices and/or chalky futures is probably not the way to approach this season. Over 162 games, the best will be the best more often than not, but over 60 games, a lot of different possibilities come into play.
Futures are especially tricky to play this season because relatively modest injuries are going to wipe out big chunks of the season and positive COVID tests are going to take away two weeks, if not more, in most cases. Each future is an exercise in hunting for the best price or the best value, but futures this season, more than ever, are also an exercise in hoping for the best.
With that in mind, we’ve compiled some thoughts for you on some of the player futures markets at 5Dimes Sportsbook. I’m using 5Dimes because it has the most players listed for most of these categories, but be sure to shop around for the best prices. You may find the best price at BetDSI Sportsbook. Or MyBookie. Or BetOnline. Or Bookmaker. Or somewhere else among our reviewed sportsbooks.
It is imperative that you try and maximize your investment as much as possible by getting a hold of the best odds. If you don’t have accounts at some of those places, consider setting one up. These next few weeks are going to be crazy busy with MLB, NBA, NHL, hopefully football, and all of the other sports and leagues that have been running. It is certainly in your best interest to shop around and the way to do that is to have multiple accounts across the industry.
This is a landing page with links to some thoughts on these different futures categories:
I also encourage you to check out my daily MLB Picks & Tips article, which will start up on Thursday with Opening Day action and to also listen to The Bettor’s Box every Monday and Thursday.
