MLB Awards Odds: Can Soto Win MVP With Yankees?

National League MVP Odds

Odds as of May 6

If Acuna repeats his 2023 season, he's all but guaranteed to rack up another MVP. The Braves' star outfielder hit 41 homers, led the league with 73 steals, and posted the NL's highest OPS. He was basically the best at everything. But he's no longer the chalk to win NL MVP, as another established star has stolen the thunder in the early portions of 2024.

His name is Mookie, and he's worth all your bets. Betts has been one of baseball's best hitter through the season's first six weeks, slashing .352/.459/.577 with six homers and 50 hits. His walk-to-strikeout ratio (28:16) is nuts, indicating this might be the most patient version of the slugger we've ever seen. There's no problem with betting Mookie as the chalk because he looks unstoppable. 

NL MVP Value Pick: Shohei Ohtani (+500)

It's hilarious that we get to call Ohtani a 'value' pick but here we are. I know Ohtani isn't going to pitch in 2024, and that'll certainly hurt the two-way king's MVP chances. But, I think we're sleeping on just how good of a hitter he is. Last year he hit 44 homers in 135 games and posted a HIGHER OPS than NL MVP Acuna.

Just imagine what kind of numbers Ohtani can put up if he DHs for 160 games and only focuses on hitting. So far, the 29-year-old isn't on the same crazy homer pace as years prior, but his slash line is juicy, and that means something to MVP voters.

MLB MVP Award History

American League Cy Young Odds

Odds as of May 6

The AL Cy Young odds went for a ride after it was announced Gerrit Cole will miss the first two months of the year with an elbow injury. The reigning award winner plummeted down the oddsboard, buoying Corbin Burnes to the chalk spot.

AL Cy Young Value Pick: George Kirby (+2000)

After a rough few starts pushed his value down, Kirby is back on the horse. A sharp 12-strikeout game in late April brought the national attention back to Kirby's corner, and the Mariners right-hander has been solid since. While his ERA is still a work in progress, Kirby has rattled out consecutive quality starts, limited his walks, and boosted himself back into the AL Cy Young conversation. The longshot value won't hold for long, but I'm comfy placing a sprinkle on Kirby in the AL Cy Young odds.

MLB Cy Young Award History

National League Cy Young Odds

Odds as of May 6

Zack Wheeler is the new leading man in the NL Cy Young odds after Spencer Strider's season-ending injury. Veteran starting pitchers are dropping like flies these days, so I'd stay away from anyone too high on the odds board, at least until the season progresses.

NL Cy Young Value Pick: Logan Webb (+2000)

Logan Webb might be the most underrated player in baseball right now. The Giants righty has hauled 560 innings over the last three seasons (2021-2023), posting a 3.07 ERA and 3.00 FIP in that time. Webb basically walks nobody, but an uptick in strikeouts would help his Cy Young candidacy. If his 8.1 K/9 from last year drifts closer to his 9.6 career-high from 2021, I like Webb to snatch the Cy in 2024.

MLB Cy Young Award History

American League Rookie of the Year Odds

Odds as of May 6

Evan Carter was the pre-season chalk before a 5-for-26 start to the year opened the door to other AL ROTY candidates further down the odds board. First, it was fellow Ranger Wyatt Langford who rose up, but a hamstring injury will now keep him out for a month, nearly eliminating his chances. Langford's demise coincided perfectly with the ascent of Colton Cowser, the brightest O's prospect at the moment (since Jackson Holliday is back in Triple-A).

Cowser's been a machine at the dish, posting a .928 OPS with six homers and 19 RBIs through 32 games. While the market is still up for grabs, Cowser has the early edge.

AL RotY Value Pick: Wenceel Perez (+3000)

Relatively unknown until his debut, the short, stocky outfielder has put on a show in Detroit. Perez posted an OPS above .900 through his first 20 games, mixing in a few triples and homers. Most importantly, the 24-year-old has a path to playing time in a Tigers lineup that features red-hot hitters, like Riley Greene, and ice-cold sluggers, such as Colt Keith and Spencer Torkelson. Perez is also a switch hitter, making him platoon-proof.

MLB Rookie of the Year Award History

National League Rookie of the Year

Odds as of May 6

It's a battle of Japanese rookies for top spot in the NL Rookie of the Year odds. Imanaga and Yamamoto went back and forth through early May, switching spots on the odds board. For now, it's Imanaga on top, rocking a 0.78 ERA through his first six MLB starts. I've got more face in Imanaga, 30, than Yamamoto, 25, in the early goings, as the Cubs need their lefty more than the Dodgers need their young stud. In the end, I'll bet Imanaga gets a higher innings load, making him worthwhile at +300.

NL RotY Value Pick: Andy Pages (+700)

After Jason Heyward went down with an injury, Pages has stepped up beautifully. The Dodgers rookie outfielder posted a .903 OPS through his first 70 at-bats, mixing in four homers and five doubles. The 23-year-old's composure stands out the most. There's little about the youngster's game that suggests he's a rookie. He plays great defense and rips baseballs. A low OBP (zero walks in 17 games) will limit his ceiling, but the power makes this a very real bet. 

MLB Rookie of the Year Award History

2024 AL Reliever of the Year Odds

Odds as of March 20

Josh Hader has dominated the Reliever of the Year Award for the last few seasons, picking it up three times in the National League since 2018. Now, he's got a chance to add an AL honor to his cabinet.

Despite Ryan Pressley locking down games for the Astros for the last few seasons, Hader has been announced as Houston's closer for the 2024 season. It's easy to see why. Hader has posted an ERA under 1.3 in two of the last three seasons, racking up 96 saves during the last three campaigns. If healthy and dealing, he's the most consistent lefty reliever in baseball and should walk away with this AL award.

Best Value Pick: Andres Munoz, Mariners (+1000)

Andres Munoz has been quietly electric for the last two seasons, posting an ERA under 3.0 with high strikeout totals since he became a full-time player in 2022. This season, he's set for a breakout. With Paul Sewald out of the way in Seattle, Munoz will be the Mariners closer and should shut down games all year long. After taking over the CL role from Sewald last year, Munoz finished the year with a 3.00 ERA and 12 saves in the second half.

Past AL Reliever of The Year Winners History

2024 NL Reliever of the Year Odds

Odds as of March 20

Devin Williams is slated to be the GUY once again in Milwaukee this year and is clearly the most talented reliever in the National League. He posted an insane 1.53 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 36 saves last year, earning NL RPotY honors for the second time.

That said, I'm staying away from Williams in 2024 due to his short odds and potentially long road to returning from a serious back injury. Milwaukee could also trade him. The Brewers already sent Corbin Burnes packing to Baltimore before the season and seem like they're on the cusp of a rebuild. If Williams is traded at the deadline or mid-season this year to an AL team, he won't be able to win this award.

Best Value Pick: Camilo Doval, Giants (+1200)

Camilo Doval has been electric for the last three seasons, posting an ERA at or below 3.00 and high strikeout rates in every season. Last year, he led the league in games finished (60) and saves (39). They don't release the 'finalists' for RPotY voting, but I've gotta think Doval was close to winning the NL honor last season. So, with Hader out of the NL and Devin Williams not providing much value, Doval is an obvious value pick sitting fifth in the odds.

Past NL Reliever of The Year Winners History

2024 Home Run Leader Odds

Odds as of March 20

When healthy, Aaron Judge is the most feared power hitter in baseball. A season after posting an AL-record 62 homers, the Bronx Bomber banged 37 dingers in 106 games in 2023. He finished well off MLB's lead in the statistic, but his 55-homer pace would've put him right up there with the leaders had he played 160 games. Now, Judge has Juan Soto protecting him in the Yankees lineup, too.

Best Value Pick: Pete Alonso, Mets (+700)

Pete Alonso has played four full seasons at the MLB level. He's posted no fewer than 37 HR in any of those campaigns, broken 40 three times, and averaged 46.5 during the stretch. He's led baseball in HR once already, and now the Polar Bear enters a contract year looking to secure the bag. I'm expecting plenty of power from Alonso.

Past MLB HR Leaders History

*Shortened Season