NL MVP Odds: Ohtani Faces Formidable Bundle of Challengers

Patrick Everson Sports Betting Expert

3 minute read

NL MVP odds don't start and end with Shohei Ohtani. In fact, they don't even start with the multitasking Los Angeles Dodgers star.

Ohtani is the third choice on the National League MVP odds board. Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is the favorite, looking to claim the award for the second straight year. And Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts is the No. 2 choice in odds to win the NL MVP, ahead of new teammate Ohtani.

Here's everything you need to know about the 2024 NL MVP odds market: action, movement and betting trends. Check back regularly for updates, as bookmakers provide their insights on NL MVP futures odds. You can use our Caesars Sportsbook Promo Code to get potential bonus bets. And if you're a baseball bettor in North Carolina, pre-registration is now available, with all the top North Carolina sportsbooks going live March 11.

NL MVP Odds

Slow Start For Shohei

When Caesars Sports first posted National League MVP odds, in December, the book fully anticipated a wave of Ohtani action. Ohtani, who left the L.A. Angels and signed a massive deal with the L.A. Dodgers, opened as the +550 co-favorite with Acuna.

However, Ohtani has since backed up to the +850 third choice. Acuna is the +490 favorite, followed by Betts at +700.

"Surprisingly, Ohtani hasn't taken the majority of the action. So he's drifted out a little bit," Caesars lead MLB trader Eric Biggio said. "I thought he would take more public money, but he hasn't."

However, knowing how the betting public reacts, Biggio won't be surprised if the pace picks up on Ohtani tickets and money.

"A few SportsCenter highlights and a 500-foot homer will definitely change bettors' minds," he said.

L.A. Story

Dodgers dominate the top of Caesars' NL MVP odds market. As noted above, Betts and Ohtani are the Nos. 2 and 3 choices, respectively. They're followed by L.A. first baseman Freddie Freeman, the +900 co-fourth choice.

There are four league MVP awards between those three. Ohtani took the AL honor in 2021 and 2023, getting all 30 first-place votes last year. Betts was AL MVP with the Boston Red Sox in 2018, and Freeman was NL MVP with the Atlanta Braves in 2020.

"Freeman has taken the most action out of the Dodgers players," Biggio said. "I think we'll have a prop of any Dodger vs. the field for NL MVP. That'll be fun to book."

Ticket Takers and Money Makers

Last year, Acuna was named NL MVP, mirroring Ohtani in getting all 30 first-place votes. For the moment, that speaks more to bettors than Ohtani's big move to the Dodgers.

"Acuna is taking the most action overall, in terms of tickets and money. And second is Fernando Tatis Jr.," Biggio said. "Tatis is definitely popular among the bettors. Trea Turner has taken some sharp money, as well."

Tatis, with the San Diego Padres, is the +900 co-fourth choice along with Freeman. Philadelphia Phillies shortstop Turner is the +1800 co-eighth choice, joined by Braves third baseman Austin Riley.

"There are some really big hitters at the top of the odds board," Biggio said. "There's no clear-cut favorite, which leaves some value for bettors to go down the list and get some nice prices."

For example: A little further down the NL MVP odds board, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Elly De La Cruz and Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Oneil Cruz are getting some looks. De La Cruz is +3000 and Cruz +6000.

"Those two are at the top of the list for liability. Bettors are jumping on those young phenoms," Biggio said of the 22-year-old De La Cruz and 25-year-old Cruz. "If those guys have a great year, it could be a nice payday for the bettors."

Among longer shots, Biggio noted another Reds youngster drawing dollars.

"Matt McClain is getting a few sprinkles at 90/1," he said of the 24-year-old shortstop.

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Patrick Everson

Patrick Everson is a senior reporter for VegasInsider. Based in Las Vegas since 1994, he's worked in the sports betting journalism/content space for more than a decade. He's most known for his deep roster of contacts behind sportsbook counters, providing readers and viewers with the ins-and-outs of how events are being bet. He's also a thought leader in the sports betting space, often appearing on or moderating panels at national conferences. More from Patrick Everson