7 Players to Follow In The 2021 MLB Season
We missed out on a full regular season of baseball last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, MLB did eventually crown a champion as the Dodgers beat the Rays in a shortened season.
With the pandemic coming to an end and Americans getting vaccinations as we head towards Opening Day – Major League Baseball has a full season schedule for the 2021 league year. So far, spring training has gone on without a hiccup regarding MLB COVID-19 protocols and testing.
Let’s take a look at some of the top storylines surrounding the MLB’s best players coming into the season, along with the odds markets and best online sportsbooks for betting baseball.
When Does the MLB Season Start?
The 2021 MLB Season begins on April 1. There is a full slate of games in typical Opening Day fashion. The action starts at 1 PM with the Toronto Blue Jays at New York Yankees and ends in the early morning hours, with west coast games beginning at 10 PM EST.
How Many Games Will The MLB Play in 2021?
The baseball season will not be shortened in 2021. MLB has planned the entire 162 game schedule plus a normal postseason for the coming year. Of course, we may see some cancellations or postponements due to COVID-19, but right now, it is expected that each team will play out a regular schedule.
The league will bring runners starting at 2nd base during extra innings and seven-inning doubleheaders, but there will be no universal designated hitter. In National League, pitchers will once again be taking at-bats.
Is MLB going to allow fans? The short answer is yes. However, it depends on the stadium and COVID protocols in each state. Most ballparks will have a limited number of fans in attendance for Opening Day, with those numbers expected to increase as the season progresses.
3 Future Bets To Make For the 2021 MLB Season
There are a few players I have my eye on in futures and prop markets for the upcoming season. I think some of these players still have value at current numbers at online sportsbooks.
Shohei Ohtani +4000 to Win AL MVP
Ohtani’s MLB career has been marred with injuries, but it’s hard to deny this guy’s talent. In the last day or so, he’s been sidelined with a blister in his throwing hand, but we’re not worried about his arm.
Ohtani is an immense talent at the plate and is hitting in one of the AL’s best lineups. His upside is still tremendous at the plate, and he is simply not priced appropriately at 40/1. Shop this one a bit because I’ve seen a lot lower at other sportsbooks. As of this writing, MyBookie has this number at +4000.
Corey Seager +1600 To Win NL MVP
Seager always seems to be left behind when it comes to elite players in the National League. When you’re on a team with Cody Bellinger and Mookie Betts – it makes sense. But, if we dive into the numbers, Seager is just as talented as his teammates.
He will be 27 in the 2021 season, the year most position players hit their prime. He is a fixture atop the Dodgers’ lineup, increased his slugging percentage every season, and crushing the ball this spring. Grab him at 16/1 to win the NL MVP at MyBookie.ag.
Victor Robles To Record The Most Stolen Bases +3400
Robles isn’t a name that will garner a lot of excitement, but the speedy outfielder does one thing very well, steal bases. He had a rough season at the plate last year, but plenty of that was in part due to an extraordinary low BABIP. It’s also tough to judge someone on 57 games of hitting.
Robles will be atop the Nationals lineup this year, and he will be running. Of course, he’s still a long shot at leading the league in steals, but this price is ridiculous. It’s not available at all sportsbooks, but bettors should be able to find it at offshore or regulated options.
Top Online Sportsbooks For MLB Betting
There are many options for wagering online, but bettors must pick a reliable and trustworthy sportsbook for MLB betting. One of the biggest things to look for betting baseball is dime lines offered by the best online sportsbooks.
BetNow
BetNow is a newer sportsbook, but they have many to offer, including cash bonuses for new players. They have a 100% up to $1,000 deposit bonus, depending on how much you deposit. Limits are decent, and payouts are fast. BetNow also has excellent support if there are any issues.
Bovada
The most trusted sportsbook online is Bovada. They have over 20 years in the industry and are still one of the best wagering baseball sites. While they don’t offer dime lines, they have loads of propositions, an excellent live betting platform, and significant betting limits. New users can get a $750 Bitcoin Deposit Bonus.
MyBookie
Another excellent sportsbook for betting baseball is MyBookie.ag. They have a 50% up to $1,000 initial deposit bonus and offer cash bonuses up to $200. Their betting limits are significant, they have a variety of markets, and payouts are fast. They also have a VIP program where players can earn points and free play.
SportsBetting
Sportsbetting.ag is one of the premier sports betting sites online, especially when it comes to wagering on baseball. They have dime lines for MLB, massive betting limits, and a ton of different deposit bonuses and promotions. New bettors can get a 50% Match Bonus up to $1,000. Payouts via crypto take just a few hours.
BetUS
BetUS has been around a long time and has only recently begun accepting new customers. Early reports from players have been promising. They also have a massive sign-up bonus for sports betting, making their first deposit 100% up to $2,500.
Conclusion
Bettors will get a full season of wagering on baseball this season, and we’re looking forward to it! Choosing a top betting site with elite bonuses and payouts is vital to have a solid baseball season. Gamblers can also utilize multiple sites and bonuses to increase their bankroll and line shop for the best prices. Good luck in 2021!
