2022 AL MVP Opening Odds, Contenders

It’s rare to have the top two betting favorites for the MVP award on the same team. Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout are seen as two of the best players in baseball, but the Los Angeles Angels have not had a winning record since 2015. There is a growing exasperation with old- time writers that want to choose players on successful teams, and that could have a negative impact on Ohtani’s and Trout’s chances if the Angels finish sub-.500 once again.

2022 AL MVP Betting Odds

  • Shohei Ohtani +300
  • Mike Trout +350
  • Vladimir Guerrero Jr. +400
  • Aaron Judge +1500
  • Jose Ramirez +2000
  • Bo Bichette +2000
  • Wander Franco +2000
  • Rafael Devers +2000
  • All Other Players +2200 or More

Odds Provided by DraftKings - Subject to Change

Shohei Ohtani won all 30 first-place votes last year as he was the best two-way player we have seen in over a century. He led the majors with a 9.1 WAR, but some of that novelty will have worn off by the time games get underway in 2022. Additionally, Ohtani stayed relatively healthy on the mound for the first time in his career, and that might not happen again.

Three-time AL MVP Mike Trout did not stay healthy last season. Trout only played in 36 games, as he was seriously injured for the first time
in his career. Some of his absence was precautionary as the Angles had nothing to play for late in the season, yet it’s still something to note coming into 2022.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. was the runner-up to Ohtani in the AL MVP race last season. Guerrero led the majors in runs and home runs, and he led the AL in OBP, slugging percentage, and OPS. He is only 23 years old, so he has yet to reach the prime of his career, and this could be a time to get in on Guerrero early.

The oddsmakers are giving a little too much love to Wander Franco. He is the most hyped prospect we have seen in quite some time, and he did shine in small spurts when he was on the field last season. Franco only finished with an .810 OPS though, and his power has yet to transfer to the major leagues. Two better players to back at their current prices are Luis Robert and Byron Buxton. Buxton has had an injury-plagued career, but he shined in 61 games last season with a 1.005 OPS while showcasing his elite speed.

As for Robert, he is the complete package. Robert only played in 68 games in 2021, but he had a .946 OPS and has plus-plus contact and power. The Chicago White Sox are expected to win the AL Central again this year too, and that will lead to more attention.