The 2026 MLB season is officially underway, with the MVP race filled with intrigue. From perennial superstars chasing another trophy to emerging names looking to crash the conversation, both leagues are loaded with compelling candidates.
It’s a good time to lock in your bets, since betting markets will shift fast during the season. Timing is key, as it can create opportunities for sharp value and bold predictions. Click here for our favorite MLB sportsbooks to start betting today.
We’ll break down the latest MLB MVP odds, spotlight the top contenders, and uncover potential sleepers worth watching. Let’s dive into the American League MVP and National League MVP races to see where we can find an edge.
2026 AL MVP Odds
All MLB odds used for these MVP predictions are current as of Tuesday, Mar. 24, and courtesy of BetOnline.
- Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (+185)
- Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (+450)
- Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners (+750)
- Julio Rodriguez, Seattle Mariners (+1000)
- Nick Kurtz, Athletics (+1600)
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (+1600)
- Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles (+1600)
- Roman Anthony, Boston Red Sox (+1600)
- Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians (+1800)
- Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (+2800)
- Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays (+2800)
All other players have odds of +3300 or longer.
Who Will Win AL MVP?
Gunnar Henderson, Baltimore Orioles (+1600)
Gunnar Henderson stands out as my pick to win the 2026 AL MVP. He’s already proven he can produce at an elite level.
He’s only one year removed from a dominant 37-home run, 21-steal campaign that showcased his rare blend of power and speed. That kind of production puts him firmly in the MVP conversation.
What makes Henderson even more compelling is the situation around him. The Orioles are a significantly improved team with a deeper, more balanced roster capable of making real noise in the American League. If Baltimore takes the next step and surprises by winning the AL East, Henderson will likely be at the center of it all.
Opportunity, narrative, and talent all align here. If he delivers another monster season while leading a contender, Henderson has a clear path to taking home the award.
The Betting Favorite
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (+185)
Aaron Judge remains the standard in the American League MVP race. Widely regarded as the best hitter of this generation, he’s a perennial 60+ home run threat who can single-handedly change the outcome of a season. When he’s locked in, there’s simply no one more dominant at the plate.
That dominance is exactly why it’s so difficult to bet against him. However, at +185, the price is already inflated and leaves little room for value, especially in a long season with natural ups and downs.
If you’re looking to back Judge, patience is key. A slow start or brief slump could create a much more appealing entry point, giving bettors a better number on the most feared hitter in baseball.
The Contender: Legit Chance to Win AL MVP
Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals (+450)
Bobby Witt Jr. is one of the most electrifying players in the American League and a legitimate five-tool threat in the MVP race. He has the ability to hit .300 while delivering a 30-home run, 30-steal season, a rare combination that immediately puts him in elite company.
There’s also an added boost working in his favor this year. With the fences moved in at Kauffman Stadium, it should be easier for Witt to tap into even more power, potentially elevating his home run totals to another level.
If the Royals take a step forward and surprise by winning the AL Central, Witt will be the driving force behind it. With that kind of production and team success, he’ll have a real shot at taking home the award.
The Longshot: Don’t Count Out This Sleeper
Yordan Alvarez, Houston Astros (+2800)
Yordan Alvarez is one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball when he’s healthy, and at +2800, he offers serious value in the MVP market. Few players can match his combination of power and consistency, with the ability to hit .300 while launching 40 home runs over a full season.
Health has always been the key factor, but when he’s on the field, Alvarez is a true game-changer in the middle of Houston’s lineup. His presence alone can elevate the entire offense and swing big games.
If Alvarez stays healthy and leads the Astros back to the top of the AL West, the narrative and production will be there. At that price, he has a legitimate path to winning the award.
2026 NL MVP Odds
- Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (-135)
- Juan Soto, New York Mets (+650)
- Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves (+1000)
- Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres (+1600)
- Francisco Lindor, New York Mets (+1800)
- Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks (+2500)
- Ketel Marte, Arizona Diamondbacks (+2500)
- Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds (+2800)
- Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers (+2800)
- Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (+2800)
- Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies (+2800)
All other players have odds of +3300 or longer.
Who Will Win NL MVP?
Ronald Acuña Jr., Atlanta Braves (+1000)
Ronald Acuña Jr. is my pick to win the 2026 NL MVP. Now fully healthy, he returns to the field as one of the most dynamic players in baseball, capable of impacting the game in every possible way. Just two years removed from an absurd 41-home run, 73-steal season, Acuña has already shown he can put together an all-time caliber campaign.
What strengthens his case even further is the context surrounding the Braves. With injuries to their pitching staff, Atlanta may need to lean heavily on its offense to stay atop the division. That puts even more pressure on Acuña to carry the load.
If he rises to the moment and leads the Braves to an NL East title, the narrative and production will be there. In that scenario, Acuña has a clear path to reclaiming MVP honors.
Then there’s the star power. Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor are game-changers who can carry an offense for stretches.
More importantly, this is an organization that isn’t afraid to push its chips in. If the Mets are in contention at the deadline, don’t be surprised if they make another splash, potentially targeting an elite arm like Tarik Skubal. Look out for this team.
The Favorite: Most Likely to Win NL MVP
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (-135)
Shohei Ohtani enters the 2026 season as the clear favorite to win NL MVP, and it’s easy to see why. His unique ability to dominate as both a hitter and a pitcher makes him one of the most valuable players the sport has ever seen. That two-way impact is incredibly difficult to match.
That dominance also makes him extremely tough to bet against. Ohtani sets the standard, and if he performs anywhere near his peak, the award is his to lose.
However, at -135, there’s little value in jumping in early. In a long season, even the best players can have slow stretches, so it may be worth waiting to see if Ohtani’s price improves before backing him.
The Contender: Legit Chance to Win NL MVP
Juan Soto, New York Mets (+650)
Juan Soto is once again firmly in the NL MVP conversation after nearly putting together a 40-40 season last year, showcasing his rare blend of power, patience, and all-around offensive dominance. Few hitters in baseball are as consistent as Soto, who continues to produce elite numbers year after year.
That consistency is what makes him such a strong contender. Whether it’s getting on base at an absurd rate or driving the ball out of the park, Soto impacts the game every single night.
If he delivers another monster season and helps lead the Mets to an NL East title, the narrative will be firmly on his side. In that scenario, Soto has a very real chance to take home the award.
The Longshot: Don’t Count Out This Sleeper
Elly De La Cruz, Cincinnati Reds (+2800)
Elly De La Cruz is one of the most exciting young players in baseball and has all the tools to emerge as a true superstar. With his elite speed and raw power, he has the upside to deliver a 30-home run, 50-steal season, a combination that would immediately put him in the MVP conversation.
That kind of production makes him a high-upside option in this market. Few players can impact the game in as many ways as De La Cruz, and if everything clicks, he could put together a breakout campaign.
If the Reds take a step forward and surprise in the National League, De La Cruz will be at the center of it. At +2800, there’s strong value on a player with this kind of ceiling.
Betting on MVP Tips
When wagering on MLB futures, it’s a good idea to follow these tips:
- Focus on longshots for a better return on investment, since your bankroll is tied up until the end of the season.
- If you want to pick a favorite, wait until they get off to a slow start to get a better price.
- Target players who have defensive value. It’s extremely difficult for a designated hitter to win this award.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be well on your way to putting yourself in a position to succeed in MLB MVP bets.
