2025 MLB Season: Bold Predictions and Prop Bets

Opening Day Excitement

The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd – baseball is back! While the reigning champion Los Angeles Dodgers and Chicago Cubs kick off the 2025 MLB season in Tokyo on March 18th, the remaining 28 teams will take the field on March 27th and 28th. Anticipation is building, and with it comes the age-old question: who will shine this season?

Predicting baseball's unpredictable nature is a challenging task. But fear not, our expert team of Todd Zola, Derek Carty, Eric Karabell, and Tristan H. Cockcroft are here to offer insightful prop bets for every MLB team. Get ready for some surprises!

American League: From Underdogs to MVPs

Could the Yankees miss the playoffs? Derek Carty thinks it's possible. Despite their strong past performance, Carty sees value in betting against them at +280. "This is about looking forward, and probability and price," he explains, highlighting their weakened roster and tough competition.

Meanwhile, Gunnar Henderson (+750) is a dark horse AL MVP candidate. Zola believes Henderson's elite skills, combined with a potential Orioles AL East title, could make this a winning bet.

Other intriguing AL bets include Jarren Duran stealing 40+ bases (+300) and Junior Caminero hitting 30+ home runs (+225), capitalizing on the Rays’ new hitter-friendly park.

Don't forget the established stars! Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+1600) is a value pick for AL hits leader, while Bobby Witt Jr. (+1600) could reclaim his stolen base crown.

National League: Cy Young Contenders and Breakout Stars

The National League race is just as exciting, with several pitchers vying for the Cy Young award. While Aaron Nola is a safe bet for strikeouts, Sandy Alcantara (+2500), returning from Tommy John surgery, could be a high-reward option.

On the offensive side, Francisco Lindor (+2000) offers intriguing NL MVP potential. Zola points out that if the Mets win the NL East, Lindor's consistent performance could garner him the coveted award.

Keep an eye on rising stars like CJ Abrams (+150) for stolen bases and Matt Shaw (+450) for NL Rookie of the Year. And could Elly De La Cruz (+1800) lead the Reds to an NL Central title and snag the MVP award? It's a long shot, but the talent is undeniable.

Dark Horses and Divisional Battles

Beyond individual awards, several teams present interesting betting opportunities. The Diamondbacks (+1000) are a value pick to win the NL West, while the Rockies (+250) are a surprising contender for the fewest wins.

Derek Carty sees value in betting on the Rockies for fewest wins: "Look, both these teams will be bad, but there's nowhere near as big a gap as the odds indicate." This highlights the potential for upsets and unexpected outcomes.

Ready to Place Your Bets?

The 2025 MLB season promises to be full of excitement, and these prop bets offer a chance to add another layer of engagement to the game. Remember, odds are subject to change, so be sure to consult ESPN BET for the latest information.