AL MVP Odds: A Pair of Yankee Sluggers Pace the Market

When it comes to MLB action, MVP betting is often among the most exciting future markets.

In 2024, we are seeing a Most Valuable Player race between teammates in both circuits. The competition is currently more narrow in the American League, where New York Yankees outfielders Juan Soto and Aaron Judge are neck-in-neck on FanDuel's AL MVP odds board.

Still, we are only just entering June at time of authorship, meaning, there is ample time for this market to fully come to fruition. Presently, all ball clubs have more than 100 games left on the regular season schedule.

Just passed the one-third tentpole of the 2024 campaign, let's survey the AL MVP market as is.

All MLB odds via FanDuel Sportsbook.

2024 AL MVP Odds

Juan Soto, OF, Yankees (+260)

For his first season in pinstripes, Juan Soto has absolutely thrived. On May 31st, the left-handed slugger has posted a .999 OPS with New York so far, which is the third-best rate among all qualified hitters. From there, Soto's 49 RBI are tied for second most in the Majors.

At only 25-years old, Soto is already in his ninth MLB campaign. Before 2024, he dominated the National League with multiple franchises but never earned the NL MVP award. Still, FanDuel Sportsbook has him at +260 odds to win the AL MVP in his inaugural American League season.

A player like Soto seems tailor-made to play his home games at Yankee Stadium. The short right-field porch is an easy clearance for the left-handed Soto. On defense, Soto is a solid outfielder despite having never won a Gold Glove. He takes consistent routes and maintains a plus throwing arm. At the moment, he's logged four outfield assists, which has him tied for fifth in MLB.

By the conclusion of 2024, no one should be surprised if Soto earns his first league MVP award. He is humming on all cylinders, and the Yanks currently have the AL's best record. Look for Soto to continue transcending in the Big Apple's unrivaled limelight.

Aaron Judge, OF, Yankees (+300)

Staying with the Bronx Bombers, fellow outfielder Aaron Judge has come on extremely strong as of late. Throughout the month of May, Judge crushed 12 home runs while producing a 1.350 OPS and 23 RBI.

The 2022 American League Most Valuable Player is essentially as hot as it gets right now. Judge has rebounded in an exponential way after wearing a .207 batting average in April. If the Yankee captain can keep up this level of offensive dominance, his three-to-one MVP odds at FanDuel Sportsbook are very enticing.

Judge's lone prior year wherein he cashed the MVP market was the historic campaign that saw him blast 62 homers (breaking New York's single-season record). At this point in 2024, Judge is tied for the MLB lead with 18 taters. It really is anyone's guess how bombs he'll end up with by September, but ZiPS projections predict 40 HR and 101 RBI for Judge -- figures like that bode well for award consideration.

As alluded to in Soto's feature, Judge will also receive a boost in MVP voting so long as the Yankees continue to roll as a team. Still, is it at all possible that Judge and Soto cannibalize each other's MVP cases?

Bobby Witt Jr., SS, Royals (+480)

One of MLB's fastest rushing stars, Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is enjoying his best big-league season to date.

In a campaign where he will soon turn 24-years old, Witt boasts a .386 wOBA. Entering June, he leads the Majors with 49 runs scored. That goes along with his 40 RBI.

Witt is largely proving himself as one of the most dynamic players in baseball, and being the son of a former big-leaguer, the national media is paying close attention. He's proven to be a menace on the base paths, which is an invaluable trait in today's game. Already, he's swiped 16 bags, which is the fifth-highest total in the league.

As a fielder, Witt's soft hands allow him to play at any infield spot, but he has transitioned into Kansas City's full-time shortstop in 2024. A third of the way through the current campaign, Witt owns a 3.5 WAR.

Upon May's conclusion, the Royals posted a winning percentage north of .600, which indicates Kansas City's hottest start in some time. K.C. is contending for the AL Central title (+290 divisional odds on FanDuel), and should they win, Witt will receive his flowers. Keep an eye on the kid.

Gunnar Henderson, SS, Orioles (+500)

For another talented young shortstop in the American League, Gunnar Henderson of the Baltimore Orioles seems to have a bright future ahead.

Presently, Henderson and the O's are one of the MLB's fiercest sides, holding modest 10-to-1 odds to win the World Series. Henderson has been Baltimore's best player in 2024 as the 6-foot-3 infielder has produced a blazing .399 wOBA.

Henderson might not be as speedy as the aforementioned Witt, but the Orioles' star -- who hits left-handed -- packs quite a wallop at the plate. As of May's final day, Henderson is tied with Judge (noted above) atop the Majors at 18 home runs. Naturally, media and MVP voters always fawn over the long ball.

As the youngest player featured in this article, Henderson will turn 23 years old on June 29th. That indicates that he still has a ways to mature as a player, which is actually scary for all of Baltimore's opponents. If the O's overtake New York in the divisional standings, Henderson's odds listing will shorten here.

FanDuel Sportsbook currently has Henderson labeled with five-to-one odds within AL MVP betting. Interestingly, his 3.8 WAR in 2024 is higher than Witt's right now. Either way, expect those two AL shortstops to be compared for many years to come.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.