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Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13). Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

MLB betting futures: The NL MVP race gets spicy

By Matt Wiesenfeld | Last updated 2/19/24

When I wrote about the MVP race in the AL a little while ago, the departure of Shohei Ohtani was a critical factor. He had to go somewhere though so now the NL has another viable candidate to compete with the likes of Ronald Acuna Jr., last year's winner. Ohtani is currently second in the odds table at +650 (tied with teammate Mookie Betts).

The question is whether Ohtani can win the award on just his hitting alone. The answer is probably yes, but it is reasonable to question that given we have never seen it, not like what we have seen with Ronald Acuna Jr., or Bryce Harper, or Freddie Freeman, all viable candidates in their own right this season.

Here is an early look at some NL MVP candidates to help you build a portfolio.

NL MVP Futures

Ronald Acuna Jr., OF, Atlanta Braves (+550)

He was a monster last season, posting a season of 41 homers and 73 steals while hitting .337. Given what we know he can do, the fact that he is only 25, and that he is in one of the best lineups in the league, there is no reason to think he can't post those kind of numbers again. The only real concern is whether there is an expectation that he has to be even better to win the award a second time. He played 159 games last season with a competitive NL East he should be in the lineup just as much this year.

Fernando Tatis Jr., OF, San Diego Padres (+1000)

Tatis is one of the few players who can match the power-speed combination of Acuna. He is also the right age and after a couple of "down" seasons, and some roster shuffling by San Diego he is primed to be the main attraction for the Padres. This year they need him more with Juan Soto gone to the Yankees and the pitching lighter. If the Padres can get into the playoffs he has a great chance to be in the top five and make a splash.

Elly De La Cruz, SS, Cincinnati Reds (+5000)

The Cincinnati shortstop burst onto the scene last season and did not disappoint. His raw tools are as good as anyone's in the game and now we just need to see how he goes about softening some of the edges (like striking out less). The talent is there, but the real reason I like this bet a lot is that Cincinnati has a great chance to be a playoff team this season and De La Cruz could easily be the best player on the team. That tends to garner MVP support.

Kyle Schwarber, DH, Philadelphia Phillies (+10000)

I know, it is tough to consider a player who did not even hit .200 last season for the MVP. However, he did also set new career highs in homers, RBIs, walks, and runs scored. Philly is going to be competitive once again and if he can nudge his batting average into a respectable range there is every reason to expect a jump in production. Plus having Bryce Harper around for more than last season can only help too, right?

Spencer Steer, OF, Cincinnati Reds (+20000)

I kind of missed it but Steer played in 156 games last season. There is no doubt that he is an important part of the Reds' future and they have opened up a spot for him in the outfield for him to play every day. He does not have the explosiveness of De La Cruz but already has more refined bat-to-ball skills and is a little older so perhaps things click even more quickly. He already posted 23/86 (both led the club) and should grow his production with the success of the team.

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