Even though the 2021 MLB season isn’t even close to being over, that hasn’t stopped people from thinking about who’ll be named the eventual American League Most Valuable Player. Fortunately, for fans and bettors, BetOnline has already begun releasing individual player award odds. As of June 17, the oddsmaker is favoring Toronto Blue Jays infielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as the 2021 AL MVP at +100 odds.
After years of being somewhat inconsistent or struggling with his weight, Guerrero has looked like a completely different beast this season. Through 66 games so far this season, he’s already recorded 22 home runs and 56 RBI — leading the MLB in both statistical categories. That’s not even to mention that he also has 12 doubles and a triple too. Guerrero currently has a slash line of .343/.447/.682, which is significantly above his career average of .288/.366/.504. That’s not even to mention his league-leading 1.129 on-base plus slugging percentage. Needless to say, it’s like Guerrero is a completely new player and it shouldn’t be that surprising that he’s the favorite to win the AL MVP Award.
As of June 17, the Blue Jays are currently 33-33 and sit 8.5 games back of the top spot in the AL East. However, they’re also just 5.5 games back of the second American League wildcard spot. If Guerrero can continue his amazing performance throughout the season, the Blue Jays could end up sneaking into the playoffs and that’s the kind of thing that could help Guerrero in his AL MVP quest.
AL Most Valuable Player Odds
Odds via BetOnline as of Thursday, June 17
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (+100)
- Shohei Ohtani (+125)
- Xander Bogaerts (+1800)
- Byron Buxton (+2000)
- Aaron Judge (+2500)
- J.D. Martinez (+2800)
- Jose Ramirez (+2800)
- Mike Trout (+2800)
Complete AL MVP odds list available at BetOnline.ag.
Ohtani Right Behind Guerrero in AL MVP Race
When it comes to the AL MVP race, nobody comes close to Guerrero’s odds except Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani at +125. The 26-year-old has been a beast for the Angels, both on the mound and in the batter’s box. When it comes to pitching, Ohtani has started in nine games for Los Angeles, going 2-1 with a 2.85 ERA. He’s also struck out 68 batters through 47.1 innings pitched, leading to an average of 12.9 strikeouts per 9IP.
From a batting perspective, Ohtani has been one of the best to swing a bat this season. He’s currently sitting at 19 home runs and 47 RBI through 225 at-bats as the Angels’ designated hitter. He’s also slashing .271/.350/.618. There was even one point this season where Ohtani led the league in home runs, becoming the first pitcher to accomplish this achievement since the legendary Babe Ruth did it in June 1921 — 100 years ago. Considering not every player gets mentioned in the same sentence as Ruth, Ohtani definitely deserves his +125 AL MVP odds.
Bogaerts Rounds Out Top-3
Boston Red Sox shortstop Xander Bogaerts may not have Guerrero or Ohtani’s odds to be named AL MVP, but sitting at +1800 does give him the 3rd-best shot at winning the award. The three-time Silver Slugger has been one of the main reasons why the Red Sox have been one of the better American League teams this season following a disappointing 24-36 record in 2020. Bogaerts is slashing .325/.387/.571 on the season, leading to him smashing 13 homers and driving in 41 runs. He’s also leading the league with 20 doubles.
The AL MVP conversation isn’t anything new to Bogaerts. He’s finished in the top-20 for voting in each of the last three seasons, including when he came in 5th in 2019. Considering how well the Red Sox are playing this season, that should continue keeping Bogaerts in the conversation. However, he may not catch Guerrero and Ohtani unless they start to cool down or he heats up significantly.
