The 2026 MLB season is set to begin, so it’s the ideal time to take a look at MVP odds. We’ve got heavy favorites in both the American League and National League with generational superstars Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani. If you need an MLB-focused sportsbook, click here for our favorites.
We’ll analyze the latest MLB MVP odds, highlight leading contenders, and identify potential sleepers. Judge and Ohtani are chalk, but don’t count out longshots like Gunnar Henderson and Corbin Carroll.Â
Let’s break down the American League and National League MVP races.
2026 AL MVP Odds
All MLB odds used for these AL 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.
My AL MVP Pick?
Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays (+1600)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. is my pick to win the 2026 AL MVP, and it largely comes down to betting on momentum carrying over. He was dominant in the postseason, looking like one of the most dangerous hitters in the game, and if that version of Guerrero shows up over a full season, the numbers could be massive.
That kind of sustained production would immediately put him back in the center of the MVP race. When he’s locked in, few hitters can match his combination of power, contact, and run production.
If he builds on that playoff performance and anchors a strong season for Toronto, the case will be there. At +1600, the odds offer excellent value on a player with legitimate MVP upside.
The Reigning MVP: Can He Be Dethroned?
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (+185)
Aaron Judge continues to set the benchmark in the AL MVP conversation. Considered by many to be the premier hitter of this era, he brings unmatched power to the plate and carries legitimate 60-home run potential every season. At his best, he can completely take over games and tilt the race in his favor.
That level of dominance makes him tough to fade, but the current +185 odds don’t offer much betting value. Over the course of a long season, even elite players go through cold stretches, which can shift the market.
For bettors interested in Judge, it makes sense to wait. If he hits an early slump, a more favorable price could emerge, creating a better opportunity to buy in on one of the game’s most dangerous hitters.
The People’s Pick
Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners (+750)
Cal Raleigh has emerged as one of the most unique power threats in the league, especially given his position. It’s rare to see a catcher with this kind of home run upside, but Raleigh has proven he can consistently deliver elite pop while handling the demands behind the plate.
That power gives him a distinct edge in the MVP conversation. If he puts together a season where the home runs pile up, he can separate himself from the field in a way few catchers ever have.
The path isn’t easy, but the upside is undeniable. If Raleigh pairs his power surge with team success and a standout overall campaign, he has the potential to push himself into serious MVP consideration.
The Sleeper: Don’t Miss Out On Junior
Junior Caminero, Tampa Bay Rays (+2800)
Junior Caminero is one of the most exciting young hitters in baseball, bringing elite raw power that’s rare for a player his age. His ability to drive the ball and produce extra-base hits already stands out, and if he takes another step forward, the numbers could quickly become eye-popping.
That kind of upside makes him a fascinating long-shot in the MVP race. If the power fully translates over a full season, Caminero has the potential to put up totals that force his way into the conversation.
The key factor will be team success. If the Rays exceed expectations and make a surprising push in the American League, Caminero could be right at the center of it. In that scenario, his breakout would carry real MVP buzz.
2026 NL MVP Odds
- Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (-135)
- Juan Soto, New York Mets (+650)
- Ronald Acuna 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.
My NL MVP Pick
Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies (+2800)
Bryce Harper is my pick to win the 2026 NL MVP, and it starts with his track record as one of the best hitters of this generation. Few players can match his combination of power, plate discipline, and ability to rise to big moments, and he enters this season with clear motivation for a bounce-back campaign.
That pedigree makes him a dangerous contender, especially at +2800, where the odds offer significant value for a player of his caliber. If he returns to his peak form, he can quickly reinsert himself into the heart of the MVP race.
Team context only strengthens the case. The Phillies are legitimate World Series contenders, and if Harper leads that charge with a big season, both the production and narrative will be there for him to win the award.
The Reigning MVP & Current Betting Favorite
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers (-135)
Shohei Ohtani opens the 2026 campaign as the frontrunner for NL MVP, and it’s no surprise given what he brings to the table. His ability to excel both at the plate and on the mound gives him a level of overall impact that no one else in the league can truly replicate.
That kind of all-around dominance makes him incredibly difficult to fade. When Ohtani is performing at his usual level, he essentially controls the race from the start.
That said, the -135 price doesn’t offer much betting appeal early on. Over the course of a long season, there’s always a chance for a dip in form, so it may be smarter to wait for a better number before getting involved.
The People’s Pick
Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres (+1600)
Fernando Tatis Jr. is one of the most electric players in baseball and brings massive upside to the NL MVP race. With his combination of bat speed and raw power, he has legitimate 50-home run potential, giving him the kind of ceiling that can carry an MVP campaign.
That upside becomes even more important when you look at the Padres. This is a team that may need Tatis to be the driving force if they’re going to stay competitive, putting him squarely in the spotlight every night.
If he delivers a monster season and carries San Diego into contention, the narrative will follow. At +1600, the odds offer solid value on a player with the tools to take over the league.
The Longshot: Don’t Overlook This Sleeper
Corbin Carroll, Arizona Diamondbacks (+2500)
Corbin Carroll brings elite speed and growing power to the NL MVP race, giving him a unique profile that can translate into massive production. With the upside to deliver a 30-home run, 50-steal season, he has the kind of dynamic skill set that naturally draws MVP attention.
That upside becomes even more important when looking at Arizona’s outlook. The Diamondbacks will likely need Carroll to be the engine that drives their success, putting him in a position to pile up both numbers and narrative.
If he takes another step forward and leads Arizona into contention, his case will be hard to ignore. At +2500, there’s intriguing longshot value on a player capable of putting together a truly special season.
Betting on MVP TipsÂ
When betting on MLB futures, keeping a few key strategies in mind can make a big difference:
- Lean toward longshots to maximize potential value, especially since your money is locked in for the full season.
- If you’re considering a favorite, it’s often smarter to wait for a slow stretch that could improve the odds.
- Prioritize players who contribute defensively, as it’s rare for a designated hitter to take home this award.
By approaching the market with these principles, you give yourself a stronger edge when targeting MLB MVP futures.
