Mookie Betts favored to win NL MVP award

Mookie Betts is the favorite to win the National League Most Valuable Player Award, following a preseason blockbuster trade that sent the four-time Gold Glove-winning outfielder from the Boston Red Sox to the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Betts opened with odds of +500 to win NL MVP at BetAmerica, but unlike in the American League, there isn’t a clear favorite. Following closely behind Betts is Ronald Acuna Jr. of the Atlanta Braves, with odds of +600. 

Betts is no stranger to MVP discussion

Betts captured the 2018 American League MVP as a member of the Red Sox with a league-leading .364 batting average, .640 slugging percentage, and a 10.9 wins above replacement (WAR) rating.

The Dodgers are stacked and among the preseason favorites to win the World Series, with outright odds of +400 at BetAmerica.

As one of the game’s brightest stars on a team that should, at the very least, contend for a championship, it’s not surprising Betts has vaulted to the status of NL MVP favorite so quickly, even though his offensive numbers and WAR suffered a regression in 2019. 

Betts has extra incentive for a big year

The Dodgers haven’t won a World Series since 1988, despite back-to-back trips to the Fall Classic in 2017 and 2018. Betts could be the player to put the club over the top. 

That comes with significant pressure to perform, but there is also personal motivation for Betts going into the season. He is a free agent at the end of the year and reportedly turned down an offer from the Red Sox for $200 million prior to the trade. 

If Betts wants a similar deal as three-time AL MVP Mike Trout (12 years, $430 million), a career year capped with an MVP award could go a long way in securing such a deal. 

Can Cody Bellinger repeat as NL MVP? 

Cody Bellinger currently has the fourth best odds at +750, which might be a surprise to some considering he was named MVP last year with the Dodgers. 

Bellinger, 24, had a breakout year in 2019, hitting 47 home runs with 115 RBI, an on-base percentage of .406, and a slugging percentage of .629. His WAR rating was also a league-leading 9.0. Likely slotting into the order as the clean-up hitter, Bellinger could have another ultra-productive season if Betts is able to get on base ahead of him. 

That could definitely help Bellinger’s chances to earn another NL MVP, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since Albert Pujols did it in 2008 and 2009.

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