Opening day of the baseball season is a highly anticipated event for both fans and bettors, following a long offseason. The excitement doesn’t just revolve around the first pitch, as the MLB futures market offers a range of options, including win totals, allowing bets to be placed even before the season begins.

Projected win totals for all 30 MLB teams are released by sportsbooks, allowing bettors to select whether they believe the team will surpass or fall short of that number. This betting process mirrors the over/under bet commonly seen in various sports. Yet, it is important to note that MLB win total bets require a patient approach, as sportsbooks only finalize and settle these bets once the entire season has concluded.

You have the choice to stick with the popular local teams, the New York Yankees or NY Mets, or broaden your options by considering their long-time rivals and other clubs you are familiar with. Some bettors prefer to explore the entire market to find their best opportunities. Regardless of your approach, betting on MLB win totals can offer season-long entertainment.

Before placing bets on MLB win totals, it is crucial to prioritize checking the most recent odds and lines. Since this is a dynamic market, the numbers are prone to change based on the betting activity surrounding baseball. To effortlessly stay informed about the current standings, utilize our customizable live odds feed. Feel free to explore it through our provided link and thoroughly evaluate its functionality.

2021/2022 MLB season win totals

What are MLB win totals?

In the extensive MLB offseason, all NY sportsbooks will unveil anticipated win totals for every team in the league. These projected numbers can be found in the MLB futures market. Here’s an example of how a listing may appear.

The regular-season wins of the New York Yankees.

• Over 95.5  -110
• Under 95.5  -110

The bet operates similarly to a totals wager, where you simply choose whether the projected number will be higher or lower. MLB win total odds are available for each option, usually starting at -110 for both sides and adjusting depending on the betting activity.

Please keep in mind that the wager will remain active throughout the entire season, from beginning to end. This means that the tickets you place will stay live until the bet can be resolved. Therefore, it is important to consider this duration and plan your budget accordingly.

If the MLB season follows the usual format of 162 games, the win totals for teams are determined accordingly. However, in exceptional circumstances such as the condensed 2020 season with only 60 games played per club, adjustments are made. In the rare scenario of a complete cancellation of the season, any bets placed on win totals will be deemed invalid and refunded.

In order to succeed in your bet, all you need to do is make the right choice. Let’s take the Yankees as an example – their target is to achieve 95.5 wins. If they manage to win 96 games or more, those who bet on the over will be victorious, while those who bet on the under will lose. Conversely, if they win 95 games or fewer, the situation will be reversed.

Betting the MLB futures market 

Win totals are a component of the larger MLB futures market. To access the available options, you can click on the MLB section on a sportsbook and then select futures. Within this category, there are several markets for you to explore.

• World Series
• Winners of the pennant in the American and National League.
• Division champions.
• Determining teams’ playoff fate: whether they will qualify or fail to qualify.
• Winners of player awards, including MVP and rookie of the year, are announced.
• Leaders in statistics such as home runs and strikeouts.

The top futures odds are usually released early in the offseason, sometimes right after the conclusion of the World Series. As the season draws closer, additional odds, such as win totals, will also become available. Engaging and possibly lucrative, the futures market can be a valuable resource for conducting research and preparing for the upcoming season.

How odds are calculated for win totals

Sportsbooks will initially offer odds for the over and under on projected team victories when win totals are released. Typically, the default odds for these wagers at most books are set at -110 for both sides, similar to point spreads or totals bets. However, as bets start to be placed, the odds may change based on the direction in which the money is being wagered.

For instance, suppose there is a strong early action favoring the over for the Mets. In response, oddsmakers make the over less attractive and increase the potential returns for betting on the under.

The number of regular-season victories achieved by the New York Mets.

• Over  92.5   -120
• Under  92.5   -105

After making adjustments to the numbers, the betting action gradually begins to favor the opposite direction. Consequently, the bookmaker might need to readjust the numbers, taking into account the overall amount of wagers placed, to bring them closer to their initial values.

Mets regular-season wins

• Over  92.5  -117
• Under  92.5  -108

By taking a quick look at the odds, you can estimate the potential profits from successful bets. When the odds display a negative value, it indicates the amount you would need to bet in order to receive $100 in return for a winning bet, for instance, betting $120 at odds of -120. Conversely, if the odds are positive, the value represents the potential profit from a successful $100 bet, like earning $105 at odds of +105.

How the MLB season works

A typical regular season consists of 162 games, but as witnessed in 2020, unexpected circumstances can lead to adjustments. Looking ahead, the intention is for MLB to maintain its customary approach, which implies a season that closely resembles the following:

• Spring training is a period where teams gather in camp to prepare for significant games, and amidst this preparation, they partake in a series of exhibition contests.
• During the regular season, teams engage in a grueling 162-game marathon, fiercely competing to secure victory in their division or secure a wild card spot.
• The postseason commences with the wild card games and concludes with an epic best-of-seven World Series, where the ultimate champion is crowned.

Typically, the regular-season schedule entails a fixed number of matches against specific adversaries, outlined as follows.

• There are a total of 76 division games, with each team playing 19 games against the other four teams in the division.
• There are a total of 66 league games, with teams playing six to seven games against teams from other divisions.
• There will be a total of 20 games played against teams from the opposing league in the interleague.

In 2020, the postseason was temporarily expanded to include 16 teams. There have been suggestions to permanently increase the field to a total of 14 teams. However, at present, the postseason consists of 10 teams: three division winners and two wild card teams from each league. Initially, the wild card teams compete against each other, with the winner progressing to subsequent rounds. Ultimately, the victors of these rounds advance to the World Series as the pennant winners.

How to analyze an MLB team from top to bottom

When analyzing MLB win totals, it is not unusual for those knowledgeable about the game to notice discrepancies in numbers. While trusting your instincts is important, it is crucial to delve deeper. To begin with, consider whether oddsmakers have identified something that you might have overlooked.

Given their expertise, it is highly possible that there is an aspect you have overlooked. To gain a comprehensive understanding, it is beneficial to thoroughly evaluate the team, paying close attention to the following key elements.

• In Major League Baseball, pitching plays a crucial role in achieving success, be it from the rotation or bullpen. It is vital to accurately evaluate the entire pitching staff and their potential performance for the upcoming season.
• Offense: Does this team rely on their power hitters? Do they have a strong lineup with players who excel in getting on base and creating scoring chances, or do they struggle with striking out frequently? Similar to analyzing pitching, it’s important to assess the offensive strengths and weaknesses.
• Defense: Some teams consistently struggle to perform well in this aspect season after season. The outcome of games can easily shift due to poor fielding, so it is important to pay attention to the current defensive situation.
• Having depth is extremely valuable, both in terms of having strong backup players and being able to rely on bench players to deliver in crucial moments. If a team appears to be at risk because of a significant injury or two, it should be seen as a warning sign.
• Management: Whether observing the actions on the field or in the front office, it is crucial to gauge the collective situation accurately. Is the team displaying a strong sense of concentration, or does it seem prone to unnecessary conflicts and drama?
• The teams in the upcoming season can be categorized into two groups: those actively striving for the postseason and those focusing on rebuilding. It’s essential to understand the position of each club before placing any bets.

By investing your time in this exercise, you will gain a significantly improved understanding of the current state of affairs. Teams that you initially believed were strong contenders may reveal surprising weaknesses, while clubs you anticipated to be at the bottom of the league might prove to be unexpectedly competitive. Adopting a complete assessment approach will provide you with a more insightful perspective on the prevailing situation.

MLB win total trends

As previously stated, the way a team approaches the season can provide valuable insight into what lies ahead. A team that has actively pursued improvements during the offseason and aims to increase their chances of success will likely display a renewed emphasis on that aspect. On the other hand, teams that have intentionally traded important assets with a long-term perspective may encounter challenges in their journey ahead.

There are no certainties in either direction, but these clues can serve as reliable evidence as you construct your argument. The same applies to analyzing the historical trends of teams. To illustrate this point, let’s examine the win-loss records of the Yankees and Mets over a five-year period (2015-19).

Season	Yankees	Mets
2019	103-59	86-76
2018	100-62	77-85
2017	91-71	70-92
2016	84-78	87-75
2015	87-75	90-72

The Yankees consistently compete and are frequently seen as strong contenders. Over the past two complete seasons consisting of 162 games each, the team has achieved more than 100 victories. It is anticipated that they will continue to be one of the leading teams in 2021.

Regarding the Mets, they have failed to reach the postseason in the past three complete seasons. However, with some significant recent acquisitions, it is uncertain whether these changes will be able to alter their recent track record.

Handicapping MLB win totals

In order to successfully bet on MLB win totals, thorough research is essential. While we discussed analyzing individual teams earlier, there is a quicker method when evaluating the entire field for potential opportunities. Once sportsbooks reveal the projected win totals, you can employ a simple three-point checklist for each team.

1. How’d they do last season?

Did the clubs make it to the postseason or stay in contention until the end of last season? What was their overall winning percentage? Although each season is independent, analyzing how clubs performed in the previous season can help identify potential strengths and weaknesses.

2. What happened in the off-season?

During the MLB offseason, player movements through trades and free agency can create a dynamic atmosphere. Certain teams adopt an aggressive strategy, aiming to strengthen their roster for a shot at success, while others opt for a different approach and sell off their assets. In between, some teams maintain their current lineup or make strategic adjustments. By observing a club’s actions during the offseason, one can gain insight into its long-term objectives: a pursuit of a playoff berth or a focus on rebuilding for the future.

3. What’s the general consensus?

MLB, being one of the most beloved sports in the US, enjoys extensive media coverage throughout the year. It’s not difficult to come across season previews, which provide a quick glimpse into the general perception of each team. Consider this as a wisdom-of-the-crowds method, where you gather opinions from trusted sources. Ultimately, the decision is yours, but gauging the overall sentiment can be beneficial.

By following these three steps for each of the 30 teams and comparing them to their projected win totals, it is highly likely that you will discover several fascinating prospects worth further investigation. Once you have compiled your list, thoroughly examine each team’s details and you will likely find a few opportunities for potential wagers on win totals.

2021 MLB futures favorites  

Prior to the release of win totals, the odds for various MLB futures will be unveiled. These odds serve as an initial glimpse into the upcoming season from the perspective of oddsmakers. It essentially acts as a valuable research tool that can be relied upon repeatedly to assess the general state of affairs. As we approach 2021, let’s take a look at the leading contenders for three significant bets on the DraftKings Sportsbook app.

• The teams competing in the World Series are the Los Angeles Dodgers, the New York Yankees, and the San Diego Padres.
• The teams that have secured the AL Pennant are the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, and Minnesota Twins.
• The National League Pennant contenders are the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Atlanta Braves.

According to DraftKings, we have identified six clubs that appear to be strong contenders. It is advisable to cross-reference with other sources to reach a consensus, but it is likely that these same clubs will be consistently ranked at the top.

Additionally, let’s delve deeper into the individual divisions. When using the MGM Sportsbook app, here are the leading two contenders in each of the six divisions.

• The NL East consists of the Atlanta Braves and the New York Mets.
• The NL Central consists of the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds.
• The NL West consists of two teams, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the San Diego Padres.
• The AL East consists of the New York Yankees and the Toronto Blue Jays.
• The AL Central consists of the Chicago White Sox and the Minnesota Twins.
• The AL West consists of the Oakland Athletics and the Houston Astros.

With only five teams qualifying for the postseason in both leagues, it is highly likely that the race will primarily involve the top contenders from each division. By conducting a brief analysis of the futures odds when they are released, you will gain valuable insight into the teams that are likely to strive for a spot in the playoffs.

Depending on the benchmark set by sportsbooks, these squads have the potential to be strong over bets. As for the rest of the clubs, it is advisable to initially consider the under option and then construct your argument based on their win total projections.

Is betting on MLB win totals worth it?  

Betting on MLB win totals can provide year-long excitement and offer insight into the upcoming season. A successful prediction can result in a rewarding payout in the future. It is crucial to bear in mind that these types of bets, along with other future wagers, necessitate a long-term outlook.

Until the outcome is determined, futures bets cannot be resolved, thus keeping your funds inaccessible. Ultimately, it all boils down to your viewpoint. The added excitement and potential for future gains may justify the investment, but it is important to note that this type of betting might not be suitable for everyone.