2016 MLB Home Run Leader Odds

2016 MLB Home Run Leader Odds

Last season Orioles first baseman Chris Davis slugged 47 home runs to win his second home run crown in the past three years. Prior to the start of the season, Davis was listed at +1600 to lead the league in home runs. Those were the fifth shortest odds behind Giancarlo Stanton (+600), Jose Abreu (+800), Edwin Encarnacion (+1200) and Jose Bautista (+1200).

Although the upcoming MLB season won’t start until the beginning of April, several sportsbooks posted odds for the 2016 home run leader. That includes two offshore books (5Dimes, BetOnline) and one Las Vegas book (LV Superbook).

The table below displays the most recent odds from all three sportsbooks and will be updated throughout the offseason as new information becomes available.

Once again Giancarlo Stanton (+800) is expected to lead baseball in home runs, and it’s easy to see why oddsmakers are so optimistic about the Marlins slugger. The 6’5″ outfielder crushed 27 home runs in 74 games last year before suffering season-ending wrist injury. If we forecast those numbers over a full 162-game season, we find that Stanton was on pace to slug 59 home runs last season.

One interesting name to monitor is White Sox first baseman Jose Abreu. In two seasons since defecting from Cuba the 6’3″ righty has displayed prodigious power with 66 home runs and 69 doubles. Those numbers could improve this season with the newly acquired Todd Frazier likely providing protection in the lineup. Over at FanGraphs, the steamers projections have Abreu on pace for 34 home runs — tied for the fourth highest total in baseball. Considering that Abreu is still available at +3300, this could be an excellent value.

Another intriguing option is Rockies third baseman Nolan Arenado. Last season the 24-year old crushed 42 home runs, any many fans were quick to attribute this to the thin air at Coors Field. However, Arenado actually posted more home runs on the road (22) than he did at home (20). Arenado is very young and still hasn’t reached his full potential, which makes him a solid value at +2500.

Which players do you think are offering value? Are any players being undervalued? Please leave your thoughts and comment in the section below.

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David Solar is the Content Manager for Sports Insights and can be reached directly at David@sportsinsights.com