⚾ MLB Best Futures Bets Before Opening Day: Picks & Odds for 2026 Season
📡 SBR Edge: MLB best future bets for the 2026 season
The slate is clean, the new season is here, and the first pitch is about to be thrown. It's a perfect time to invest in year-long bets and watch as the fun unfolds along the way. This year I'm targeting Bobby Witt Jr., Kazuma Okamoto, and the Philadelphia Phillies as three bets you need to make before the season officially begins.
⚾ MLB best futures bets 2026: Picks from Dustin Saracini
See all of our experts’ MLB picks based on the latest MLB odds.
| ⚾ Pick (FanDuel) | 💵 Units | 📝 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bobby Witt Jr. AL MVP (+450) | .2u → 1.1u | 90th percentile in xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, and average exit velocity |
| Kazuma Okamoto AL ROY (+450) | .2u → 1.1u | Opportunity for everyday reps as Toronto's third baseman. |
| Phillies World Series champs (+1500) | .2u → 3.2u | Blend of value and talent. It's the Phillies' year. |
Total wagered: .6u units | Max profit: 5.4 units
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💰 My best MLB futures play for the 2026 MLB season
Bobby Witt Jr. to win AL MVP (+450)
Bobby Witt Jr. looked like the best player on Team USA's roster during the WBC, using his speed to create chaos on the base paths while playing flawless defense at shortstop. If the Royals end up contending in the AL Central, his true five-tool profile makes him a natural candidate to take over the MVP spotlight. A 30-30 season would be a strong start to his MVP campaign.
Last season, he ranked in the 90th percentile in xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, and average exit velocity, while pairing elite defense and speed at a premium position. He's my top pick to unseat Aaron Judge from the throne. The Royals superstar was right behind "the Captain" in fWAR in 2024-25, so why not take the leap ahead in 2026? Don't shy away from clicking his name on the AL MVP odds board.
📡 Bonus futures bet to make: Kazuma Okamoto for AL ROY (+450)
Okamoto is expected to take over as the everyday third baseman for the Blue Jays, which would allow Toronto to shift Barger into the outfield or a utility role. While adjusting to MLB pitching always carries some risk, his swing-and-miss concerns improved notably in his final season in Japan, and Okamoto is widely viewed as one of the most MLB-ready hitters to come out of Japan in recent years. At +450, you have to wager it on the AL Rookie of the Year odds board.
🔥 Best World Series bet to make today
Philadelphia Phillies (+1500)
The Philadelphia Phillies are always on my radar when it comes to World Series odds. Year after year, they offer that ideal mix of talent and betting value - yet consistently fall short early in the playoffs. At some point, that has to change, right? Why not in 2026?
At +1500 odds on FanDuel, there may not be a better wager available right now. With a top-10 pitching staff (3.73 ERA, ninth in MLB last year) and an offense that ranks among the league’s top five, the Phillies check all the boxes. I’m buying in once again before Opening Day.
💡 How I'm betting MLB futures this year
Follow all of our MLB analysis and expert predictions for baseball season.
Betting MLB futures is always about taking your time and extracting value from the thousands of bets you can make throughout the season. Yes, they are all long shots (for the most part), but that's why you need to allocate your bankroll accordingly. I usually don't wager more than .2u on any given futures bet, but might dip into a full unit once the season gets going, and I have a better idea of the landscape. Remember to always keep bankroll management front of mind.
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