Now that the MLB schedule is into July, baseball bettors can have confidence in the results so far. Which means that the best and worst wagers of the 2018 campaign will likely stay that way as we roll into the All-Star break.
If you’ve been betting on MLB action since the spring or just jumping in the pool now, these are the most profitable plays on the diamond – in terms of units won against the MLB moneylines and the sports bet odds :
Seattle Mariners (55-31 SU, +22.10 units)
The Mariners are the big moneymakers through the first three months of the calendar, keeping pace with the world champion Houston Astros in the American League West. Seattle’s stats won’t blow you away, ranked in the middle of the pack in terms of offense and pitching. However, the M’s are red hot as the schedule hits July, having won eight straight since June 25.
That streak has earned Mariners backers 5.57 units with the club set as a moneyline favorite in each of those eight games, including priced at -200 and above in their three-game set versus Kansas City. Seattle has been especially strong at home, going 29-14 with a 3.35 ERA inside Safeco Field. That’s a big dip from its chunky 4.47 ERA away from home.
Atlanta Braves (49-35 SU, 16.74 units)
After a few years in the National League basement, baseball bettors knew the Braves were eventually going to be good again – given all the young, promising talent in their system. But they didn’t think Atlanta would be this good, this fast. The Braves have shot to the top of a very competitive National League East, leaving the Philadelphia Phillies and Washington Nationals in their wake.
Atlanta is getting the job done at the plate, averaging more than five runs per game and hitting a collective .261 BA which ranks fourth in the majors. On the mound, the Braves staff have kept opposing bats honest, with a 3.73 ERA, despite the bullpen showing some weaknesses so far. Atlanta has stacked the bulk of its profits on the road, getting great return on those visitor moneylines with a 26-18 record away from home. The Braves have an ERA of 3.76 in opposing parks while plating 5.15 runs per road tilt.
Boston Red Sox (59-29 SU, 16.35 units)
The BoSox are the best in the bigs with 59 wins as of the Fourth of July. Boston is perhaps the most balanced team in baseball, leading the major leagues with an average of 5.19 runs and a batting average of .266 while posting a 3.55 collective ERA. The Red Sox are one of the most public teams in the bigs, so those moneylines aren’t offering much in return when up against weaker opponents.
Boston has one of the most reliable bullpens in the American League and a starting rotation that features ace pitchers like Chris Sale, David Price, and Rick Porcello. And you can be sure the Red Sox won’t sit back after the break. As trade talks heat up, expect Boston to add some key components for a run at the World Series.
Milwaukee Brewers (50-35 SU, 13.54 units)
Another surprise team is making money for MLB bettors in the Senior Circuit. Milwaukee was predicted to be respectable at best in the NL Central, but the Brew Crew have leapt past the Chicago Cubs and St. Louis Cardinals for top billing in the division. Much of that success comes from a pitching staff posting a 3.57 ERA on the year along with a relief staff shutting the door with a 3.03 ERA and 22 saves.
One thing baseball bettors should be cautious of are the injuries piling up for the Brewers. Plenty of regular lineup players are missing time and that rash of ailments is starting to bleed over to the pitchers. Milwaukee doesn’t have any time off before the break, so it could be counting down the days until the mid-summer hiatus, so it can lick its wounds.