MLB AL Comeback Player of the Year: Futures Betting Guide
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
MLB Awards futures present an excellent opportunity for bettors to find value and capitalize on player narratives. The AL Comeback Player of the Year award is one of the most intriguing betting markets, with several star players vying for recognition. This season, three names stand out in the race: Shane McClanahan, Jacob deGrom, and Mike Trout. Each brings a unique storyline and potential betting value. Let’s break down the odds, expectations, and best wagers for the award.
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Shane McClanahan: The Safe but Strong Pick
Tampa Bay Rays’ ace Shane McClanahan is a top contender for the award, and for good reason. His return from Tommy John surgery positions him as a player with a high ceiling. Unlike Sandy Alcántara, who pitched the entire 2023 season, McClanahan only managed 21 starts before injury shut him down. This extra recovery time makes him a more intriguing bounce-back candidate.
Another key factor is Tampa Bay’s six-man rotation, which gives McClanahan additional rest between starts. Plus, with Pete Fairbanks anchoring the bullpen, the Rays have strong “win equity"—meaning McClanahan doesn’t need to go deep into games to rack up victories. His current odds sit at +350, a solid value bet that could pay off if he stays healthy.
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Jacob deGrom: A High-Risk, High-Reward Option
Few pitchers have dominated baseball like Jacob deGrom did in his prime. However, injuries have kept him out of the spotlight for much of the last few seasons. Now with the Texas Rangers, deGrom has the opportunity to lead the rotation following the departure of Max Scherzer.
His odds to win AL Comeback Player of the Year are around +400, which offers a tempting payout. The biggest concern? Durability. The Rangers need him to be the ace again, but after a long injury history, can he return to Cy Young form? The public recognition and narrative factor work in his favor, making him a strong speculative play for bettors looking to take a chance on a big comeback story.
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Mike Trout: The Tempting but Risky Bet
When it comes to name recognition, few in baseball rival Mike Trout. The three-time AL MVP has battled injuries in recent years, making him a prime candidate for a comeback. But there’s a major caveat: health concerns.
With the Angels adding power hitter Jorge Soler behind him, Trout could benefit from more lineup protection. If he stays in the No. 2 or No. 3 spot, he will get plenty of RBI opportunities. However, the biggest red flag remains the number of games he can stay on the field. At +500 odds, Trout is a high-risk, high-reward option. If you’re willing to take the gamble, the payout could be massive.
Best Bet for AL Comeback Player of the Year
Given the factors at play, McClanahan and deGrom offer the best betting value. If you prefer a safer, more strategic bet, McClanahan at +350 is a smart pick due to his team’s structure and “win equity." If you want a bigger payout with more risk, deGrom at +400 is an intriguing play given his history as one of baseball’s best pitchers.
Final Betting Strategy: Shop the Odds
Odds for these players will fluctuate throughout the season. Savvy bettors should compare odds across multiple sportsbooks and look for opportunities to hedge bets as the season unfolds. AL Comeback Player of the Year is a media-driven award, meaning the narrative around these players will shift with performance and public perception. Keeping an eye on health updates and player performance trends will help maximize potential payouts.
Where would you place your early wager? McClanahan’s steady outlook or deGrom’s comeback storyline? Either way, the AL Comeback Player of the Year race is shaping up to be an exciting market for MLB bettors.
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