2023 MLB best bets: MLB futures odds including Cy Young pick

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With the All-Star break ending, it's an ideal time to discuss upcoming 2023 MLB best bets for the second half of the season. Futures bets on Cy Young odds and other top 2023 baseball odds are available top sportsbooks.

Just peruse them for the prices and 2023 MLB best bets that fit your taste. We’ll help you get started with a look at some attractive MLB futures odds for the second half of the season.

2023 MLB best bets: Top futures odds for second-half of season

Remember, futures bets are typically — not always, but typically — longer the further out from the event. So, for instance, World Series, and league and division-title odds were longer in December than they are now. But they’re still longer now than they’ll be in September.

July is a fun time to identify values on team-related futures wagers. With the trade deadline looming, contenders have a golden opportunity to add to their roster and elevate their chances of a postseason berth.

2023 MLB best bets: Yankees to win American League (+800 or better)

The Yankees do not reside atop MLB futures odds tables, but there are factors to consider when considering their World Series and American League championship betting odds.

For one, the Yankees play in MLB’s toughest division. Put any American League East team in the AL Central, for example, and you’re talking about the likely division winner. There’s nothing that can be done about that, and if it means the Yankees need to navigate the wild card round, so be it.

That’s why bettors can get such friendly odds at this time.

Another consideration is the absence of Aaron Judge, the team’s offensive anchor. The team naturally struggles in his stead, and reports of his prognosis are vague. The expectation, however, remains that he will return in 2023. Now, there’s a significant caveat here: if you don’t believe Judge will return or return to a high level, don’t back the Yankees here.

There are hypothetical-but-reasonable circumstances under which +800 betting odds or better are appealing.

2023 baseball odds: Guardians claim American League Central (+190 or better)

Winning the American League Central appears as if it will be the Guardians’ lone ticket to the postseason. There’s a silver lining to that narrow runway: the AL Central is the game’s weakest division.

And to be transparent, this wager is more about the relative weakness of the division than it is bullishness on behalf of the Guardians.

The Guardians are nipping at the heels of the Twins and will likely jockey shoulder-to-shoulder for the division’s top seed for the remainder of the season. If the first half of MLB action is any indication, it will be a tall task for either team to leave the other deep in the rearview.

Cleveland doesn’t do anything spectacular — they don’t feature a powerful offense or dominant pitching rotation. They do, however, have a knack for remaining within striking distance on a nightly basis. In a division that may be decided by a mere game or two, that could be enough to prevail.

Best 2023 MLB player props: Consider Spencer Strider in Cy Young odds betting

Shohei Ohtani and Ronald Acuna Jr. are racing toward their respective league’s MVP awards. It’s not going to pay for bettors to wager on the odds for Ohtani or Acuna to be named MVP. However, there’s not an attractive dark horse to feature as a sleeper. Instead, bettors eyeing MLB player prop bets can turn their attention to 2023 MLB Cy Young odds.

Favorites for the NL Cy Young start with Zac Gallen while Clayton Kershaw and Spencer Strider round out the top three. Strider has the most eye-popping numbers and leads the NL-best Braves. If Atlanta continues on with their torrid regular-season form, it won’t be a surprise to see a number of Braves earn end-of-season accolades, and that certainly includes Strider.

Bettors seeking even more profitable odds shouldn’t snooze on guys like Jesus Luzardo, Zack Wheeler, and even Blake Snell.

The AL Cy Young race is a bit tighter at the top. Framber Valdez, Kevin Gausman, and Gerrit Cole own the shortest odds. And each is in position to lead his team into postseason play over the second half. Playing in October isn’t a prerequisite for earning Cy honors, but it doesn’t hurt.

Shane McClanahan and Ohtani have had shorter odds in previous weeks and months, but injury is clouding their near-term outlooks. McClanahan (back) hit the injured list and needs to recover and return before resuming a Cy Young chase. Ohtani (blister), meanwhile, will miss a little mound time as well.

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Craig Williams is a Charlotte-based content creator for Catena Media, who focuses on betting content and analysis. He draws from his professional experience that spans the gaming, fantasy, and sports business industries. Craig is an avid fan of basketball, baseball, football, and soccer, though don’t try to pin him down on a favorite — the No. 1 spot is rented, not owned.