2020 American League MVP odds: Judge aims to dethrone Trout
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Mike Trout is chasing history this season as he attempts to become the first player to win four American League MVP Awards.
The Los Angeles Angels outfielder has won the award in three of the last six years and is the overwhelming favorite to do so again in 2020.
Let's have a look at Trout's odds, and those of his closest competitors.
| PLAYER | ODDS |
|---|---|
| Mike Trout | -105 |
| Aaron Judge | +1000 |
| Gleyber Torres | +1600 |
| Francisco Lindor | +1600 |
| Yoan Moncada | +1600 |
| Alex Bregman | +1800 |
| Shohei Ohtani | +1800 |
| Matt Chapman | +1800 |
| Anthony Rendon | +2500 |
| Marcus Semien | +2800 |
| Jose Ramirez | +2800 |
| Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | +2800 |
| Matt Olson | +3000 |
| Austin Meadows | +3300 |
| Gerrit Cole | +3500 |
| Rafael Devers | +3500 |
| Jose Altuve | +3500 |
| Eloy Jimenez | +4000 |
| Gary Sanchez | +5000 |
| Xander Bogaerts | +5000 |
| George Springer | +6000 |
Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels (-105)
Despite being held under 500 at-bats for a third straight season, Trout led all AL hitters in WAR, on-base percentage, slugging, OPS, and AB/HR, and he was second in home runs and walks. You can't question Trout's credentials, but the one thing working against him this season is how improved the Angels are. With a healthy Ohtani and the addition of Rendon, Trout won't have to put the team on his back as he so often does, which may cause some voters to look elsewhere. Of course, the added help will likely boost Trout's counting stats, which could work to cement his name in the record books with a fourth AL MVP.
Aaron Judge, New York Yankees (+1000)
Injuries were again a leading storyline for Judge last season when he was limited to 102 games and failed to finish inside the top 10 of the AL in any major hitting category. He was set to open this season on the wrong foot due to a rib injury, but the delayed start to the campaign could be a blessing in disguise for the Yankees outfielder. A shortened schedule would likely increase Judge's odds of playing the full season. The only other time he managed that was in 2017 when he led the AL in four hitting categories - WAR, runs, home runs, and walks - and finished second in four more - OBP, SLG, OPS, and RBIs - while capturing the Rookie of the Year Award and finishing second in MVP voting behind Jose Altuve.
Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Angels (+1800)
We don't talk about Ohtani nearly enough, but that could change this season. The dual-threat is ready to make an impact at the plate and on the mound in 2020 after recovering from Tommy John surgery. Ohtani's bat was on fire last season when he returned from the injured list, as he contributed with power, speed, and average. He should be ready to join the rotation immediately due to the delayed start, and his unique ability to contribute with both his bat and arm could vault him to the top of the MVP conversation.
Austin Meadows, Tampa Bay Rays (+3300)
Already bet down from a 50-1 open, Meadows is an interesting name to keep an eye on. He got off to a scorching start last season before an IL stint disrupted his rhythm. A former top prospect, the 25-year-old possesses a dangerous mix of power and speed, and has a terrific eye at the plate. Last season's breakout may have been merely the appetizer to this year's main course, with Meadows set to shine in an underrated Rays lineup that should produce runs in bunches this season.
Alex Moretto is a sports betting writer for theScore. A journalism graduate from Guelph-Humber University, he has worked in sports media for over a decade. He will bet on anything from the Super Bowl to amateur soccer, is too impatient for futures, and will never trust a kicker. Find him on Twitter @alexjmoretto.