Swinging for the Fences: Top 3 Parlay Picks for the 2025 MLB MVP Awards

As the 2025 MLB season looms on the horizon, baseball fans and bettors alike are already buzzing about who will claim the coveted Most Valuable Player awards in the American and National Leagues. With the current date set at February 28, 2025, the offseason has reshaped rosters and narratives, setting the stage for both familiar names and rising stars to shine. For those looking to spice up their predictions with a parlay bet—combining AL and NL MVP picks for a bigger payout—here are three carefully crafted options. From reigning superstars to sleeper candidates, these parlays blend data-driven insights, player potential, and a dash of gut instinct to help you swing for the fences.

Option 1: The Favorites Parlay

• AL MVP: Aaron Judge (+300)
  • Judge won the AL MVP in 2024 with a dominant season (58 HR, 144 RBI, .322 BA, 1.159 OPS), leading the Yankees to the World Series. Despite losing Juan Soto, his consistency (two MVPs in three years) and central role in New York’s lineup make him the early favorite.
• NL MVP: Shohei Ohtani (+185)
  • Ohtani’s historic 2024 (54 HR, 59 SB, first 50-50 season) earned him the NL MVP as a DH. With a potential return to pitching in 2025 for the World Series champion Dodgers, his two-way value could make him unstoppable if he stays healthy.
• Reasoning: This parlay banks on the two reigning MVPs repeating, leveraging their superstar status and track records. It’s the safest bet but offers a lower payout due to their short odds.

Option 2: The Young Stars Parlay

• AL MVP: Bobby Witt Jr. (+450)
  • Witt finished second in 2024 AL MVP voting (.332 BA, 32 HR, 31 SB, Gold Glove), leading the Royals to the playoffs. At 24, his upward trajectory and Soto’s departure from the AL could vault him to the top if Judge falters.
• NL MVP: Elly De La Cruz (+2000)
  • De La Cruz flashed elite potential in 2024 (25 HR, 67 SB, 8th in NL MVP voting). If the Reds compete in the NL Central and he refines his plate discipline, his speed-power combo could make him a dark horse.
• Reasoning: This mix pairs a strong contender (Witt) with a high-upside longshot (De La Cruz). It balances risk and reward, offering a bigger payout if De La Cruz breaks out.

Option 3: The Sleeper Value Parlay

• AL MVP: Julio Rodríguez (+1000)
  • Rodríguez underwhelmed in 2024 (20 HR, .738 OPS) after a stellar 2022 (AL ROY). Still just 24, a bounce-back season with the Mariners could see him reclaim his five-tool stardom, especially if Seattle’s offense improves.
• NL MVP: Fernando Tatis Jr. (+1200)
  • Tatis returned strong in 2024 (.279 BA, 21 HR in 98 games) after injuries and suspension. With the Padres poised to contend and Tatis healthy, he’s a value pick to recapture his 2021 near-MVP form.
• Reasoning: This parlay goes for two former phenoms ready to resurgence. Both have MVP-caliber ceilings, and their longer odds could yield a massive payout if they hit

Notes on Parlays

• Odds Source: Approximate odds are derived from early 2025 MVP betting lines (e.g., BetMGM, DraftKings) as reported in sports betting previews. Exact odds vary by sportsbook, so check your preferred site.
• Payout: Combining two players (one AL, one NL) multiplies their implied probabilities. For example, Judge (+300) and Ohtani (+185) might yield around +855 combined (rough estimate), meaning a $10 bet wins $85.50 profit. Adding more legs increases the payout but also the risk.
• Strategy: Option 1 is conservative, Option 2 mixes reliability with upside, and Option 3 swings for the fences. Choose based on your risk tolerance.

Whether you’re drawn to the chalky reliability of Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani, the youthful promise of Bobby Witt Jr. and Elly De La Cruz, or the high-upside sleeper combo of Julio Rodríguez and Fernando Tatis Jr., these parlays offer something for every type of MLB fan. The beauty of a parlay lies in its risk-reward dance—nailing both picks could turn a modest wager into a windfall, but the odds remind us how unpredictable baseball can be. As spring training unfolds and the season takes shape, keep an eye on these players; their journeys might just define the 2025 MVP races—and your betting slip. Which parlay will you ride with when Opening Day arrives?