The MLB 2022 season is finally underway, with the first games being played on Thursday, April 7. The Royals take on the Guardians in the first game of the season, and fans will be eagerly awaiting the umpire calling play. Finally, fans can once again enjoy a 162-game season, with all of their favorite teams and players involved. The Dodgers and Blue Jays are the favorites to win the World Series, but they aren’t the only clubs in contention.
Currently, the Dodgers are favorites to win the World Series, with odds of +500. The Blue Jays, meanwhile, are second favorites with odds of +800. There are an ever increasing number of ways you can bet on the MLB. Lots of sportsbooks, including those reviewed by Time2Play, allow bettors to deposit using PayPal. Below are some of the top predictions for the 2022 MLB season.
Shohei Ohtani Dethrones Mike Trout as best Player
Mike Trout has been the best baseball player in the world for several seasons, and some consider him one of the best ever. Before his injuries, he certainly had a great chance of becoming the MLB’s most valuable hitter ever. His only healthy season since 2017 was the pandemic-shortened 2020, although despite missing 28 games, he still won MVP in 2019.
Trout’s 4.5-month absence due to a calf problem last season is still a mystery, and it must worry Angels supporters about his long-term fitness. Some feel that now, his best playing days could be behind him, with injuries affecting his ability.
On the other hand, Ohtani is coming to the peak of his career, hitting and pitching at an elite level. This is something that MLB fans have never really seen before, and it could be a chance for a new type of player in the modern game. This year, a rule change will allow Ohtani to continue DHing even after he’s finished pitching in a game, potentially making him even more dangerous to the opposition.
Dodgers to Win the World Series
The Dodgers are one of the favorites to win this season’s World Series, and for good reason. The Dodgers’ roster is packed with talent, including Mookie Betts and Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers’ head coach Dave Roberts has even gone on record to say he thinks his side will win the World Series this year. Confidence from coaches and athletes is pretty par for the course, but Roberts is convinced that he has the best roster in the league right now.
It’s hard to argue with Roberts, and the sportsbooks seem to agree too. The nearest competition for the +500 Dodgers are the Blue Jays at +800. Of course, anything can happen throughout the course of the season, and these odds will change a lot over the coming months. Currently, it does seem like the Dodgers have the best chance of success, and they won an impressive 106 games last season.
Still, there are some question marks around this side. Will Cody Bellinger be able to reclaim his position? Is Max Muncy’s elbow in good shape? On the back end, how will Andrew Heaney and Tyler Anderson pitch? What, if anything, will they obtain from Trevor Bauer? The bullpen is deep, but for the first time in a long time, it will be without Kenley Jansen. The star pitcher just signed with the reigning World Series champion Braves this winter.
Seiya Suzuki to Win NL Rookie of the Year
The Cubs are expecting big things from Suzuki, paying him $17 million a year. Fans will be expecting a lot too, and many are predicting Suzuki to shine after a brief transition period. His power will be on display at Wrigley Field this summer, as one scout described him as having a “pretty” right-handed swing, a term generally reserved for left-handed hitters.
