Key MLB Betting Storylines for Second Half of 2025 Season

The MLB season’s heating up. One of the most thrilling MVP races in recent memory is captivating fans and bettors everywhere.

After a stellar first half, Yankees superstar Aaron Judge looks like the clear favorite to grab his second straight AL MVP. But Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh’s making things interesting, turning what seemed like a runaway into a real contest. The NL MVP race, Rookie of the Year contenders, and World Series favorites all add more intrigue as sportsbooks scramble to keep up with a season packed with surprises and elite performances.

Aaron Judge’s Dominance Puts Him in the 2025 MVP Driver’s Seat

Fresh off his 2024 AL MVP, Aaron Judge keeps redefining what it means to dominate the diamond. At the All-Star break, the Yankees’ outfielder sports a .355 batting average, 35 home runs, and 81 RBIs.

His MVP odds have shot up to -600 after starting the year at +300. Judge’s power and steady production at the plate have made him the face of baseball this season.

Even sportsbooks are reacting, making him the favorite in another big category: leading the majors in home runs. Judge sits at -140 to finish with the most homers, just trailing the top spot at the break.

Cal Raleigh: The Unexpected Challenger

Judge might be the frontrunner, but Cal Raleigh’s breakout has sparked new life into the MVP race. Raleigh started the year with long +10000 odds but now sits second-best at +325.

The Mariners’ star catcher has launched a league-leading 38 home runs, outpacing Judge in raw power. Bettors noticed early, and now Raleigh’s surge has sportsbooks sweating. Many sharp bettors grabbed him at those long odds, and his continued power could make the race even tighter.

NL MVP Race: Shohei Ohtani Stands Tall… for Now

Over in the National League, Shohei Ohtani’s still in command of the MVP talk at -700. Ohtani’s two-way magic puts him in a class of his own, whether he’s at the plate or on the mound.

The Cubs’ young outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong isn’t out of the picture, though. He’s at +750 and has become BetMGM’s biggest liability after a wave of early bets at longer odds. If Crow-Armstrong catches fire in the second half, could he actually challenge Ohtani?

World Series Favorites: Tigers and Dodgers Lead the Pack

The Dodgers came into the season as heavy favorites and haven’t disappointed. They’re +240 to win the World Series and +140 to take the NL pennant. Their loaded roster and postseason experience make them tough to bet against.

But the real surprise? The Detroit Tigers. They’ve rocketed to the top of the AL pennant race with +250 odds and now share the second-best World Series odds at +700. Detroit’s unexpected surge has made them a risky but popular pick for futures bettors, and sportsbooks are definitely taking notice.

Rookie and Cy Young Races: Stars on the Rise

The NL Rookie of the Year chase is tilting toward Brewers pitcher Jacob Misiorowski, now at -220. His impressive debut has pushed him past early favorite Paul Skenes of the Pirates.

Both rookies have shown flashes, but right now, Misiorowski’s trajectory gives him the edge. The NL Cy Young race looks like a two-man battle—Phillies ace Zack Wheeler leads at -130, with Paul Skenes right behind at -105. Both guys have been lights out, and the award could come down to how they finish the season.

Looking Ahead

The second half of the MLB season is here, and things are about to get even wilder. Major award and postseason races? They’re just heating up.

Aaron Judge keeps dazzling. Cal Raleigh’s on a tear. Shohei Ohtani, somehow, is still doing things we’ve never seen—pitching and hitting at a level that almost feels unfair.

Then there’s the Tigers. Who actually saw them coming? The NL Rookie of the Year and Cy Young races are still wide open, and honestly, it feels like anything could happen.

Baseball fans and bettors, hang on—this ride’s nowhere near finished.

 
Here is the source article for this story: MLB betting: Top storylines for the season’s second half