3 MLB Teams Vegas is Sleeping On (Now is Time to Bet Padres, Cardinals, Guardians)

We're almost halfway through June and the contenders are starting to separate themselves from the pretenders in the MLB playoff picture, but with the expanded wild card this season there are still a few teams that Vegas is sleeping on.

That means there is value for you as a sports bettor before the books wise up and these odds start to move. I found teams that look primed for a big second half, ready to make a splash at the deadline, or waiting on stars to come back from injury.

World Series odds courtesy of WynnBET Sportsbook

Padres +1500

The WynnBET Sportsbook has the Dodgers as the favorites to win the World Series at +425, and yet the Padres sit just a half game back of their NL West rivals. Not to mention, they have done so without Fernando Tatis Jr. in the lineup. Now who knows if and when he will come back from his wrist injury, but Manny Machado has carried San Diego’s offense without him and they will again be a great 1-2 punch at the top of the order. Machado is the favorite to win the NL MVP at +250. 

Joe Musgrove has been easily one of the best pitchers in the NL with the third best odds to win the Cy Young. Sean Manaea, Yu Darvish and Blake Snell help to make up one of the best rotations in the league, while Mackenzie Gore has had an outstanding rookie year on the mound. He was touched up last time out, but other than that has lived up to the hype. 

This is a team that could very realistically have the NL MVP, Cy Young, and Rookie of the Year. That has to mean you are a very real contender.

The last reason I like the Padres at these odds, is that they will get antsy if they are still this close to LA at the deadline. San Diego has been aggressive in free agency and through trades these past few years, but have little to show for it in terms of postseason success. I like them to make a few moves and make some noise in the playoffs after missing out a year ago. 

Cardinals +3000

The St. Louis Cardinals have not had a losing season since 2007. That is unbelievable organizational stability, especially from a smaller market. While the team has not won it all since 2011, they give themselves a chance every single year. 2022 is no different.

The Cardinals just surpassed the Brewers in the NL Central and look to be the favorites to win the division. They have a run differential of +45 while Milwaukee’s is just +5. The first step to winning the World Series is to make the playoffs and St. Louis has an 86.8% chance to make the playoffs according to baseball reference. Baseball reference also gives the team a 5.2% chance of winning the world series. 

Paul Goldschmidt finished sixth in NL MVP voting a year ago and has an OPS over a hundred points higher this year. His offensive output along with Nolan Arenado is an encouraging sign, but perhaps the most encouraging news is the return of Jack Flaherty who will make his 3rd rehab start on Wednesday. 

Guardians +10000

The Guardians essentially have the same formula as San Diego so far this year. One superstar who is carrying the offense and one of the better starting rotations in the majors. Cleveland is 29-27 and just three games behind Minnesota in the AL Central. Jose Ramierez is a massive reason why. He has an OPS of 1.030, leads the team in just about every meaningful offensive category, and the most impressive stat; 16 home runs 17 strikeouts. 

This is the youngest starting lineup in the MLB and if they can get him any help at all, then this team could go on a run. 

The biggest indicator that the Guardians are undervalued is the run differential. Cleveland is at +33 run differential which puts them ahead of teams with much better odds to win the World Series, like the Twins (+2500), Angels (+3500), Phillies (+4000) and head and shoulder above Milwaukee who is +1300. 

The Guardians should not be one of the favorites by any stretch of the imagination, but they have shown to be a much better team than +10000 would indicate.

Follow all of Josh's bets HERE