Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. won the 2023 NL MVP honors after a record-setting 40-70 season.
Last season Phillies outfielder Bryce Harper won the MLB NL MVP last season after hitting .309, smashing 35 home runs, and posting an 84 RBI. Will the 29-year-old grab the honors for the second consecutive year, or is it time for another American League player to lift the trophy?
Who Decides the MLB NL MVP Winner?
The Baseball Writers’ Association of America holds a vote to decide the MVP winner for both leagues (National League and American League). Members of the association (baseball journalists for daily newspapers, magazines, and qualifying websites) can only vote for the players who belong to the league in which their own city’s team plays.
Many consider individual player statistics when voting. However, many voters also assess which players have been the “most valuable” to their teams before voting.
MVP ballots feature ten player spots that must be submitted before the postseason. Votes are counted using a straightforward point system. First-place votes are worth 14 points. The following spots on the ballot descend in value from nine points to one.
Many consider individual player statistics when voting. However, many voters also assess which players have been the “most valuable” to their teams before voting.
If you’re thinking of betting on the MLB MVP Award, be aware that local biases and a player’s public image can affect voters’ decisions.
MVP Betting: Past Winners
Phillies superstar Bryce Harper won his second career NL MVP award. Harper belted 35 home runs, drove in 84 runs, and had a BA of .309. In the 60-game 2020 MLB season, Atlanta Braves 1B Freddie Freeman upset his +2500 odds to take home the MLB NL MVP award.
Opening Odds of Past Ten MLB NL MVP Winners
| Year | Player | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Ronald Acuña Jr (Atlanta Braves) | |
| 2022 | Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies) | |
| 2021 | Bryce Harper (Philadelphia Phillies) – the sixth Phillie to win the MVP | |
| 2020 | Freddie Freeman (ATL) | +2500 |
| 2019 | Cody Bellinger (LAD) | +3000 |
| 2018 | Christian Yelich (MIL) | +15000 |
| 2017 | Giancarlo Stanton (MIA) | +4500 |
| 2016 | Kris Bryant (CHC) | +1000 |
| 2015 | Bryce Harper (WAS) | +2000 |
| 2014 | Clayton Kershaw (LAD) | +2000 |
| 2013 | Andrew McCutchen (PIT) | +1500 |
| 2012 | Buster Posey (SFG) | +2500 |
| 2011 | Ryan Braun (MIL) | +800 |
NL MVP Winners: Playing Positions
| Position | Number of MVP Winners |
|---|---|
| Outfield | 34 |
| First Base | 16 |
| Pitcher | 10 |
| Third Base | 10 |
| Catcher | 8 |
| Shortstop | 7 |
| Second Base | 6 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bet on the MLB NL MVP award online?
Yes. Top online MLB betting sites accept MLB NL MVP wagers throughout the season. What's more, you can claim a welcome bonus when opening your new account to enjoy a deposit match reward with your first payment.
Which team has had the most MLB NL MVP winners?
The St. Louis Cardinals have fielded the most MLB NL MVP winners at 17. Behind the Cardinals are the San Francisco Giants with 13 and the Cincinnati Reds with 12.