Time for the American Past Time
This year’s first pitch is a bit of a curve ball in and of itself. The MLB has gone international, and we’re here for it.
Seoul
International Header: Los Angeles Dodgers vs. San Diego Padres
- Date: Wed, March 20 – Thurs, March 21
- Time: 10:05 PM PST | 1:05 AM EST
- Location: Seoul, South Korea
- Watch: Padres.TV, ESPN
The Los Angeles Dodgers and San Diego Padres start the MLB season in Seoul, South Korea. This makes the first official MLB game played in South Korea. It’ll be a two-game series starting March 20, ahead of the traditional MLB Opening Day on March 28. This international series game is not only the MLB’s push towards the globalization of baseball but a real chance for us to get a look at two potential juggernauts of the West this season.
Odds in the Bullpen
Bookmakers typically release odds after considering all the factors that could impact the game. For MLB, this often means waiting until closer to game day when rosters are set, and the status of pitchers is confirmed. It’s not uncommon for odds to be released 24-48 hours before the game for regular-season games.
Discover the best betting sites for MLB selected by Betting.com!
Official Opening Day Schedule
Picture this: It’s March 28, 2024, and thirty teams are setting the stage for another epic season of baseball. Mark your calendars and set your watches to Eastern Time, because your parlay hangs on every pitch.
Here’s the lineup for March 28:
Milwaukee Brewers @ New York Mets | 1:10 p.m.
Los Angeles Angels @ Baltimore Orioles | 3:05 p.m.
Atlanta Braves @ Philadelphia Phillies | 3:05 p.m.
Washington Nationals @ Cincinnati Reds | 4:10 p.m.
San Francisco Giants @ San Diego Padres | 4:10 p.m.
St. Louis Cardinals @ Los Angeles Dodgers | 4:10 p.m.
Toronto Blue Jays @ Tampa Bay Rays | 4:10 p.m.
Minnesota Twins @ Kansas City Royals | 4:10 p.m.
Detroit Tigers @ Chicago White Sox | 4:10 p.m.
Pittsburgh Pirates @ Miami Marlins | 4:10 p.m.
New York Yankees @ Houston Astros | 4:10 p.m.
Chicago Cubs @ Texas Rangers | 7:35 p.m.
Cleveland Guardians @ Oakland Athletics | 10:07 p.m.
Colorado Rockies @ Arizona Diamondbacks | 10:10 p.m.
Boston Red Sox @ Seattle Mariners | 10:10 p.m.
Betting The Opener
MLB Opening Day also marks the last day for your fixed futures. Immediately after the odds begin to move, the teams and season begin to form. Betting ahead of opening day gives you a chance to find the best potential value on your futures odds, particularly if you aren’t being the Dodgers through to the Astros.
The Favorites’ Odds
Here’s the lowdown on the teams favored to go all the way this year:
- Los Angeles Dodgers (+350): The favorites. Bet on them if you believe in the power of the dollar and superstars.
- Atlanta Braves (+450): Hot on the Dodgers’ heels, the Braves are a smart pick if you like a team with grit and 100+ wins last season.
- Houston Astros (+800) and New York Yankees (+1000): Looking for a reach? These teams offer tempting odds, and are more than likely to be competitive come September.
- Baltimore Orioles (+1200) to Toronto Blue Jays (+2000): Feeling adventurous? These teams could turn your bet into a winning lotto ticket.
Odds provided by DraftKings. Valid as of Feb 20.
MLB Betting Tips for Beginners
Remember, betting on MLB is part marathon, part sprint. Keep an eye on team depth, injuries, and those all-important offseason moves. the timing of when to place a bet can be crucial. For instance, if you favor a team and like the initial odds, betting early is recommended as most public bettors lean towards favorites, which can cause the line to move against the favorite as the game approaches. Conversely, if you’re looking to bet on an underdog, you might find better value by waiting and watching the line move. The odds will change as the season unfolds, so stay sharp and bet smart.
- Futures: A season-long bet that tests your third eye. You’re not just betting on a game but on outcomes like who’ll clinch the World Series or their division, and when they’ll be eliminated. Why buy ahead of the season? Picture this: snagging the Astros at +800 before they win their division means more moolah for you when they’re hoisting the trophy.
- Single Game Parlays: Feel like betting on just the international header but still squeezing some crazy odd value out of one game? Think of single-game parlays as your betting buffet. Combine different bet types—like the winner, total runs, and player homers—into one game. It’s riskier, sure, but hit that combo, and you’re in the big leagues of payouts.
- Season Specials: Season specials are like side quests. Bet on things like ‘Will the Mets hit 100 wins?’ or ‘Total no-hitters in the season.’ They add an extra layer of thrill to the entire season’s narrative.
Betting on Baseball
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