By Ryan Bologna
We are under a week away from the MLB trade deadline and rumors are swirling. Big names like Juan Soto are available, and there should be some significant movement before August 2nd. That means there are some good bets to be made. Here are the best bets for some of the biggest names and one bet to stay away from.
Juan Soto: San Diego Padres +200
Some think that Soto will not get traded until the offseason, but the Nationals would never be able to get as much value for him as they would if they trade him before this deadline. The main top contenders seem to be the Padres and the Cardinals. The Dodgers and Yankees are in the Soto as well, but they both would need some things to break the right way for a deal to happen. The Cardinals desperately need starting pitching, so they might pivot in the other direction. Look for the Padres to land Soto in the next couple of days.
Frankie Montas: St. Louis Cardinals +400
As mentioned earlier, the Cardinals have a desperate need for starting pitching. They are likely in on Reds starting pitcher Luis Castillo as well, but nearly every team is aggressively pursuing him. Montas is the second-best starting pitcher on the market and it is a good value bet at the current odds. After missing out on Soto, St. Louis will almost surely land a starting pitcher.
J.D. Martinez: New York Mets +200
Martinez might not get moved at this deadline, but the Mets could use another bat. With an aggressive owner in Steve Cohen, the Mets will be willing to give what it takes to significantly upgrade their roster. Martinez is on an expiring deal, so it shouldn’t take a huge package to get him. The Red Sox currently sit in last place in the American League East. It would be wise for them to sell off some pieces. Look for Cohen and the Mets to take advantage.
Stay Away
Xander Bogaerts
Bogaerts recently said to the media that the Boston front office told him he will not be traded at this deadline. He will likely opt out after the season, but the Red Sox fanbase would be up in arms if he was traded. The odds for him staying in Boston are set at -500. It is not worth even touching this bet.
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