The World Series has finally arrived as the baseball community waits for Game 1 between the Philadelphia Phillies and the Houston Astros. America’s greatest pastime is a game of moments; in the postseason, those moments create heroes.
Some of the greatest players of all time have led their teams to a championship, but very few have been named World Series MVP. Hall of Famers such as Sandy Koufax, Bob Gibson, Robert Clemente, Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt, Derek Jeter, and David Ortiz have all earned the award over the years.
Who will win the 2022 World Series MVP? Let’s look at current betting odds to find WS MVP best bets and make a prediction.
2022 World Series MVP Odds
Our baseline World Series MVP Odds are current as of Monday, Oct. 24, at 1 p.m. ET on FanDuel Sportsbook:
- Yordan Alvarez, OF, Astros (+650)
- Bryce Harper, OF, Phillies (+700)
- Justin Verlander, SP, Astros (+1000)
- Kyle Tucker, OF, Astros (+1000)
- Framber Valdez, SP, Astros (+1100)
- Alex Bregman, 3B, Astros (+1200)
- Kyle Schwarber, OF, Phillies (+1300)
- Jose Altuve, 2B, Astros (+1300)
- Aaron Nola, SP, Phillies (+1700)
- Jeremy Peña, SS, Astros (+1800)
- J.T. Realmuto, C, Phillies (+1800)
- Zack Wheeler, SP, Phillies (+1900)
- Rhys Hoskins, OF, Phillies (+1900)
The Astros are heavily favored to win the World Series over the Phillies, so it makes sense that Houston players fill up the top of the current favorites. That said, there is some good value down the board, especially on whoever is named a Game 1 starter by Philadelphia.
To see the most up-to-date WS MVP futures from our favorite sportsbooks, click the module below and select “MLB Playoffs - World Series - Most Valuable Player":
2022 World Series MVP Favorites
Yordan Alvarez (+650)
It may come as a surprise for a player hitting just .241 this postseason to be the favorite for World Series MVP, but Alvarez is carrying a .371 on-base percentage and slugging .517, all while coming up clutch during the ALDS and ALCS.
The Astros’ slugger capped off an amazing Game 1 comeback over the Seattle Mariners in the Division Series before driving in the game-tying run against the New York Yankees that sent Houston to the World Series.
Alvarez ranked second in the majors during the regular season inOPS (1.019) and slugging percentage (.613) while finishing among the league leaders in batting average (.306) and home runs (37). If anyone is capable of taking over a series, it’s Yordan.
Bryce Harper (+700)
The NLCS MVP must be among the favorites by default, but Harper has been spectacular this postseason. The Phillies superstar is slashing .419/.444/.907 — yes .907 — while riding a 10-game hitting streak.
Harper has already collected seven multi-hit games in the playoffs while driving in five home runs, including the game-winner in Game 5 of the NLCS that sent Philadelphia to the World Series.
If Harper stays hot, it could be the difference maker.
Justin Verlander (+1000)
A Game 1 starter always has the opportunity to compete for the MVP award. So if Verlander can toss two gems during an Astros World Series victory, it would be difficult to deny him.
That said, the future Hall of Famer has not been his unhittable self this postseason. In the ALDS, Verlander allowed six runs on 10 hits over four frames against the Mariners. However, the right-hander did right the ship in the Championship Series when he struck out 11 Yankees over six innings in Game 1.
2022 World Series MVP Contenders
Aaron Nola (+1700) or Zack Wheeler (+1900)
This largely depends on who Philadelphia names as their Game 1 starter.
It was Aaron Nola’s turn in the rotation if Philly were forced to play Game 6 in the NLCS against the Padres, but given how well Wheeler has pitched of late, it may not be a surprise to let him take the ball in Game 1 against Houston.
For the same reasons Verlander is an MVP favorite, these two Philadelphia aces could be given the same opportunity to shine.
Alex Bregman (+1200)
The Astros’ third baseman is batting .333 this postseason with two home runs and a .975 OPS. Bregman has been a consistent contributor that could build a solid series-long resume, capped off by a big moment, to claim the MVP prize.
Kyle Schwarber (+1300)
Schwarber has proven the ability to hit home runs in bunches and has the ability to put the Phillies on his back if things heat up. The slugger slashed .400/.571/.1.000 in the NLCS with three long balls and four RBI.
Jeremy Peña (+1800)
It would seem like a mistake to leave the ALCS MVP out of the conversation. Peña had a fantastic rookie season that was somewhat overshadowed by Julio Rodriguez, but the 25-year-old has undoubtedly claimed the spotlight with his postseason heroics.
The Astros’ shortstop hit his third home run of the postseason in Game 4 of the ALCS, finishing the series batting .353/.353/.824.
2022 World Series MVP Best Bet
Yordan Alvarez: World Series MVP (+650) at FanDuel Sportsbook
Wager: 1 Unit
I expect the Astros to win the World Series, eliminating several intriguing options on the Philadelphia side. After I made that decision, I had to choose Alvarez.
The man might be the best hitter on the planet, batting .321 against lefties and .299 against righties, all while posting a .400+ on-base percentage against both. Moreover, Alvarez is matchup-proof and is capable of striking at any moment.
