MLB Series Prices | May 31 | Hidden Value

Each Friday I’m going to have a look at the weekend value in MLB series prices. If you’re not sure what MLB series prices are, don’t worry, I’ll touch on them a bit before getting into the weekend action.

I’ve been playing season-long fantasy baseball for decades, and anyone seasoned manager knows their big guns step up on the weekend. I really don’t know how to explain the phenomenon, but guys like Mookie Betts, Jose Ramirez, Bryce Harper & other top stars crush la pelota on the weekends.

If you can read hitter vs. pitcher matchups correctly, as well as probable pitchers, finding valuable plus-money odds on MLB series prices can net huge profits over the long Major League Baseball season. Not only that, it gives you another betting market to target during the dog days of summer. Anything to get the football season here sooner, right?!

Unmasking MLB Series Prices Betting: A Beginner’s Guide

When it comes to betting on Major League Baseball (MLB), the endeavor might appear complex to the novice. Yet, it’s quite the opposite once you understand the basics. One such intriguing aspect is MLB series prices betting.

Essentially, here, you’re placing a wager on which team you think will secure a series win. Most series are 3 games, but you’ll also see some 4 and 2 game series, depending on which league the two teams are in.

Imagine this scenario – the Toronto Blue Jays are hosting the LA Angels in a 3-game set at SkyDome. If you place a wager on the Blue Jays to win the series, that means you’re confident that the Jays will win at least 2 of the 3 games played. There are some other intricacies around MLB series prices, but you get the basic premise.

Odds for MLB series prices will look like this:

LOS ANGELES ANGELS (SERIES) +135

TORONTO BLUE JAYS (SERIES) -155

In this scenario, the Jays are the favorite to win the series. You will have to wager $155 to win $100 if the Blue Jays win 2 or 3 games vs. the Angels over the weekend.

Capitalizing on MLB Series Prices, Lines, & Odds

If the MLB series price is attractive for the team you anticipate will win, it may be worth risking a bet. Sometimes, MLB series price bets can offer better value than individual game wagers.

For example, if a team’s ace is expected to pitch in Game 1, they will likely be the favorites, particularly if playing at home. Instead of paying heavy juice on a moneyline bet, it might be worth considering the series price.

Ultimately, finding value is crucial in MLB series price betting. Here are a few scenarios you might consider:

• When a team fields their top three starters against a team that utilized their best starters in the previous series.
• When underperforming teams have recently improved and are challenging a winning team that is in a slump, especially on their home turf.
• Teams returning from a long road trip who possess a great home record.

The Downside of Betting on Great Teams vs. Bad Teams

You might assume that betting on the best team against the worst is an undeniable strategy. Herein lies the catch – betting on elite clubs consistently isn’t a smart investment. Remember, even the best teams in baseball lose 50 to 60 games a year.

Publicly adored elite teams result in heavy juice, compelling you to invest more to place a bet. It’s sometimes beneficial to wager on underdogs with a winning potential.

The perceived talent gap between teams directly influences the juice you pay. Betting only on the prime clubs against the worst necessitates high rate hits to profit. Like previously stated, it’s crucial to remember that even the basement dwelling teams in the MLB win around 35-40% of their matches.

It’s noteworthy that lower-ranked teams often show an inspired performance against top-tier opponents, potentially pulling off upset victories. Conversely, elite teams may underestimate weaker opponents, leading to surprising outcomes. Teams play to their opponent A LOT!

Smart Picks & The Unknown Risk – MLB Series Prices

When placing a wager, consider potential risks like key players not participating. Owing to a day off or rotation skips, you might find a critical player missing from the action. Although you can list pitchers for an individual game bet, series bets need to be placed in advance. The sudden illness or injury of a projected probable starter poses a challenge.

These considerations aren’t meant to dissuade you from series betting, but rather to inform you about the inherent uncertainties you face. Over the course of a season, pitching changes are bound to happen. Therefore, it’s essential to scrutinize pitching details before placing a bet.

Before we get into MLB series prices for the weekend spanning May 31st – June 2nd, you need to know that understanding and strategically betting on MLB series prices can lead to profitable outcomes. Study the teams, analyze their form, and most importantly, trust your instincts when placing your bet.

It is also important to know the rules for your specific sportsbook. Our affiliate has a couple rules around MLB series prices. They include:

• Any and all baseball series wagers must have all three games played by the end of a specified date for the wager to have action. If all three games are not played by that specified date, all wagers will be graded as NO ACTION, regardless if one team has two wins. All three games must be official by Las Vegas Gaming Standards.
• If we provide a baseball series price for a series that has four games, for grading purposes, the wager is based on the initial three games.

MLB Series Prices for May 31 – June 2

After looking through the MLB series prices for series starting May 31st, value is tough to find this week. Multiple odds for favorites are listed -380 and higher, with 7 series priced over -200 for the favorite. For reference, there are 13 series listed this week.

We’ve looked at pitching probables, overall team health, current performances and other factors to find MLB series prices value.

Minnesota Twins @ Houston Astros MLB Series Prices

MINNESOTA TWINS (SERIES) +135

HOUSTON ASTROS (SERIES) -155

The Houston Astros are not the team they’ve been since their decade long run. I’m not saying they won’t finish 1st in the AL West, and possibly win a playoff series, but in the present moment, they’re missing a couple pieces.

On the flip side, the Minnesota Twins are the scrappy team we’ve come to know and love. They are 15-12 on the road, while the Astros are 14-15 at home.

FanGraphs have Pablo López, Joe Ryan and Simeon Woods Richardson listed as the Twins’ probable pitchers. Houston looks to be sending Ronel Blanco, Framber Valdez and Hunter Brown to the bump.

MLB Series Prices Pick: Twins to win the series at +135

San Diego Padres @ Kansas City Royals MLB Series Prices

SAN DIEGO PADRES (SERIES) -110

KANSAS CITY ROYALS (SERIES) -110

This is the only series listed with even odds. KC probables include Michael Wacha, Alec Marsh and Cole Ragans. SD has Dylan Cease, Joe Musgrove & Michael King listed.

The Kansas City Royals have been one of the biggest surprises of the 2024 season. They are currently 12 games over .500 (35-23), and are a fantastic 21-8 at home. San Diego are 30-29, but do have a respectful road record of 17-10.

I’m a big fan of Cole Ragans, and like him in his Sunday matchup versus Michael King. Nothing against King, but even if this one comes down to a rubber match, my money’s on the Royals to take 2 out of 3 at home vs. the Friars.

MLB Series Prices Pick: Royals to win the series at -110

Other MLB Series Prices to Consider

Like I said, this is a tough weekend so I don’t want to force anything. However, there are a couple series that are worth putting 1/4 or 1/2 a unit on. Do you incorporate a strict bankroll budget into your betting strategy? If you don’t, you need to look at better money management.

Here are some other MLB series prices to consider:

• Miami Marlins (+135) at home vs. the Rangers
• San Francisco Giants (+135) at home vs. the Yankees