Betting MLB Alternate Lines
MLB alternate lines
provide a ton of value. But you better know what you’re getting yourself into.
Key
Points
– The most common
MLB alternate line is flipping the run line in favor of the underdog.
– MLB alternate
lines can be used to take advantage of plus-money odds and larger payouts.
Bettors that find
their niche in betting on baseball should take a look at
betting MLB alternate lines.
An alternate line in
MLB refers to the run line. Typically, sportsbooks offer MLB games with a run
line of 1.5. There are, however, alternate run lines available at different
odds.
Smart bettors check
these MLB alternate lines for situations
where they can find an advantage. Most often, bettors will wager on alternate
lines where the roles are reversed. The underdog faces a run line of -1.5 or a
favorite faces +1.5.
Example
of MLB Alternate Lines
Take an MLB game
between Toronto and Tampa Bay. The Blue Jays are a -130 moneyline favorite.
Toronto -130 -1.5
(+134)
Tampa
Bay +110 +1.5 (-162)
On the run line, the
Blue Jays must win by at least two runs for the bet to win and a $100 wager
wins $134.
The problem is that
when you look at this game you really like Tampa Bay. The pitcher is better,
the Rays are playing at home, and in similar situations they have beaten the
Blue Jays two or more runs several times.
This is where an
alternate run line can be more advantageous. MLB odds can be tricky, but the more you
know, the better.
Hey football fans,
have you placed any futures wagers yet? Check out our article titled, after the 2022 NFL Draft.
When to
Use MLB Alternate Lines
The most obvious
situation in which to use an alternate line when betting MLB games is when you
have a strong feeling on an underdog.
In the example
above, going to the alternate lines is where we can find an advantage on Tampa
Bay.
Tampa
Bay -1.5 (+220)
We can flip the line
to the Rays -1.5 and now the $100 wager will pay out $220. Tampa Bay has to win
by at least two runs, but they have done that numerous times in this particular
situation.
Bettors can choose
from multiple run lines to open up their options as well. For example, bettors
that like a Rays blowout could even go to Tampa Bay -2.5 where the odds are
+370.
EDITOR’S CHOICE: TODAY’S TOP BETTING TRENDS
Longer
Odds Can Provide Value
Another instance
where an alternate line can make sense is when the public is heavily on the
favorite. Consider a team like the New York Yankees with their ace pitcher up
against a small market team, say the Orioles.
Let’s say Baltimore
is red-hot and the Yankees ace isn’t really pitching all that well. Say the
Yankees are a -195 moneyline favorite at your sportsbook. The Yankees run line is -1.5
with odds of -105. The public loves these favorites.
This is a great time
to flip the line in favor of Baltimore. On the alternate line, they’re
-1.5+320. The plus-money odds offer a larger payout when the Orioles continue
their hot streak.
Betting alternate
lines is a great way to get some big payouts. Alternate lines are also
available for MLB totals. Be careful though. Do the research and pick your bets
wisely.
How was your
Kentucky Derby weekend? Get ready for the next leg of the Triple Crown with an online racebook.