Over the past six seasons, the American League has claimed the World Series four times much to the dismay of National League fans.
This season, the National League has never had a better platform to put forward a winner.
Last year's divisional champions have remained strong over the off-season and new contenders have emerged to challenge.
With opening day just around the corner, we preview the National League to reveal our best MLB Betting Picks in the futures markets.
National League Contenders
Los Angeles Dodgers: MLB Odds $4.5
The Dodgers have won every NL West pennant since 2013 and after assessing their 2019 roster, it's hard to imagine that run ending anytime soon.
LA have parted ways with leader Yasmani Grandal and the enigmatic Yasiel Puig amongst others, but the addition of A.J. Pollock will help fill the void left by the departed veterans.
In free agency, Pollock was regarded as the fourth biggest star available. After missing out on Bryce Harper, the Dodgers' front office knew they had to acquire a star to please fans.
Despite being injury prone, Pollock gives the Dodgers a versatile right hand batter that they desperately needed in their lefty-heavy line-up.
Additionally, Corey Seager is very capable of being the MVP calibre player that the Dodgers need in their batting top order.
When he's healthy and playing week-in-week-out, he easily makes up for the talent lost in salary dumps and traffic clearing deals.
The real challenge for the Dodgers starts in the post-season.
They have fallen in the World Series in the past two consecutive years.
The Dodgers' main pitching staff have a history of crumbling under pressure and this year's rotation is notably more inexperienced than in past seasons.
Energetic youth may just prove the formula needed to bring home a title to Los Angeles, however it looks unlikely this season.
The $4.50 odds on offer to win the National League look way too short considering their roster. Pass.
Philadelphia Phillies: MLB Odds $5.50
No team will gain more interest from baseball fans this year than the Phillies.
After the team failed to make the playoffs in 2018, the front office has made swift moves in the off-season to address the issues experienced last year.
Record signing Bryce Harper joins new signings Andrew McCutchen, Jean Segura and J.T. Realmuto in a star-studded line-up. Furthermore, David Robertson is a pivotal bullpen addition.
It's clear there is a changing focus in Philadelphia, with their recruitment strategy aimed at achieving short term success a thing of the past. These stars have been handed the keys to drive forward and make the Phillies a successful long-term World Series contender.
If Philadelphia can navigate the hardest division in baseball and work their way into a playoff position, they will be one of the favourites to win this year's World Series.
Keep a close eye on the start of their campaign, as a few early wins or losses may cause their price to fluctuate sharply.
Aim to capitalise on any rise in value because this team will be flying home late when they click.
The Cardinals are never far away from the playoff picture and the addition of MVP candidate Paul Goldschmidt only adds to their credentials.
Rather than having three or four main stars, the reason behind the Cardinals success has always been a strong team environment built on a deep and consistent roster.
The Cardinals depth in batting offense and pitching allows for the rotation of the team's veterans with youth.
These tactics allow the older players to avoid burnout, whilst providing opportunities for younger players to make key contributions to the team.
Furthermore, with a payroll under $155MM, ownership are afforded the luxury of being able to augment in the case of an injury or late-season trade.
If Goldschmidt delivers to the level that he is capable of, the Cardinals are easily the best team in the NL Central and great value to take on.
Cincinnati Reds: MLB Odds $46
The following selection is for risk takers who are hunting for value.
After having yet another dire season in 2018, the Reds completely overhaulled both their playing roster and front office staff over the off-season.
The Reds revamped their starting rotation with three winter trades, acquiring Alex Wood Sonny Gray and Tanner Roark.
The outfield will also have a new look as left fielder Matt Kemp and right fielder Yasiel Puig signed from the Dodgers.
Big cap space was dumped with the removal of Homer Bailey and Matt Harvey.
Given all four rival teams posted a winning record last season, topping this division will be no easy feat. With a vastly improved rotation however, there is hope for the long suffering Cincinnati fans.
Kemp and Puig should add thump to a line-up that includes a stellar infield comprised of first baseman Joey Votto, Gennett, Suarez and shortstop Jose Peraza.
If the newcomers can perform and live up to expectations, the Reds can push up the ladder efficiently.
MLB Betting Pick - St. Louis Cardinals to win the National League @ $8
MVP Contenders
Nolan Arenado MLB Odds:$6.75
Over recent years, no player has been more unlucky to miss out on an MVP award than Nolan Arenado.
Arenado has had four consecutive years with top six finishes, culminating with a third last year.
The Rockies' third baseman never stops producing.
His batting is outrageous, having led the majors in RBIs twice and total bases once. He's also led the National League in home runs three times, total bases twice, and doubles once.
As for fielding, he’s collected copious honours with six Gold Gloves in six seasons.
Take the $6.75 and enjoy watching one of the best players in the game.
Nolan Arenado making throws from his knees that 99% of people would love to make standing up...
Last year's winner is showing no signs of slowing down. In frightening news for opposing teams, he has reportedly been working with batting coach Andy Haines in the off-season to further improve his swing.
It's hard to imagine how someone can improve on a .326/.402/.598 slash line, but if he does, watch out.
Ronald Acuna Jr. MLB Odds:$26
Acuna played like an MVP in the back-half of last season and his best is still to come.
The 21 year old hit 26 home runs in 111 games.
If he manages to keep his stat lines up to produce a 35 home-run/20 steal full season, he should have enough hype to take home the award.
Mar 27, 2019 07:01 PM
AAP
MLB Betting Pick - St. Louis Cardinals to win the National League @ $8
