Aaron Judge Clinches Third AL MVP in Tight Race

Aaron Judge, MVP Again: The Bronx Bomber Reigns

The American League MVP race came down to a tight finish, but Aaron Judge edged out Cal Raleigh to take home the hardware. While both players had incredible seasons, Judge’s stat sheet was just too stacked to ignore. He led the league in almost every major offensive category, and his impact during the Yankees' early season surge was undeniable. If baseball awarded points for carrying a team on your back, Judge would’ve won by a landslide.

Raleigh, though, made an impressive case. As a catcher with both offensive pop and defensive chops, he helped lead the Mariners to relevance in a tough division. Some fans and even players believe Raleigh deserved the nod, and he did win the Player of the Year from the MLBPA. But Judge’s all-around dominance made it tough to argue. From a betting perspective, Judge’s MVP win wasn’t a big surprise, but it does highlight how valuable position and leadership still are to voters.

WAR Confusion and the Curious Case of Perdomo

Let’s talk WAR, and no, not the kind with tanks. Wins Above Replacement continues to be one of the most confusing yet influential stats in baseball. This year’s poster child for WAR weirdness? Haraldo Perdomo. The Diamondbacks shortstop finished fourth in National League MVP voting, despite being a player who, to the naked eye, didn’t scream MVP. He led the NL in WAR, sure, but he wasn’t hitting bombs or throwing flames off the mound.

This raised eyebrows and sparked debates. How can a guy with modest power numbers and no Cy Young-worthy pitching resume top the charts? That’s the mystery of WAR. It factors in defense, baserunning, and position scarcity, but it’s still not the end-all stat. For bettors, it’s a reminder: WAR is a tool, not a crystal ball. Use it to inform your picks, not make them for you.

Crochet vs. Skubal: The Cy Young Debate

The American League Cy Young race is heating up, and while most expect Tarik Skubal to take the crown, there’s a growing case for Garrett Crochet. Skubal dazzled with league-best metrics and WAR totals, but Crochet faced stiffer competition. He pitched more innings against top-tier offenses and still came out looking elite. That’s like running uphill during a marathon and still finishing first.

If you're a bettor looking at future Cy Young odds, this is the kind of nuance that matters. Crochet’s ability to dominate against the best lineups suggests he’s more than just a one-season wonder. Skubal might win the award, but Crochet’s performance is a warning sign to oddsmakers and bettors: don't sleep on strength of schedule. If you’re looking for value in 2026 futures betting, Crochet might just be your guy.

Paul Skenes and the Pirate Dilemma

Paul Skenes is a superstar in the making and already looks like a lock for the National League Cy Young. But here’s the catch: he plays for the Pirates. And unless Pittsburgh decides to actually spend money (stop laughing), Skenes might be stuck on a team that can't support his ambition to win. The front office insists he’s not for sale, but whispers are growing louder. If Skenes wants out, he may have to be the first pitcher to politely demand a trade without setting fire to the clubhouse.

From a betting angle, Skenes is a must-watch. His starts are must-bet material, especially in strikeout props and win totals (if the offense shows up). But tread lightly on team futures. Unless Pittsburgh makes a surprising offseason splash, don’t expect them to climb the NL Central standings just because of one ace. Skenes is a Ferrari in a parking lot full of mopeds—fun to watch, but not going anywhere fast.

Arbitration Alley and Offseason Buzz

Elsewhere in the league, Nolan Arenado and the Cardinals seem headed for a split. His bat has cooled off, and his OPS has been dropping faster than your fantasy team’s playoff hopes. The Cardinals might have to eat a chunk of salary just to move the future Hall of Famer. Teams won’t line up unless Arenado shows he can play multiple positions or take on a more flexible role—not just third base or bust.

Also worth watching: the Japanese free agent market. Big names like Munetaka Murakami and Kazuma Okamoto are drawing attention. Murakami has raw power but struggles with strikeouts, while Okamoto is more balanced but lacks the same pop. The Mariners and Yankees are in the mix, and either team could land a game-changer. Keep an eye on how odds move if one of these guys signs—especially for team win totals and division futures.

In the bullpen market, names like Edwin Díaz and Devin Williams are the headliners, but savvy GMs (and bettors) might look toward underrated arms like Robert Suarez or Brad Keller. Suarez, in particular, could be a sneaky value pick in reliever props next season, especially if he lands in a high-leverage role with a contender.

Takeaways for Savvy Bettors

• Judge over Raleigh: MVP voters still value overall dominance and narrative. Judge was the safe bet and paid off.
• WAR is helpful, not holy: Haraldo Perdomo’s WAR-led MVP finish proves that this stat alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Use it wisely.
• Crochet’s ceiling: Facing top-tier lineups and thriving? That’s a trend worth betting on in 2026 futures.
• Skenes is elite but stuck: Bet on his individual props, not the Pirates' team success—unless they spend big.
• Offseason watch: Arenado trades, Japanese signings, and bullpen moves could swing early win totals and division odds. Don’t wait too long to pounce.

Remember, baseball never sleeps—and neither should your betting strategy.