The calendar has flipped to March which signals extension time in Major League Baseball and Spotrac examined 10 pre-arbitration or arbitration-eligible players that could be considered for long term deals before Opening Day and beyond.

Note:  These extensions typically include Club options, or Player opt-outs in certain situations . Predictions are only an estimate of potential guarantees and do not account for additional option years or opt-out scenarios.

RELATED: 
MLB Pre-Arbitration Extensions
MLB Arbitration Extensions

Jackson Merrill (OF - SDP)

Merrill blew away expectations in his first season, leading all rookies in hits (162), extra-base hits (61), RBIs (90), batting average (.292) and slugging percentage (.500). He became only the 16th rookie to win a Silver Slugger (since 1980) and finished 9th in MVP voting as a 21-year-old. The most impressive part? He did it while switching from shortstop to centerfield, a position he had never played professionally. We later discovered that San Diego had engaged in extension talks before Merrill debuted but nothing materialized. The baseline for a deal at that point might have been similar to the 8 year, $82 million extension Jackson Chourio signed prior to his first game. Now a Merrill extension could land somewhere between Corbin Carroll (8 year, $13.875M AAV) and Julio Rodriguez (12 year, $17.4M+ AAV). Perhaps the ownership battle complicates any short term spending but we know the Padres will commit to cornerstone players as we saw with Fernando Tatis Jr. (14 years, $340M).

Prediction:  7 years, $119M ($17M+ AAV); through age 28 season buying out two UFA years

Adley Rutschman (C - BAL)

This could easily have been Gunnar Henderson but it might already be too late for an extension on the heels of his 9 WAR season. Instead, Baltimore could try to lock up a different core piece in backstop Adley Rutschman. The former 1st overall pick will make $5.5M in 2025 and is on pace to earn an additional $20M across his final two years of arbitration. Negotiations will get increasingly difficult as Rutschman inches towards free agency in 2027 so the Orioles should move quickly if they have any hope of an extension. The organization has not made a long term commitment to a player under team control since Adam Jones in 2013 but there’s optimism the new ownership group could take a different approach with their top young players. Top prospect (C) Samuel Basallo is ready to contribute but likely shifts to 1B/DH at some point making him less of a long term replacement option for Rutschman.

Prediction:  6 years, $90M ($15M AAV); through age 32 season buying out three UFA years

Justin Steele (SP - CHC)

Steele received Cy Young votes after a breakout 2023 season and finished 2024 in similar form despite an early season hamstring injury suffered in the Cubs first game. In fact, his 2.65 ERA from June onward was on par with eventual Cy Young winners Chris Sale (2.53) and Tarik Sukbal (2.59) in that same period. With three full seasons until free agency, Steele might be incentivized to sign an extension and avoid hitting the market at age 32. His 2025 salary ($6.55M) is an obvious bargain for Chicago but that value will jump significantly in the final two years of team control. For example, Framber Valdez made $6.8M as a second year Super Two and $30.1M over the next two seasons. Steele has been with the organization since 2014 and the Cubs could view him as the piece to build around with Jameson Taillon, Shota Imanaga and Matt Boyd all likely off the payroll after 2026. A long term agreement could land near the 7 year, $131 extension Jose Berrios signed in 2022.

Prediction:  6 years / $105M (17.5 AAV); through age 34 season buying out three UFA years

Elly De La Cruz (SS - CIN)

Over a decade has passed since Joey Votto signed a 10 year, $225M contract with Cincinnati but there is at least precedent for a huge commitment to a cornerstone player within the organization. De La Cruz could be next after producing the Reds best offensive season (6.4 WAR) since 2015 but they would need to move fast before another MVP-caliber season skyrockets the value. But there is reason for optimism on a long term extension. De La Cruz signed a deal with the firm Big League Advantage (BLA) in 2018 and received a loan in exchange for 10% of his future earnings. Why is that important? Despite a relatively small footprint in MLB, several BLA players have already signed significant early career extensions including Fernando Tatis Jr., Keibert Ruiz, Brayan Bello, Ceddanne Rafaela and Christopher Sanchez. Perhaps De La Cruz receives similar guidance and seeks an early guarantee which could potentially land anywhere between Wander Franco (11 years, $182M) and Bobby Witt Jr. (11 years, $288M+)

Prediction:  11 years, $275M ($25M AAV); through age 33 season buying out six UFA years

Mason Miller (RP - ATH)

This seemed unthinkable as recently as November but the Athletics finally added payroll this offseason after years of relative inactivity. They signed Luis Severino via free agency but the 5 year, $60M arbitration extension for Brent Rooker is more important for this specific conversation considering it was the organization’s first long term agreement with a player under control since Trevor Cahill in 2011. We know they won’t fundamentally change how they handle cost controlled players but the A’s could utilize an expanded payroll to target situations that might produce long term savings. That would be the thought process with Miller, who established himself as perhaps the most dominant closer in MLB last year leading all qualified relievers in strikeout rate (41.8%) and K/9 (14.4). His pre-arbitration salary is a huge value this year but the next four seasons will get expensive. Miller will qualify for arbitration as a Super Two starting in 2026 and Josh Hader made $35.875M across his four arbitration seasons despite some early career usage detractors. He should have no issue clearing that total assuming health and similar results.

Prediction:  6 years, $45M (7.5M AAV); through age 31 season buying out one UFA year

Riley Greene (OF - DET)

The former 5th overall pick largely underwhelmed across his first two seasons but got on track last year ranking 20th in WRC+ (135) among all hitters. Detroit already signed Colt Keith through at least 2029 and could continue focusing on internal extensions after missing out on top free agents in recent off seasons. Riley is eligible for arbitration next year and free agency in 2029 but the Tigers could extend him now to ensure he’s part of the long term core as they keep building towards a potential Max Clark in 2027.

Prediction:  7 years, $92M ($13.1M+ AAV); through age 30 season buying out three UFA years

Gabriel Moreno (C - ARI) 

We know the Diamondbacks are open to these extensions, having signed Corbin Carroll in 2023 and Geraldo Perdomo earlier this offseason, and they could be searching for additional cost certainty amidst their highest ever payrolls in 2024 and 2025. Moreno is the next best candidate following an impressive but not expensive start to his young career. He provides above average offense and Gold Glove defense but lacks the counting stats that command high arbitration salaries making it more likely he’d prioritize an immediate guarantee rather than risk taking it year-to-year. Moreno could realistically target a deal approaching the 6 year, $73M extension Sean Murphy signed in his first year of arbitration.

Prediction:  7 years, $84M ($12M AAV); through age 31 season buying out three UFA years

Roman Anthony (OF - BOS)

This is a long shot but not unrealistic considering the low service time extensions signed by premium prospects in recent years. We saw Boston take this approach last April signing Ceddanne Rafaela to an 8 year, $50M extension following just 28 games in 2023 and they should consider something similar with Anthony who is the consensus top position prospect in baseball. Prospect Promotion Incentive could also factor in here and the Red Sox know how valuable those picks can be having drafted Roman Anthony with compensation from Eduardo Rodriguez.

Prediction:  8 years, $85M ($10.625 AAV); through age 28 season buying out two UFA years

Cade Smith (RP - CLE)

Cleveland extended Emmanuel Clase after a breakout rookie season but before establishing himself as one of the elite closers in MLB. They could try something similar with Cade Smith who showed comparable upside in his first full season. Think of Mason Miller but without the saves driving up his cost, although Smith could be a 9th inning option if Cleveland makes Clase available ahead of increasing Club option salaries in 2026/2027.

Prediction: 5 years, $15M ($3M AAV); through age 30 season buying out remaining years of Club control

Wyatt Langford (OF - TEX)

The Rangers have shown they’re willing to spend in free agency but that strategy is difficult to sustain long term. At some point they’ll need to lock in some cost controlled savings and that should start with an extension for the former 4th overall pick. His five tool profile has superstar potential and Texas likely saw enough in his first full season to at least discuss a long term extension before he starts earning MVP votes.

Prediction:  8 years, $100M ($12.5M AAV); through age 30 season buying out three UFA years

17 MLB players exchanged numbers at the January 9th deadline. Spotrac details the results of each case as we conclude the 2025 MLB arbitration period.

RELATED: 2025 Arbitration Tracker

Kyle Tucker (OF, CHC)

Avoided Arbitration;  1 yr / $16,500,000

Player Filed: $17,500,000 /  Team Filed: $15,000,000 / Difference: $2,500,000

Tucker was traded to Chicago entering his final year of team control. The two sides commenced their relationship by exchanging salary figures but ultimately avoided arbitration on a one year deal. That’s a rare result in the ‘file and trial’ era as most of these go to a hearing or get settled as extensions. Players and teams have swapped salaries 73 times over the last three seasons with only Tucker and Gleyber Torres agreeing on one year contracts. The gap between these filings was the largest since 2023 when Tucker (with Houston) and Bo Bichette both filed $7.5M against $5M. The Cubs last arbitration hearing was in 2021 when they lost to Ian Happ.

Nathaniel Lowe (1B, TEX)

LOST ARBITRATION HEARING; 1 yr, $10,300,000

Player Filed: $11,100,000 /  Team Filed: $10,300,000 / Difference: $800,000

Washington traded for Lowe this offseason and welcomed him with an arbitration hearing which was their first since 2019. That might be unimportant but it could be an early indication of his inevitable free agency in 2027. Either way, Lowe is due for a sizable raise from the $7.5M he took home last season. His 2025 salary ranks 5th highest among first baseman with similar service time behind only Vlad Guerrero Jr., Pete Alonso, Jose Abreu and Chris Davis. 

Michael King (SP, SD)

Avoided Arbitration + Mutual option;  1 yr / $7,750,000

2025: $4M ($1M base + $3M signing bonus)
2026: $15M Mutual option ($3.75M buyout)

Player Filed: $8,800,000 / Team Filed: $7,325,000 / Difference: $1,475,000

The unique structure of this saves the Padres some cash in 2025 as they attempt to contend while evening out the payroll. The Mutual option is a technicality so consider this a one year guarantee. King will earn $4M this year ($1M base / $3M signing bonus) and the balance will pay via buyout ($3.75M) once the option is officially declined. It has now been over a decade since the Padres last hearing with Andrew Cashner in 2014.

William Contreras (C, MIL)

Avoided Arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / $6,100,000

2025: $6M
2026: $12M Club option ($100k buyout)

Player Filed: $6,500,000 / Team Filed: $5,600,000 / Difference: $900,000

Contreras is in uncharted arbitration territory at the position. His guarantee is the highest ARB1 (non Super Two) salary for a catcher and 8th including all batters. The Club option value is his 2026 ceiling so Contreras might need a third straight MVP caliber season to make that relevant. Otherwise, Milwaukee won’t hesitate to decline the option and reestablish his value in arbitration as they did with Devin Williams this year.

Luis Rengifo (3B, LAA)

WON Arbitration Hearing: 1 yr / $5,950,000

2025: $5,950,000
2026: UFA

Player Filed: $5,950,000 / Team Filed: $5,800,000 / Difference: $150,000

Rengifo beat the Angels for the second time in three years bringing his arbitration earnings total to $13.65M. He was on pace for multiple career highs (AVG, R, RBI, SB) before a July wrist injury forced season-ending surgery. His shifting role as a super utility almost certainly cost him money throughout the process but we’ll get a better idea of his true value once he hits free agency next offseason.

Jarren Duran (OF, BOS)

Avoided arbitration + Club option; 1 yr / $3,850,000

2025: $3.75M
2026: $8M Club option ($100k buyout)

Player Filed: $4,000,000 / Team Filed: $3,500,000 / Difference: $500,000

His 2025 salary ranks 5th among first year Super Two outfielders behind only Bellinger ($11.5M) Soto ($8.5M) Arozarena ($4.5M) and Springer ($3.9M). It puts Duran on pace for a 2026 arbitration value in the range of $7-9M. The Club option can escalate from $8M to $12M based on MVP voting although a 25-50% increase could inflate the price beyond his ceiling arbitration comps. Boston is basically protected from an outlier season in either direction. They can decline if the option value jumps too much OR Duran underperforms.

Jorge Mateo (SS, BAL)

Avoided arbitration + Club option; 1 yr / $3,550,000

2025: $3.55M
2026: $5.5M Club option ($500k incentives)

Player Filed: $4,000,000 / Team Filed: $3,100,000 / Difference: $900,000

Mateo has stuck on this roster despite the Orioles pipeline of younger talent. It’s evidence they value his versatility (2B,SS,OF) which is hard to replicate at a similar cost. Baltimore also added an extra year of team control which is a similar strategy used last offseason with Ryan O’Hearn who is now back on a Club option. Baltimore had the most eligible players (12) but successfully avoided arbitration with that entire group.

Brendan Donovan (OF, STL)

LOST Arbitration Hearing; 1 yr / $2,850,000

Player Filed: $3,300,000 /  Team Filed: $2,850,000 / Difference: $450,000

They received opposite rulings but Donovan will earn just $100k less than teammate Lars Nootbaar. His ARB1 salary slots between previous super utility players Luis Rengifo ($2.3M) and Tommy Edman ($4.2M) which puts Donovan on pace to make around $12M total across the next two seasons. The Cardinals lost their other two cases that went to hearings.

Lars Nootbaar (OF, STL)

WON ARBITRATION HEARING; 1 yr / $2,950,000

Player Filed: $2,950,000 /  Team Filed: $2,450,000 / Difference: $500,000

Nootbaar received a fortunate ruling in his first trip through arbitration. He’s productive when he plays but has struggled with injuries through his first four seasons. His ARB1 salary slots just behind outfielders Matt Vierling ($3.005M) and Brandon Marsh ($3M) who avoided arbitration earlier this offseason.

Alex Vesia (RP, LAD)

Avoided arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / 2,300,000

2025: $2.25M
2026: $3.55M Club option ($50k buyout)

Player Filed: $2,350,000 / Team Filed: $2,050,000 / Difference: $300,000

This guarantee is just under their ask but the Club option will cost Vesia his final year of arbitration eligibility.  The Dodgers have avoided arbitration with all eligible players for the fifth consecutive season. Their last hearings were with Joc Pederson and Pedro Baez in 2020.

Andre Pallante (SP, STL)

WON ARBITRATION SETTLEMENT; 1 yr, $2,100,000

Player Filed: $2,100,000 /  Team Filed: $1,925,000 / Difference: $175,000

This arbitration class had 85 players in their first year of eligibility with 27 of those qualifying for Super Two Status. Pallante was the lone Super Two case that went to an arbitration hearing. His $2.1M salary will fall just below fellow Super Two pitchers Ben Lively ($2.25M) and Bailey Falter ($2.222M) who had previously avoided arbitration.

Mark Leiter Jr. (RP, NYY)

LOST Arbitration Hearing;  1 yr / $2,050,000

Player Filed: $2,500,000 / Team Filed: $2,050,000 / Difference: $450,000

Leiter Jr. (34) was the oldest player to exchange numbers at the deadline. Unfortunately his arbitration earning potential is limited by overall role and usage which translates to more Holds than Saves. This was the Yankees first hearing since Dellin Betances in 2017.

Mickey Moniak (OF, LAA)

WON Arbitration Hearing; $2,000,000

Player Filed: $2,000,000 / Team Filed: $1,500,000 / Difference: $500,000

Moniak won despite a significant step back (79 wRC+) from his breakout 2023 season. The higher starting point in his first year of arbitration might not impact future earnings if he’s limited to a fourth outfielder role this season but it’s a sizable raise nonetheless. The Angels have had at least one arbitration each of the last three seasons.

Dennis Santana (RP, PIT)

LOST Arbitration Hearing; $1,400,000

Player Filed: $2,100,000 / Team Filed: $1,400,000 / Difference: $700,000

Santana was DFA’d by the Yankees after a disastrous start but the Pirates claimed him and a pitch mix change helped unlock a promising second half. But that stretch wasn’t enough to overcome his otherwise inconsistent career and the arbitration panel sided with Pittsburgh. Santana needs to replicate those results over a full season to build a stronger case heading into his final year of arbitration eligibility in 2026. 

Taylor Walls (SS, TBR)

Avoided arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / $1,400,000

2025: $1.35M
2026: $2.45M Club option ($50k buyout)

Player Filed: $1,575,000 / Team Filed: $1,300,000 / Difference: $275,000

Walls’ deal correlates with newly acquired free agent Ha-Seong Kim. The former will start 2025 at shortstop while the latter recovers from offseason shoulder surgery but Kim has a 2026 Player option that could affect how the Rays handle their Club option with Walls. Either way he’s under team control through 2027. Tampa Bay had been to six hearings over the prior two seasons but successfully avoided arbitration with this year's group of players.

Jose Quijada (RP, LAA)

Avoided arbitration + Club option;  1 yr / $1,075,000

2025: $1.075M
2026: $3.75M Club option

Player Filed: $1,140,000 / Team Filed: $975,000 / Difference: $165,000

This agreement lands just above the midpoint but gives the Angels control over his final year of arbitration eligibility. That might not matter here considering the price of the 2026 Club option. Quijada missed the start of 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery but the lefty reliever should serve a more prominent role in 2025.

Johan Oviedo (SP, PIT)

LOST Arbitration Hearing; $850,000

Player Filed: $1,150,000 / Team Filed: $850,000 / Difference: $300,000

Oviedo missed the entire 2024 season (Tommy John surgery) and his 2025 role remains uncertain so this outcome isn’t too surprising. He’s under control for two more years and can reestablish his value with a return to pre-injury form. The Pirates have now won all four of their arbitration hearings since 2015.

Thursday (1pm ET) was the deadline for arbitration-eligible players and teams to agree on a 2025 contract before exchanging salary figures.

A majority of the 201 eligible players agreed to terms but 17 did not and subsequently exchanged salaries. The two sides can continue negotiations after the salary exchange deadline.

RELATED: 2025 Arbitration Salary Tracker

17 Arbitration Filings

CHC - Kyle Tucker (OF)
Player Filed: $17,500,000 /  Team Filed: $15,000,000 / Difference: $2,500,000

WSH - Nathaniel Lowe (1B)
Player Filed: $11,100,000 / Team Filed: $10,300,000 / Difference: $800,000

SDP - Michael King (SP)
Player Filed: $8,800,000 / Team Filed: $7,325,000 / Difference: $1,475,000

MIL - William Contreras (C)
Player Filed: $6,500,000 / Team Filed: $5,600,000 / Difference: $900,000

LAA - Luis Rengifo (3B)
Player Filed: $5,950,000 / Team Filed: $5,800,000 / Difference: $150,000

BOS - Jarren Duran (OF)
Player Filed: $4,000,000 / Team Filed: $3,500,000 / Difference: $500,000

BAL - Jorge Mateo (SS)
Player Filed: $4,000,000 / Team Filed: $3,100,000 / Difference: $900,000

STL - Brendan Donovan (OF)
Player Filed: $3,300,000 / Team Filed: $2,850,000 / Difference: $450,000

STL - Lars Nootbaar (OF)
Player Filed: $2,950,000 / Team Filed: $2,450,000 / Difference: $500,000

NYY - Mark Leiter Jr. (RP)
Player Filed: $2,500,000 / Team Filed: $2,050,000 / Difference: $450,000

LAD - Alex Vesia (RP)
Player Filed: $2,350,000 / Team Filed: $2,050,000 / Difference: $300,000

STL - Andre Pallante (SP)
Player Filed: $2,100,000 / Team Filed: $1,925,000 / Difference: $175,000

PIT - Dennis Santana (RP)
Player Filed: $2,100,000 / Team Filed: $1,400,000 / Difference: $700,000

LAA - Mickey Moniak (OF)
Player Filed: $2,000,000 / Team Filed: $1,500,000 / Difference: $500,000

TBR - Taylor Walls (SS)
Player Filed: $1,575,000 / Team Filed: $1,300,000 / Difference: $275,000

PIT - Johan Oviedo (SP)
Player Filed: $1,150,000 / Team Filed: $850,000 / Difference: $300,000

LAA - Jose Quijada (RP)
Player Filed: $1,140,000 / Team Filed: $975,000 / Difference: $165,000

One of the premier games on this week’s NFL slate is the Monday night divisional showdown between the Los Angeles Rams and San Francisco 49ers. While the 49ers QB situation dominated the late summer headlines, the original offseason controversy revolved around Deebo Samuel’s contract extension and rumored trade request. He ultimately inked a 3 year extension worth up to $71.55m (58.1 guaranteed), but his apparent desire to be less involved as a rusher was a common theme throughout negotiations. As predicted, that was mostly just a bargaining tactic and his usage as a dynamic dual threat player is still a major part of the San Francisco offense. I expect that to continue this week if the 49ers have any hope of beating the Rams. With already thin RB depth and Jimmy Garoppolo running the offense, Samuel is likely to see 5-7 touches on the ground and can easily break one of those for a long gain.

Bet this on Draftkings Sportsbook
Deebo Samuel o29.5 Rush Yards

The Chicago Bears have attempted only 28 passes through two weeks while every other team in the NFL has at least 28+ completions. They’re easily the most run heavy offense which has translated to a combined two receptions for their top pass catchers Darnell Mooney and Cole Kmet. At some point this has to change but it likely won’t be this week with a juicy matchup against the Houston Texans who have been shredded on the ground. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 161 yards and the Broncos combined for another 149. Now David Montgomery should see 20+ touches and could be in line for a big day based on volume alone. Add in a few explosive plays and he could easily eclipse the century mark this weekend.

Wagers of the Week:

October is fast approaching and the clock is getting late on the 2022 regular season. Most divisions have already been decided but there’s still a few spots to watch as we enter this pivotal two week stretch. 

Plenty has been written about the Braves chasing down the Mets in the NL East but that’s mostly a result of a historic run from Atlanta rather than a major collapse by New York. Luckily, the Mets have a soft schedule to finish with series against MIL, OAK, MIA, and WSH. I like them to get back on track starting at home against the Pirates and a wildly inconsistent Mitch Keller.

Cleveland has vastly outperformed their pre season expectations but they’re stumbling to the finish line due to key injuries among  their starters. With a pieced together rotation, they desperately need a win anytime Shane Bieber or Triston McKenzie take the mound and I’m counting on that to happen against a fading Minnesota team.

Wager of the Week:  NYM (-270) + CLE (-144)

Fanduel Sportsbook

NFC Division Winners

The NFC doesn't offer a clearcut #1 overall option as we break ground on the 2022 campaign. This should offer plenty of betting value, even at the divisional levels.

NFC East - Eagles (+130)
The Giants and Commanders are in transition years which leaves this as a two team division between the Eagles and Cowboys. Dallas had an underwhelming offseason and there’s a number of uncertainties on both offense and defense. Philadelphia has the more complete roster but remains only a slight betting favorite which surprises me. The Eagles could explode this year and could run away with this division quickly if things don’t break perfectly for the Cowboys.

NFC North:  Vikings (+240)
It’s uncomfortable betting against Aaron Rodgers and Green Bay but I have legitimate concerns about their offensive ceiling without Davante Adams. Their defense is among the best in the league but I expect they’ll be tested in a lot of low scoring games. Minnesota hired former Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell and will transition to a pass heavy approach. Despite the new scheme, Minnesota maintains a ton of continuity on offense and there’s definite top 5 potential here. If the Vikings defense is even remotely better than in 2021, I like them to unseat Green Bay atop the division.

NFC South:  Bucs (-230)
I like the non favorites in this division more than the field but not enough to overtake Tampa Bay. The only way I see this going wrong is if Tom Brady falls off a cliff behind a decimated offensive line. Otherwise, I expect the Panthers and Saints to surprise some people but ultimately fall short.

NFC West:  Rams (+125)
The Rams, 49ers and Cardinals all have a legitimate chance of emerging here and I predict this finishes as the best division in football despite the lowly Seahawks. I lean towards the defending Super Bowl Champs but this could look bad fast if Trey Lance reaches his ceiling. Instead I expect inconsistencies in his first full season as a starter. 

NFC Wildcards:  Packers, Cardinals

AFC Division Winners

East:  Bills (-230)

Buffalo is the second largest division favorite and while it’s hard to argue against their loaded roster there are subtle ways they could disappoint. Injury regression could set in or the offense could struggle under new OC Ken Dorsey. If one or both of those become reality and the Miami offense ascends to top 5 status under new coach Mike McDaniel, this division could finish much closer than anticipated. 

North:  Ravens (+145)

I tend to think the North is a coin flip between Baltimore and Cincinnati but I’m betting on an MVP caliber season from Lamar Jackson and some regression from the Bengals offense.

South:  Colts (-125)

If Matt Ryan is even marginally more consistent than Carson Wentz was in 2021, Indianapolis should sleep walk to a division title. I don’t like betting against Mike Vrabel but Tennessee  swapped AJ Brown for an unproven rookie and Derrick Henry is coming off a pretty significant foot injury. I suspect this quickly turns into a rebuilding year for the Titans.

West:  Chargers (+240)

To be clear, I’m still high on the Chiefs and think their predicted demise is premature. The way they win will look different than years past but the sum of their parts is better than people give them credit for. That being said, I just really like this Chargers squad. Tons of continuity on their already elite offense and the addition of Khalil Mack changes the entire dynamic of their defense. I’m betting this is the year it all comes together for them.

AFC Wildcard:  Chiefs, Dolphins

MLB rosters expand to 28 next week which means we’re approaching the last month of the regular season. It’s an exciting checkpoint for everyone as contenders make their final push and other teams get a look at younger players within their organization. Most divisions have clear separation at this point so it’s a great time to change things up and check in on World Series odds and values.

Favorites:  Dodgers, Astros, Yankees, Mets

There are four clear favorites and it’s hard to make an argument against any of them but there’s not much value here from a betting perspective. The Mets are the clear value as they have the longest odds of the group but a similar projected World Series win percentage as the rest.

Long Shot Division Leaders:  Cardinals, Guardians

I’ve been skeptical of St. Louis all season but they made great deadline moves to deepen their rotation and look firmly in control of the NL Central. Their offense is good enough to carry them in any series but despite the pitching upgrades I’m still not convinced they have a World Series level rotation. It will be an incredible story if Cleveland can get this across the finish line but I’m not sure anyone outside of that clubhouse thinks they have legit World Series potential.

Wildcard:  Braves, Blue Jays, Padres, Phillies, Mariners, Rays

This group is where all the value lives. A few of these teams are still in contention for their division and any of the six could easily make noise in October. Atlanta and San Diego are my favorites as they have two of the best rosters in the league but seem underrated since they’re stuck behind the powerhouse Mets and Dodgers. I also like Seattle as a team with a dynamic offense, three core starters and a shutdown bullpen.

In The Hunt:  Brewers, White Sox, Twins

Not only are they longs hots to win it all but it’ll be an uphill climb for these teams to even make the playoffs if they turn it around quickly. I’d stay away entirely unless you see an edge.

Only 10 days removed from the biggest trade in recent history and Juan Soto is already headed back to Washington as the Padres travel east for a weekend series against the Nationals. The failed contract negotiations and subsequent fallout is fresh on everyone’s mind and Soto will be eager to have a big weekend.

The Padres offense went cold amidst a 5 game losing following the deadline but things are back on track after scoring 20 runs in their last two wins vs the Giants. Now they get friendly matchups against the back end of the Nationals rotation starting with Cory Abbot on Friday (followed by Anibal Sanchez and Paolo Espino).

Soto is an elite player regardless of the circumstances but he’ll be extra motivated in an otherwise meaningless series and I expect him to produce in a big way.  Here’s a few ways I’m getting in on the action: