The 2026 MLB season is on the horizon, and the market is already presenting significant opportunities for sharp bettors. With the Los Angeles Dodgers aiming for a historic "three-peat" and a new wave of electric young arms entering their sophomore campaigns, there is immense value to be found. Below, we break down the best 2026 MLB futures bets, analyzing strikeout totals, stolen base leaders, and World Series odds based on elite statistical indicators from last season.

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Strikeout Prop Bets: The Elite Arms

Chase Burns: 180+ Strikeouts (+650)

This is arguably the highest upside play on the board for 2026 MLB futures bets. Chase Burns is not just a thrower; he is a swing-and-miss artist of the highest caliber who offers massive value at +650. His elite "stuff" translated immediately to the big leagues last season, where he posted a staggering 13.9 K/9 at the MLB level over 43 innings pitched. When looking at his total workload between the minors and his MLB debut, he totaled 156 strikeouts over 109.1 innings in 2025. If Burns stays in the rotation for even 140 to 150 innings, his current strikeout rate mathematically puts him well over the 200 mark. Getting him at this price for a milestone as low as 180 strikeouts represents a massive value inefficiency for those scouting 2026 MLB futures bets.

Yoshinobu Yamamoto: 200+ Strikeouts (+600)

Yoshinobu Yamamoto has firmly settled into MLB life as a true ace, making the +600 price tag on him reaching 200 strikeouts a highly attractive 2026 MLB futures bet. The data suggests he is more than ready to clear this hurdle, having racked up 201 strikeouts over 170 innings last season while maintaining a 10.5 K/9 rate. While some bettors fear the Dodgers' usage of a six-man rotation could limit his volume, Yamamoto has proven he can go deep into games. Even with conservative management, he only needs to replicate last season’s workload to cash this ticket. At +600, you are essentially betting on his health rather than his talent, as the strikeout ability is already confirmed.

Eury Perez: 200+ Strikeouts (+650)

This wager is the quintessential "post-hype" bounce-back play and one of the most undervalued 2026 MLB futures bets available. Eury Perez is fresh off his Tommy John recovery, and oddsmakers appear to be undervaluing his ceiling at +650. Before his injury, Perez posted a 10.64 K/9 as a rookie in 2023, proving he has the pedigree of a top-tier arm. In his return last season, he flashed a 9.91 K/9, demonstrating that the surgery did not diminish his velocity or his ability to snap off breaking pitches. A healthy Eury Perez is a top-10 pitcher in baseball by pure stuff alone. If the Marlins unleash him for a full season, reaching 200 strikeouts is not just possible; it is likely.

 

 

 

Statistical Leaders: Power, Speed & Wins

Ben Rice: 35+ Home Runs (+350)

For those hunting for value in 2026 MLB futures bets, Ben Rice offers significant upside to crush the 35+ home run milestone at +350. While he hit a respectable 26 homers in 138 games last season, his underlying Statcast data screams breakout. Rice posted a 97th percentile expected slugging percentage (.557) and a 92nd percentile barrel rate (15.4%), elite metrics that usually result in massive power output. Combining this elite quality of contact with his lefty power stroke in a short-porch ballpark, Rice is primed to turn those deep fly balls into souvenirs. With an everyday role expected in 2026, the volume and efficiency are aligning for a career year.

Chandler Simpson: Most Stolen Bases (+450)

In an era where the stolen base has returned to prominence, Chandler Simpson is a standout selection for 2026 MLB futures bets involving speed. At +450, he offers tremendous value compared to other speedsters who rely heavily on walks to get opportunities. Simpson swiped 44 bags in just 109 games last season; extrapolated over a full 150-game season, that pace puts him near 60+ steals. His minor league track record further supports this dominance, as he logged 104 stolen bases in 2024 and 94 in 2023. Simpson is a high-contact hitter who puts the ball in play, meaning if he is on base, he is running.

Kodai Senga: 10+ Wins (+300)

This bet is a smart addition to your portfolio of 2026 MLB futures bets because it relies on team context and efficiency. At +300, Senga does not need to be a Cy Young contender to win 10 games; he simply needs to be on the mound for a potent New York Mets team. The Mets' lineup is loaded and capable of providing elite run support, which helps turn decent starts into wins. Senga secured 7 wins in just 22 starts last season and 12 wins as a rookie. The only real concern here is durability, but asking for only 10 wins from a pitcher of Senga's caliber on a contending team is a low bar to clear. If he makes 20 to 22 starts, he should easily hit double-digit wins.

 

 

 

World Series Futures

Los Angeles Dodgers to Win World Series (+230)

Betting the favorite is rarely considered the "fun" play, but backing the Los Angeles Dodgers at +230 is arguably the smartest investment among all 2026 MLB futures bets. The Dodgers are not just defending champions; they are an actively improving super-team looking for their third straight championship to cement themselves as a dynasty. The addition of Kyle Tucker to a lineup that was already the best in baseball is almost unfair, providing another MVP-caliber left-handed bat to balance the order. Furthermore, they possess the pitching depth, led by Yamamoto, Ohtani, and Glasnow, to withstand the inevitable injuries that sink other teams. While the odds are short, the implied probability is likely still lower than their actual chance of lifting the trophy again.