Last Updated on October 6, 2025 6:10 pm by Michael Cash
MLB bet types range from simple moneylines to run lines, totals, first-five markets, props, and live betting. Start with the Beginner Basics for quick wins, then layer the Expert Edge notes to price numbers better and avoid common baseball traps like bullpen volatility and park factors.
Moneyline (Winner Only)
Beginner Basics: Pick the team that wins the game, extra innings included. Favorites show negative odds (e.g., −140), underdogs show positive odds (e.g., +125).
Expert Edge: Price the starting pitcher matchup but bake in bullpen quality and rest. Travel and getaway-day lineups can swing value. When deciding between winner vs margin, review moneyline vs spread vs totals to understand trade-offs.
Run Line (Spread)
Beginner Basics: Baseball’s spread is typically ±1.5 runs. Favorites (−1.5) need a multi-run win; underdogs (+1.5) can lose by one and still cash.
Expert Edge: Run distribution matters. High-variance offenses and heavy strikeout pitchers create more multi-run results. Park factors (HR friendliness, foul ground) and lineup depth influence whether laying −1.5 is justified.
Totals (Over/Under)
Beginner Basics: Bet on combined runs scored. Weather (wind, temperature, humidity) and ballpark dimensions heavily affect totals.
Expert Edge: Translate weather + batted-ball metrics (GB/FB/LD rates, HH%/EV) into run expectancy. Umpire strike-zone tendencies can move true total by ~0.3–0.7 runs. Always compare numbers across shops—see how to shop betting lines.
First Five (F5) Markets
Beginner Basics: Wager only on the first five innings—moneyline, spread, or total. This isolates starting pitchers and removes bullpen noise.
Expert Edge: F5 fits ace-heavy edges or when a strong lineup faces a weak starter but elite bullpen. Split projections: starter-only (F5) vs full-game (bullpen-adjusted).
Props & Derivatives
Beginner Basics: Player props (pitcher strikeouts, hitter total bases), team totals, and inning/score props. Great for focusing on one matchup angle.
- Pitcher Ks: K% vs opponent whiff rate and chase%.
- Total bases: ISO, launch angle, and handedness splits vs the starter/bullpen mix.
- Team totals: Use when one offense has a clear edge but the side price is poor.
Expert Edge: Correlate props with weather/park and bullpen leverage usage (who pitches high-leverage innings). For prop frameworks and risk control, see Prop Betting Explained.
Alternate Lines, Parlays & Round Robins
Beginner Basics: Alts shift the number for different payouts; parlays combine legs but require all to win; round robins spread combinations to reduce bust risk.
Expert Edge: Don’t stack legs without incremental edge—vig compounds. If you parlay, use markets derived from the same projection logic (e.g., F5 Over + pitcher over earned runs when the edge is offense vs starter).
Live / In-Game MLB Betting
Beginner Basics: Lines adjust pitch-to-pitch. Use live markets when a starter’s velocity/command collapses or when an injury forces early bullpen work.
Expert Edge: Track reliever availability (back-to-backs) and leverage roles. A thin bullpen makes late Overs, comeback MLs, or alt run lines viable—if the price is right.
How to Pick the Right MLB Bet Type
Beginner Basics: If your read is starter-driven, use F5; if park/weather drive scoring, totals may fit; if you just want the winner, moneyline is simplest.
Expert Edge: Convert reads into numbers (implied run expectancy, pitcher-specific projections) and bet only when your price beats the market. If one shop hangs a stale number, hit it—learn the discipline in how to shop betting lines.
FAQs: MLB Bet Types
What’s the difference between moneyline and run line? Moneyline needs a win; run line (±1.5) adds margin. Choose run line when you expect a multi-run profile at a better price.
When should I use F5 instead of full game? When your edge is almost entirely the starting pitchers and you want less bullpen variance.
Are player props harder? They’re sensitive to lineup spots and bullpen plans. Smaller stakes and strict price discipline are smart.
Responsible Gaming
Keep betting recreational. Set deposit, stake, and time limits; avoid chasing losses. For confidential help, visit the National Council on Problem Gambling.
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