As the MLB trade deadline approaches, teams are faced with the decision of whether they are contenders or pretenders in the 2024 season. With several teams still on the fence, there is value in playing the consequences of their choice. Here are some best bets for Tuesday, July 30th.
The Seattle Mariners will be facing off against the Boston Red Sox, with James Paxton making his return to Boston. The Red Sox acquired Paxton from the Los Angeles Dodgers in hopes of making a push towards the playoffs. The Mariners, on the other hand, have been struggling at the plate, leading the majors in strikeouts. Despite their recent offensive explosion, they still rely too heavily on the long ball. Paxton, a good strikeout pitcher, should be able to take advantage of Seattle’s aggressive lineup.
In the Kansas City Royals vs. Chicago White Sox matchup, the White Sox have dropped all pretenses of competing after 15 straight losses. Kansas City has dominated Chicago all season long, with a 10-1 record against them. The Royals have covered the runline in nine of those wins, and with the White Sox bullpen in disarray, Kansas City should be able to cover the runline once again.
The Toronto Blue Jays will be taking on the Baltimore Orioles in a game that has the potential for a high-scoring affair. With 13 MPH winds in Baltimore and a reasonable total, the over looks like a good bet. The Blue Jays’ struggling bullpen, which has the second-worst ERA in the majors, will have a tough time containing Baltimore’s potent offense. After playing a doubleheader on Monday, the Jays could be in for a long day against the Orioles.
As the trade deadline approaches, these matchups provide an opportunity for bettors to capitalize on teams’ decisions to either compete or rebuild. With value in playing the consequences of these choices, these best bets for Tuesday offer a chance to profit off of the uncertainty surrounding the deadline.