MLB Betting 2022: New York Mets Coming for Los Angeles Dodgers National League Throne

Dan Favale
By , Updated on: May 31, 2022 12:00 AM
Mets chasing Dodgers for National League crown.

Check out our best MLB bets for all of the action on Tuesday, May 31.

The best MLB betting sites for 2022 have already started to notice, so it's high time we all join them and recognize that the New York Mets are coming for the Los Angeles Dodgers' MLB throne.

Just to be clear: This is not an overreaction to the Mets' latest four-game winning streak. It's not even hyperbolizing their place atop the National League East Division. Sure, all of those factors are part of the equation. Mostly, though, the Mets have flirted with being the best MLB team all season. And entering their game against the Washington Nationals on Tuesday, May 31, we think now's the time to see whether they have what it takes to unseat the terrifyingly mighty Dodgers and reigning World Series champion Atlanta Braves.

Before we get started, here are the latest betting odds on MLB:

FavoriteBetOnlineBetOnlineUnderdog
Minnesota Twins-148+126Detroit Tigers
Cleveland Guardians-154+130Kansas City Royals
Philadelphia Phillies-134+116San Francisco Giants
New York Yankees-138+118Los Angeles Angels
Toronto Blue Jays-180+152Chicago White Sox
New York Mets-180+152Washington Nationals
St. Louis Cardinals-130+110San Diego Padres
Milwaukee Brewers-138+118Chicago Cubs
Atlanta Braves-168+142Arizona Diamondbacks
Houston Astros-130+110Oakland Athletics

Always double-check these 2022 MLB betting lines prior to settling on a wager. Single-game odds don't move too much, but they are liable to shift between now and the opening pitch.

We also strongly encourage you to check out our reviews of the top online sportsbooks. This extensive collection of information will enable you to find the best MLB betting sites in 2022 without having to do any of the legwork on your own.

Are the New York Mets the Best Team in Baseball?

This feels like a loaded question, particularly when you look at the Dodgers' run differential and see that they've outscored rivals by an MLB-best 119 scores. There are also those who worry about the Mets' propensity for winning tight games. New York now has a league-leading seven come-from-behind victories.

But since when is poise under pressure a bad thing? Sure, the Mets' pitching staff has been underwhelmed relative to the talent on the roster. They're still decidedly above average. More importantly, the Mets' bats are alive. Their on-base percentage ranks third, trailing only the Dodgers and Angels, and Pete Alonso has worked his way into the midseason MVP discussion.

It's also worth noting the Mets have the MLB's top record in extra innings, having gone 4-0 in those situations. This team just gets it done. Period. And while they aren't in the strongest of divisions, their 9.5-game lead in the National League East is no joke.

OSB Prediction: New York Mets (-180)

New York Mets To beat the Washington Nationals
BetOnline
-180

Can the Yankees Get Back on Track vs. the Angels?

Lots has been made of the New York Yankees offense this season. And rightfully so. Led by MVP candidate Aaron Judge, the Yankees are a terrifying blend of explosive and efficient. They can get on base and take you deep, all in droves.

Still, New York's pitching staff has arguably stolen the show. Though the starting rotation was among the most uncertain in the league entering the season, it has since emerged as perhaps the team's brightest spot. The Yankees' pitching staff is third in ERA and tied for first in opponent batting average, at .217. If this keeps up, there's a chance New York will waltz right on through to the ALCS later this summer.

And yes, this big-picture stuff absolutely matters during a random Tuesday at the end of May. The Los Angeles Angels have their own stud pitching staff, but their offense doesn't hold a candle to what's happening in New York.

OSB Prediction: New York Yankees (-138)

New York Yankees To beat the Los Angeles Angels
BetOnline
-138

San Diego is an Intriguing Underdog Against St. Louis

The San Diego Padres are quietly cobbling together a rock-solid season. If they weren't living in the shadow of the Dodgers in the NL West division, they'd definitely be making more noise.

Manny Machado currently leads the MVP discussion, and the pitching staff has been absolutely fantastic. Opponents are batting just .217 versus San Diego, and the Padres are sixth in ERA.

Most of the gripes focus on the team's bats. The Padres are 23rd in on-base percentage. But they've shown more signs of life lately, and they get to go up against a St Louis Cardinals pitching staff on Tuesday that's extremely forgiving and prone to giving offenses a lot of free bases.

OSB Prediction: San Diego Padres (+110)

San Diego Padres To beat the St. Louis Cardinals
BetOnline
+110

Take the Braves Over the Diamondbacks

All is not well for the Braves. Last year's World Series champs have the look and feel of an extremely mediocre team.

Fortunately for them, they're facing the Arizona Diamondbacks, the kings of being bad. And though we won't always advocate for betting against Arizona, we can't pass up what seems like free money. So many teams are laying -175 or -200 or something even more absurd when they play the Diamondbacks. We have to pounce on the Braves at -168.

OSB Prediction: Atlanta Braves (-168)

Atlanta Braves To beat the Diamondbacks
BetOnline
-168

Milwaukee Should Remain on Fire in Matchup with Chicago

If not for the Mets and Dodgers, the Milwaukee Brewers would be the hottest team in baseball. Don't let their lackluster 4-3 record over the last seven games fool. That came against a ridiculously tough schedule, so hovering above .500 is a win, and it should put all the talk about them capitalizing on MLB's easiest schedule to bed.

Facing the Chicago Cubs should offer a nice break for the Brewers on Tuesday. Chicago's pitching staff is allowing rival batters to hit .245 on the season, which is one of the absolute worst marks in baseball. It wouldn't surprise us if Christian Yelich and crew go yard three or more times en route to Brewer's blowout.

OSB Prediction: Milwaukee Brewers (-138)

Milwaukee Brewers To beat the Chicago Cubs
BetOnline
-138

Take a look at this list of the top online sportsbooks so you can decide which one to use for all of your 2022 MLB betting:

Meet the author

Dan Favale

Dan first began writing about sports back in 2011. At the time, his expertise lied in the NBA and NFL. More than one decade, that remains the case. But he's also expanded his catalog to include extensive knowledge and analysis on the NHL, MLB, tennis, NASCAR, college ba...

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