Last Updated on September 24, 2025
The 2025 MLB season has been unforgettable for fans of power hitting. Shohei Ohtani has become the first player in more than two decades to record back-to-back 50-home run seasons, solidifying his place as one of the most dynamic players in the sport’s history.
At the same time, Cal Raleigh has etched his name into the record books by tying Ken Griffey Jr.’s single-season home run mark for the Seattle Mariners.
These milestones are more than historic footnotes. They have created a ripple effect across betting markets, where home run props have become some of the most closely watched lines on the board. Ohtani’s and Raleigh’s seasons highlight how chasing records can influence both the excitement on the field and the odds off of it.
Not to mention that they made online sports betting even more fun and exciting to bet on, promising more competitive odds and a chance to cash in on every home run and big play!
Ohtani’s Back-to-Back 50-HR Seasons: A Historic Benchmark
Shohei Ohtani’s offensive dominance is redefining what it means to be a generational talent. In 2024, he posted an unprecedented 50-50 season, combining 50 home runs with 50 stolen bases. This year, as of mid-September, he has hit 51 home runs, driven in over 110 runs, and maintained a .282/.395/.611 slash line while serving as the Dodgers’ designated hitter.
His performance has made him the heavy favorite for the National League MVP award. Beyond awards and accolades, Ohtani’s power has a measurable impact on betting markets. Oddsmakers consistently price him in the +200 to +300 range to hit a home run on any given day, a number that reflects both his consistency and the heavy betting interest he draws.
Games featuring Ohtani attract outsized betting attention. His odds often set the benchmark for other sluggers in the same matchup. Bettors who back him regularly accept lower payouts due to his reliability, while those seeking value may look elsewhere when his odds shorten. This creates secondary opportunities on his teammates or opposing sluggers who benefit from more favorable pricing.
Cal Raleigh’s Record Chase: From Underrated to Unmissable
Cal Raleigh’s rise into the national spotlight has been one of the season’s most compelling storylines. Known primarily in previous years as a defensive anchor, Raleigh has evolved into one of baseball’s premier power threats.
On September 17, he tied Ken Griffey Jr.’s Mariners record with his 56th home run of the season. That blast also elevated him past Mickey Mantle for the most home runs in a season by a switch-hitter.
With 11 games left on the schedule, he stands within striking distance of the elusive 60-home run plateau. If achieved, he would become the fourth player in American League history to reach the mark and the first non-Yankee to do so.
Raleigh’s daily home run prices now draw intense scrutiny. Matchups against fly-ball pitchers or visits to hitter-friendly ballparks generate more action on his prop lines. Weather conditions, lineup protection, and fatigue also play roles in how sportsbooks frame his odds. As his chase for 60 grows, oddsmakers balance his momentum with the statistical realities of each matchup.
Where Records Meet Betting Value
The pursuit of milestones like Ohtani’s 50-HR streak or Raleigh’s race toward 60 transforms the betting landscape. Oddsmakers adjust probabilities upward when players are locked into historic runs, which in turn shortens their odds. Public enthusiasm amplifies this effect, as more bettors back the stars chasing records.
This dynamic can create both opportunities and challenges. While Ohtani’s or Raleigh’s odds might seem enticing due to their form, inflated prices reduce potential payouts. Savvy bettors often monitor whether the market is overcompensating for narrative excitement.
For anyone interested in monitoring how these shifts appear in real time, exploring FanDuel home run odds provides a clear picture of how record chases influence daily prop markets. Bettors can see firsthand how milestones, public betting patterns, and situational factors translate into updated odds.
Using Stats and Trends to Inform Smart Bets
Headlines about record chases tell part of the story, but numbers complete it. Evaluating form and matchup data can provide deeper insight into whether a slugger is likely to keep delivering. Key metrics worth following include:
- Recent performance: Has the player’s power surge continued over the last 10 games?
- Pitcher splits: Does the opposing starter struggle against lefties or righties?
- Ballpark effects: Are the dimensions and conditions favorable for home runs?
- Stamina factors: Is the player showing fatigue late in the season?
Combining these metrics with the storylines surrounding Ohtani and Raleigh creates a more balanced approach to betting. Fans can avoid chasing narratives blindly and instead place wagers that blend excitement with informed decision-making.
For a closer look at the numbers driving these markets, checking the latest MLB player stats and trends is an effective way to distinguish between hype and real value.
The Ripple Effect Across Betting Markets
The impact of stars like Ohtani and Raleigh extends beyond their own prop bets. Their presence reshapes broader betting markets in several ways:
- Team totals: A hot hitter raises expectations for overall scoring, influencing lines on team runs,
- Other player props: Teammates may see their odds lengthen as bettors concentrate on the star,
- NRFI/YRFI bets: When a slugger bats early in the order, the likelihood of scoring in the first inning shifts.
These ripple effects show how one player’s streak can alter the perception of an entire game. Bettors who pay attention to these secondary impacts can sometimes find overlooked value in alternative markets.
The Future of Home Run Betting
As the regular season winds down, the focus will turn to how these home run races carry into October. Ohtani’s pursuit of another MVP and Raleigh’s potential march to 60 could create even more intrigue in postseason prop markets.
The league-wide rise in batting averages and power hitting also suggests that home run odds will remain a central feature of baseball betting for years to come. For fans and bettors alike, the story is no longer just about who clears the fences, but how those swings shape the odds and the narratives surrounding every game.
Content reflects information available as of 18/09/2025; subject to change.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many home runs is Shohei Ohtani on pace for?
This season, Ohtani is on pace for 53. It is much higher compared to his previous career-high volume runs in tears, where he has a pace of 46.
What factors influence home run betting odds in Major League Baseball?
There are plenty of factors that can affect the betting odds in the league. Some of which are the player performance trends, dimensions of the ballpark, pitching matchups, and even the weather conditions. These are the most common things bettors should consider to track individual and team dynamics before placing their bet.
Who holds the record for most home runs in one year?
Barry Bonds. Among all the players in the MLB, he has the record for the most home runs in a campaign in 2001 with a total number of 73 home runs.