The MLB Tokyo Series betting handles are in, and this Dodgers-Cubs contest has drummed up some solid action.
According to BetMGM's betting data, the public loves the Dodgers ML, with 83% of the handle on L.A. to win. It looks like the sharps disagree, though, as Los Angeles has shrunk from -185 to -150, suggesting there are some keen bettors on Chicago despite its small 17% handle size.
Below, I'll highlight where the betting action is for this Dodgers-Cubs game in Tokyo and establish what we can learn from the handle:
Dodgers vs Cubs Game 1 Betting Handle
Dodgers vs Cubs, March 18, 6:10 am ET
| Team | Odds | % Bets | % Handle | Total | % Bets | % Handle |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LA Dodgers | -150 | 70% | 83% | O7.5 | 44% | 14% |
| CHI Cubs | +125 | 30% | 17% | U7.5 | 56% | 86% |
Betting Handle per BetMGM
I'm not necessarily sure what has the sharps taking the Cubs OVER the Dodgers, but I'm on that bet, too. Perhaps Mookie Betts' illness (and absence from the series) has high-rolling bettors less bullish on the Dodgers. I've also noted the variance factor in other articles on the March 18 game. Early-season baseball is often very unpredictable, especially in a foreign stadium. Who knows how the ball will play in the Tokyo Dome (though, for the record, it has played consistently below average for runs scored in small sample sizes). With that in mind, I also respect the UNDER 7.5 in this contest. The public agrees with that stance, pouring 86% of the money into the UNDER.
If the moneyline wagers don't appeal to you BetMGM has also given the most-bet props for the Cubs-Dodgers Tokyo Series.
Five Most Bet Cubs vs Dodgers Player Props
- Freddie Freeman over 0.5 hit (-210)
- No run 1st inning (-135)
- Shohei Ohtani over 0.5 home run (+225)
- Michael Busch under 0.5 bases (-110)
- Max Muncy under 0.5 bases (+100)
Freeman is always a good play to get a hit. He cashed the OVER 0.5 in 68% of games last season, hence the -210 odds. He's also relatively matchup-proof, too, meaning his hit ability isn't deterred by a left-hander like Shota Imanaga on the mound.
I also see the NRFI is a popular bet. Although the Tokyo Dome’s indoor setting might suggest more offense, limited Park Factor data indicates it suppresses runs, giving the NRFI an edge. With Imanaga’s strong first-inning track record and L.A. missing Betts, the NRFI bet looks favorable despite Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s shaky first-inning numbers.
