MLB Manager of the Year Odds 2025: AL & NL Favorites, Predictions

The best way to capitalize on correctly picking the surprise MLB teams is to bet on the Manager of the Year market. That was certainly the case in 2024.

Stephen Vogt was named American League Manager of the Year in his first season with the Cleveland Guardians, leading them to a division title and an ALCS appearance. In the National League, Milwaukee Brewers’ Pat Murphy earned the honor after leading his team to a division title in his first season.

With both managers guiding their team to a postseason berth, all 26 Manager of the Year winners (since 2012) have reached the playoffs. Don’t put your money on a manager unless you think his team will reach the postseason.

With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest MLB odds and my favorite picks for this market in 2025:

AL Manager of the Year Odds: Favorites

It made sense for the AL Manager of the Year award to go to someone from the AL Central, as three managers from that division began as the betting favorites in this market.

• A.J. Hinch (Tigers) +550
• Matt Quatraro (Royals) +700
• Stephen Vogt (Guardians) +1000

Vogt had the longest odds of the three entering the 2024 season, but I recommended betting on him in my Guardians’ season betting preview at his +1000 value. There was an upside case with Cleveland after a down year in 2023.

That proved to be a good call, as Vogt pushed all the right buttons to help Cleveland win the division by 6.5 games.

There was an argument for Royals manager Matt Quatraro, who guided Kansas City to a postseason berth after losing 106 games in 2023. But the Guardians were simply better than the Royals.

Based on the initial odds, Alex Cora (+700) is my pick to win the AL Manager of the Year award.

The Red Sox were my favorite World Series sleeper when they opened with a +4000 value, but this market might be a more realistic way of wagering on them in 2025. They improved their pitching staff by trading Garrett Crochet and have a young core that showed signs of potential last year.

The division will remain competitive, but I expect Boston to notch its first playoff appearance since 2021.

Prediction: Alex Cora (+700)

NL Manager of the Year Odds: Favorites

Former Brewers manager Craig Counsell started as a +600 favorite to win NL Manager of the Year in 2024, but his replacement actually won the award. Murphy was +1200 in the preseason, meaning a $10 bet would have netted a $120 payout.

Murphy led the Brewers to their third division title in the last four years. Milwaukee has made the playoffs six times in the past seven seasons.

I’m mad at myself for missing on Murphy. As mentioned in my Brewers’ season betting preview, their win total was my favorite preseason bet. Considering the team’s reputation, I thought the market was too low on Milwaukee’s chances. I just wish I had believed more in their upside. 

But that’s a lesson for next year.

If the initial odds are any indication, the NL Central could produce another Manager of the Year winner in 2025.

Counsell’s Cubs are due for a bounce-back campaign. The Cincinnati Reds also have higher aspirations after bringing Terry Francona out of retirement.

Counsell would be my pick, given Chicago’s upside. The NL is top-heavy, so predicting the NL Central winner might be the best strategy.

Prediction: Craig Counsell (+300)

2024 AL Manager of the Year Voting

2024 NL Manager of the Year Voting

List of AL & NL Manager of the Year Winners

Managers With Most Manager of the Year Awards

Bobby Cox, Buck Showalter, and Tony La Russa are tied for the most awards (four):

Bobby Cox: 4
Buck Showalter: 4
Tony La Russa: 4
Joe Maddon: 3
Lou Piniella: 3
Dusty Baker: 3
Terry Francona: 3
Bob Melvin: 3

Teams With Most Manager of the Year Awards

The Chicago White Sox have the most awards of any team (five):

White Sox: 5
Athletics: 4
Rays: 4
Cubs: 4
Braves: 4
Orioles: 4
Twins: 4
Giants: 4