MLB Prop Bets: Will Mike Trout Skip The 2020 MLB Season?

• MLB superstar Mike Trout is considered skipping the 2020 MLB season due to the coronavirus.
• The 3-time MVP has a vested interest in remaining virus-free, as Trout and his wife are expecting a child in August.
• Prop bets are now available on if Trout will play, with -500 odds on him playing the season to +300 that he does not.

LAS VEGAS – With the MLB getting set to restart in less than two weeks (July 23), one of the biggest names in the sport could be absent.

Mike Trout spoke to the media recently and aired his concerns over the safety of playing baseball amid a pandemic.

The three-time MVP winner’s primary hold-up is his family. Trout and his wife Jessica Cox are expecting their first child in August.

"Honestly, I still don't feel that comfortable with the baby coming," said Trout.  "There's a lot of things on my mind. I'm trying to be the safest and most cautious way to get through the season. It's going to be tough. I've got to be really cautious these next couple weeks. I don't want to test positive. I don't want to bring it back to my wife. It's a tough situation we're in."

Oddsmakers quickly took to the lines to offer MLB prop bets on whether or not Trout will elect to play baseball this season.

The odds list Trout as a heavy favorite to join the team and play this summer, but value bettors should take a long look at that +300 on Trout to sit out.

Athletes At High-Risk

Having a newborn child at home is a huge issue for anyone living in this pandemic right now. If Trout elects to play the season, he will be traveling across the country and exposing himself to various environments, even within the increased safety guidelines in place.

The first workouts for all 30 @MLB Clubs are slated for this Friday with the launch of #SummerCamp presented by @CampingWorld! pic.twitter.com/PEFd8ul9uO

— MLB Communications (@MLB_PR) June 29, 2020

It just takes one player, coach, or staff member breaking protocol to start an outbreak within a clubhouse, a fear that Trout understands well.

Teams Already Testing Positive

Since reporting to their teams and beginning preseason workouts, 58 MLB players have tested positive for the virus, including big names like Freddie Freeman, Charlie Blackmon, and DJ LeMahieu.

It makes sense why players like Ian Desmond, Mike Leake, Ryan Zimmerman, and Joe Ross have already decided to opt-out from playing the shortened season.

"It's a tough situation for everybody," said Trout. "I talked to a lot of guys across the league and they're texting me a lot. I'm not gonna name any names, but they're all thinking the same thing: 'Is this gonna work?'”

Trout's Decision Will Have A Big Betting Impact

If Trout elects to sit out the season, there would be major implications for sports bettors on both the Angels’ expectations for the season and the AL MVP race.

The Angels currently sit with +2000 odds to win the World Series, which would skyrocket if Trout elects not to play.

Additionally, Trout has led the MVP race since May and would see the entire field shift dramatically if he was absent.

Behind Trout, every other player sits at +1100 odds or better, including Angels teammates Shohei Ohtani and Anthony Rendon.

If Trout decides to stay at home, all of these odds will crash, making now the best time to lock in your bets.

Even with Trout out on the field, this season of MLB baseball will certainly be one of the most unique in history.