Rob Manfred’s Comments Shift Betting Odds For No MLB Season

• After Commissioner Rob Manfred expressed his lack of confidence in the season’s return, the odds for the MLB having a 2020 season sit at -300.

NEW YORK – The odds for the MLB season to happen in 2020 have gotten longer following a recent ESPN interview with MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred.

The unrest amongst players and owners has trickled into the sports betting world, with more bettors wagering on the fact that there won’t be an MLB regular season.

Commissioner Manfred claims the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) ended good faith negotiations earlier in the discussions, setting back progress for the leagues to return exponentially.

MLB Season In A Deadlock

Sports bettors betting on the MLB season may be in for some dark times as Commissioner Manfred’s recent statement makes the return of the season seem more unlikely than ever.

Originally, sports bettors were confident in the MLB returning, with yes being heavily favored by a wide margin.

Now, however, with Manfred’s recent statements, the odds have gotten longer.

The yes option is still favored (-300) but originally they were positioned at -500 favorites at legal betting sites.

With the MLB commissioner doubting the season’s return, betting on the long odds may end up being an easy upset betting ticket.

While initially being 100% certain the season will happen, Manfred’s tune has changed in the coming weeks.

“I’m not confident,” said Manfred. “I think there’s real risk, and as long as there’s no dialogue, that real risk is going to continue.”

His statements to ESPN has riled up players and owners, being met with major backlash and fan outcry online.

Tony Clark, MLBPA’s executive director responded to the commissioner’s interview in an official statement.

“Players are disgusted that after Rob Manfred unequivocally told Players and fans that there would ‘100%’ be a 2020 season, he has decided to go back on his word and is now threatening to cancel the entire season,” said Clark. “Any implication that the Players Association has somehow delayed progress on health and safety protocols is completely false, as Rob has recently acknowledged the parties are ‘very, very close.’”

It is possible that the public backlash and growing interest may sway the commissioner into getting a deal done that would allow the MLB season to continue.

Until then, online sportsbooks will continue to host odds for the MLB season’s potential return.

News tags: Baseball | Coronavirus | COVID-19 | MLB | MLBPA | Rob Manfred | Tony Clark