- Japan is the +160 betting favorite to win the 2021 Gold Medal in baseball.
- The United States has +300 odds as the second option.
- South Korea (+380) is close behind the favorites as the defending champions.
TOKYO – Baseball will be making its return to the Olympic Games for the first time since 2008. One thing to note is that this is not technically the highest level of competition as MLB players on the 40-man rosters are not permitted to compete in the Olympics.
The State Of The Rosters
The rule of MLB players being unable to participate in the Olympics largely impacts the United States, but it alters the rosters of other countries as well.
Yu Darvish and Shohei Ohtani are unavailable for Japan while Hyun-Jin Ryu and Kwang-Hyun Kim are unable to participate for South Korea. Not everyone agrees on the rules, but now that rosters have been finalized, Japan sits atop the projected standings.
2021 Olympics Baseball Odds
- Japan +160
- USA +300
- South Korea +380
- Domincan Republic +550
- Mexico +650
- Israel +3400
Many of the players are relatively unknown, but online gambling sites are aware that the top-level Japanese and Korean leagues are likely riddled with better talent than the MLB farm systems. Arguably the most well-known players on the United States’ team are Todd Frazier, Edwin Jackson and David Robertson.
Who Can Win Gold?
The United States has a chance to win, but Japan is rightfully the favorite. Online sportsbooks could also be undervaluing South Korea, who are technically the reigning champions from way back in 2008.
Either way, the United States may be at a disadvantage against both of these teams as they are arguably the most inexperienced bunch among the favorites.
With each and every team listed at plus-money, every team carries value, but it may be beneficial to not stray outside of the top three betting options.
If someone were to look for a longshot, the Dominican Republic may be the best look as they have some notable names on the roster such as Jose Bautista, Melky Cabrera and Emilio Bonifacio.