The Run Line and How it Works

In MLB Betting the Run Line is the Standard Wager

If you have not bet on the MLB before, then you may be a bit confused by the run line. The run line combines the point spread with the moneyline. Thus, when you look at this standard baseball wager, it looks a bit odd due to the fact that although there is a spread involved, the odds are not always 1:1 as they are with the spread.

The Run Line Look

With the run line, the spread is always 1.5 runs. Thus, unlike the NFL or NBA all spreads are standard. The different in the MLB run line is not in the number of runs given or taken away. It is in the odds, which are standard in football and basketball point spread wagers.

As an example, let’s take a look at a MLB run line that has the Yankees visiting the Tigers.

New York Yankees -1 ½ +125 Sergio Mitre (R)

Detroit Tigers +1 ½ -145 Dontrelle Willis (L)

In this example, the Tigers are given extra runs, which elevates Detroit to being the team most likely to win. At -145, you would have to bet $145.00 to win $100.00. The Yankees must win by 2 or more runs. Although runs are taken away from them, they actually have the better odds, as you would wager $100.00 to win $125.00.

The Challenge of the MLB run line

The run line offers an interesting challenge to sports bettors when you consider how it affects the payout. Often when you are given runs, you’ll have to pay more to get less. This is different than the point spread. One reason for this difference has to do with the fact that spreads are adjustable, which means that the odds can always be the same, as the variable spread works to even out the scoreboard and the bets.

But with the MLB run line, the points are always the same and thus the way to even out the wagering and to increase or decrease risk is through the actual odds. What the “run” in the run line does is make your betting a little more challenging, while the odds help to temper any edge you’re given. By not using a pure moneyline for baseball, sportsbooks are giving themselves more of an edge by making the sports bettor’s job more difficult.

With the Yankees/Tigers example, you’re pulled to bet on New York for the payout but the run line is prohibitive, while the payout on Detroit is anything but attractive but that extra 1 ½ runs make the team very tempting.

run line Wagering Essentials

Although we’ll treat this aspect in more depth, the skinny on the run line is that sports bettors must carefully gauge each pitcher’s ERA, the depth of the pen and efficacy of the setup man and closer, while comparing those factors to each team’s ability to manufacture runs. Those stats and facts then need to be compared to the run line. Take your time when deciding on which side of the run line to place your bet.