MLB betting lines explained

Baseball is low scoring, so the moneyline is the main MLB market. The run line is baseball's point spread, usually set at 1.5 runs. Totals count both teams' runs. Some markets also depend on which pitchers start.

Last reviewed: November 8, 2026

Worked example

To start, the box below is filled in with NYY -200 / BOS +170. This starting line is a two-sided moneyline, New York (NYY) at -200 and Boston (BOS) at +170, so its card also shows the bookmaker's margin. The box is editable: type any line, or tap one under the card, and the explanation updates.

NYY −200 / BOS +170: the favorite is NYY (−200) and the underdog is BOS (+170).

What it means

A moneyline is a bet on who wins, with no points involved. A bet on NYY risks 200 to win 100. A 100 stake on BOS wins 170.

Scenarios

If…	NYY	BOS
NYY win	Win	Loss
BOS win	Loss	Win
Tie or draw	Depends on house rules	Depends on house rules

On a 2-way moneyline, what happens on a tie or draw depends on the sport and the sportsbook's rules. In boxing, a two-way market (just the two fighters) refunds the stake on a draw. A three-way market that includes the draw loses both fighter bets.

The numbers

NYY −200

Implied probability: 66.67%
Decimal: 1.50
American: −200
Per 100 staked: returns 150 (profit 50)

BOS +170

Implied probability: 37.04%
Decimal: 2.70
American: +170
Per 100 staked: returns 270 (profit 170)

Both sides together

Implied probabilities add up to: 103.70%
Bookmaker margin: 3.70%
Fair probability: NYY: 64.29%
Fair probability: BOS: 35.71%

Margin (overround) = the implied probabilities added together, minus 100%. Fair probabilities remove the margin by dividing each one by that total.

Watch out for

A minus price doesn't mean you lose money. −200 means you stake 200 to win 100, and the 200 comes back too if the bet wins.

Learn more: Moneyline guide

Common lines to try

Lines MLB uses

Moneyline: NYY -200 / BOS +170 is a bet on who wins. Baseball has few runs, so a points-style spread is less useful and the moneyline is the main market. More in the moneyline guide.
Run line: baseball’s point spread, usually 1.5 runs. NYY -1.5 means New York has to win by 2 or more. BOS +1.5 wins if Boston wins, or loses by 1.
Alternate run lines: many sportsbooks also offer other numbers, such as −2.5 or +2.5, each with its own price.
Total (over/under): both teams’ runs added together, usually between 8 and 9. u 8.5 wins on 8 runs or fewer. More in the over/under guide.
Part-game lines: some markets cover only the first few innings, such as the first 5. They only count runs scored in those innings.

What’s unusual about MLB

The run line and its price

Because the run line is usually 1.5, the price does most of the work. The run line has its own price, separate from the moneyline. It can even be a plus number for the favorite, as in NYY -1.5 +130, because winning by 2 or more is harder than just winning.

How the run line settles

New York result	NYY −1.5	NYY +1.5	NYY −2.5
Win by 3	Win	Win	Win
Win by 2	Win	Win	Loss
Win by 1	Loss	Win	Loss
Lose by 1	Loss	Win	Loss
Lose by 2	Loss	Loss	Loss

A line ending in .5 can’t push. A whole-number alternate line can.

Listed pitchers

MLB lines are often shown with each team’s starting pitcher. Some markets are tied to those listed pitchers. If a listed pitcher doesn’t start, the bet may be cancelled (stake returned) or repriced, depending on the market and the house rules. Other markets stand whoever pitches. Check the market rules to see which kind it is.

Postponed and shortened games

Baseball is played outdoors in many places, so weather can postpone or shorten a game.

Postponed games are usually settled as void (stake returned) if they aren’t played within the time the house rules allow.
Shortened games may still count once enough innings are played. Many sportsbooks treat a moneyline differently from run lines and totals here.
Extra innings usually count toward the moneyline, run line and total.

These rules differ between sportsbooks, so check the market rules.

Mini glossary

Run line: baseball’s point spread, usually ±1.5.
Alternate line: a run line or total at a different number, with a different price.
Listed pitcher: the starting pitcher named next to a line.
Extra innings: innings played after the 9th when the score is level.
F5: a first-5-innings line.

Common misreadings

The run line is just the moneyline with a different price.: No. On −1.5 the team has to win by 2 or more runs. A 1-run win wins the moneyline but loses the −1.5 run line.
A rain-shortened game always counts.: It depends on the market and the house rules. A moneyline often stands once enough innings are played, while run lines and totals often need a full game. Check the market rules.
The pitcher names next to a line are just information.: Some markets are tied to the listed starting pitchers. If one doesn't start, the bet may be cancelled or repriced, depending on the house rules.