Who Vegas is picking to be the first Astros player hit by a pitch in 2020 The Odds on Favorite

Exclusive

Who Vegas is picking to be the first Astros player hit by a pitch in 2020

February 20, 2020 By: Jimmie Kaylor

houston astros-astros-mlb-rob manfred-cheaters-cheat-cheating-scandal-sign stealing-buzzers-jose altuve-alex bregman-carlos correa-george springer-suspensions-suspended-hit by pitch-beaned-target-odds-betting odds-world series-los angeles dodgers-boston red sox-new york yankees-gleyber torres-aaron judge-giancarlo stanton-mike trout — Photo by Elsa/Getty Images

A lot has been said and written in the media about Major League Baseball’s punishment (or lack thereof) of the Houston Astros for using an elaborate scheme to steal signs and gain an unfair advantage over their opponents.

Likewise, players around the league have also voiced their displeasure with Rob Manfred’s handling of the situation. Unlike members of the media, MLB players can take matters into their own hands.

Pitchers purposely throwing at opposing batters has always been a part of the game. So, it should come as no surprise that the oddsmakers in Las Vegas are expecting the Astros to be targeted at a higher than usual rate in 2020.

That said, here’s who the oddsmakers at the Westgate SuperBook are expecting to be the first Astros player hit by a pitch in the 2020 regular season.

Odds courtesy of the Westgate SuperBook as of February 20, 2020.

Jose Altuve (4/1)

Altuve had always been well-liked throughout baseball prior to the scandal coming to light. He’s definitely going to be a target of opposing pitchers in 2020, though.

It just so happens that he won the A.L. MVP award in 2017 (the year being tied most closely to the sign stealing), which naturally raises questions about the legitimacy of his accomplishment.

And then there is also the now-viral video of Altuve telling his teammates to not rip off his jersey following his walk-off home run off Aroldis Chapman to send the Astros to the 2019 World Series.

With all that’s transpired, it’s somewhat surprising Altuve isn’t the odds-on favorite to be the first Houston player plunked in 2020.

Carlos Correa (4/1)

Correa has come under fire for saying the Astros won the 2017 World Series ‘fair and square.’ He also came to the defense of Altuve and Josh Reddick, saying they did not participate in the scheme, and engaged in a media war or words with Cody Bellinger of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

As one of the faces of the Astros, Correa is obviously a prime candidate to be the first player HBP.

Alex Bregman (7/2)

Bregman issued an apology at the start of Spring Training where he essentially admitted guilt. That alone is likely why he was named the odds-on favorite to be the first Astros player targeted in 2020.