The era of the 300-strikeout pitcher seems to have gone the way of the dinosaur making it a bit tougher to single out a candidate on the 2024 strikeout leader odds at Caesars Sportsbook. The last time we witnessed such an achievement was in 2019, when Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander recorded 326 and 300 strikeouts respectively with each pitcher hurling 212+ innings over the course of the MLB betting season. However, in 2021, Robbie Ray emerged as the surprise winner of the AL Cy Young Award achieving the feat by maintaining a 2.84 ERA and striking out a league-leading 248 batters through 193.1 innings of work. In 2022, Cole continued his dominance by striking out 257 batters in 200.2 innings. Spencer Strider became the strikeout king last season by accumulating 281 strikeouts in just 186.2 innings.

In recent years, teams have heavily relied upon specialized bullpen arms to protect their star pitchers from injuries. As we approach the 2024 baseball betting season, it is crucial to analyze the strikeout leader odds from a perspective of pitching ability rather than longevity. With that in mind, I have compiled a list of my favorite, underdog, and longshot candidates who are likely to send the most batters down on strikes this baseball betting season.

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Favorite to Bet: Spencer Strider +190

While Spencer Strider may not have been as dominant in his first full season as Atlanta’s SP1 last year, his stuff on the mound remains electric. He led the league with 286 strikeouts and maintained an impressive 13.5 K/9 ratio throughout 186.2 innings of work. These numbers speak volumes about his skill and potential to continue his success this upcoming MLB betting season. In fact, according to PitcherList, Strider ranked first in swinging strike percentage at 20.5% and also had an impressive called strikes + whiffs percentage of 35.4% (#1). These statistics only further emphasize his dominance on the mound and solidify his position as a force to be reckoned with.

However, there is one factor that gives me pause in fully endorsing him as the clear favorite for the strikeout leader title – the risk of injury. It’s no secret that pitchers are prone to injuries, and it’s only a matter of time before Strider is paid a visit from the injury bug. As much as I hope it doesn’t happen this season, there is always that uncertainty.

Underdog to Bet: Dylan Cease +3000

I’ve banged the drum for Dylan Cease in the past, only to be let down. Over the course of three full seasons on the Southside of Chicago, MLB bettors have seen a mix of results from the right-handed pitcher. While he has accumulated an impressive 792 strikeouts in 658 innings, averaging 10.8 K/9 for his career, he still struggles with his control and gets hit around the ball yard.

In the previous baseball betting season alone, he allowed 172 hits in 177 innings. Additionally, his issue with walks hinders his ability to go deep into games. Last season, he had a career-high 79 walks which finds him the owner of a career 4.0 BB/9. Nevertheless, I am willing to invest some beer money on this talented SP1 pitcher, hoping that a change in coaching staff will be the catalyst for his breakthrough. Let’s hope the switch finally flips for this strikeout artist and propels him to the next level!

Longshot to Bet: Mackenzie Gore +25000

The dart throw takes us to the nation’s capital where Mackenzie Gore enters his second full season in Washington’s starting rotation. While he surrendered too many hits (8.8/9) and struggled with control (3.8 BB/9), the righty also showcased an ability to generate strikeouts, amassing a total of 151 in just 136.1 innings pitched. This translated to a career-best strikeout rate (10.0/9). According to PitcherList, he ranked 43rd in SwStr% (swinging strike percentage) and 48th in average fastball velocity (95mph) among all pitchers.

Furthermore, his off-speed pitches, specifically his curveball and slider, were highly effective at inducing swings-and-misses, with the “Uncle Charlie” boasting a 17.4 SwStr% (89th percentile) and slide piece registering an 18.0 SwStr% (75th percentile). In other words, the kids got the stuff to take an enormous leap in 2024 and the 250-1 price tag has me all for it!

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