Are Run Lines Always 1.5 in MLB Betting?

Boston Red Sox pitcher Garrett Crochet delivers during the first inning of a baseball game against the New York Mets at Fenway Park, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in Boston.
(AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

While 1.5 is the most common run line in MLB betting, it’s not the only possible number. A run line can be any number.

The standard run line is 1.5 for a pregame wager, though it could be higher, such as 2.5, if a particular matchup warrants it. For example, the Los Angeles Dodgers could have a -2.5 run line against the Colorado Rockies.

Standard Run Line in MLB Betting

The most common run line is +1.5 or -1.5 in MLB betting.

This means the favorite would have to win by two or more runs, while the underdog would need to win outright or lose by one run.

MLB odds for each run line vary by team and game.

Alternate Run Lines in MLB Betting

In MLB betting, there are alternate run lines, which allow someone to back a team (favorite or underdog) to cover a line that isn’t 1.5.

For example, the New York Mets might be +1.5 on the run line against the Boston Red Sox (-1.5). However, alternate markets could allow someone to wager on either team at a different number, such as Mets +3.5 or Red Sox -3.5.

The odds would adjust based on implied probability. In this scenario, the Mets +3.5 might be priced at -500, whereas the Red Sox -3.5 could be listed at +400.

The alternate run line market provides more options when wagering on baseball.

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Our BetMGM editors and authors are sports experts with a wealth of knowledge of the sports industry at all levels. Their coverage includes sports news, previews and predictions, fun facts, and betting.