Docs Website

53 Years Strong! A Trusted Leader In Sports Picks, Best Bets and Predictions Since 1971.

Main Menu

What Does Alternate Run Line Mean in Baseball Betting? How to Bet on MLB Alternate Runlines

by Griffin Murphy - 6/27/2024

What does alternate run line mean baseball betting Aaron Judge New York Yankees

One of the most effective MLB markets to wager on is the alternate run line. Standard run lines give the favorite in any given MLB matchup a “spread” of -1.5 runs. This means if the New York Yankees are -200 moneyline favorites over the Boston Red Sox, you can take their -1.5 run line at +100 odds instead. Any Yankees win by multiple runs will be a winner on the run line, with a single-run victory the only way a Yankees win will result in a loss on the run line. However, you can also take the alternate run line to increase the payout. The New York Yankees at -2.5 (+170) or -3.5 (+265) offers a sizable payout for a sizable Yankees victory.

The same can be done for the underdog, in this case the Boston Red Sox. Using the alternate run line with the underdog is the best way to make money in the MLB. It is unwise to take the favorite Yankees at increased odds at -2.5 or -3.5 run lines. Instead, the underdog Red Sox at -1.5 runs will allow plenty of money to be made with an average margin of victory. The Red Sox will offer a solid +160 payout on the moneyline. However, by using the alternate run line market, we can increase the payout even further. A +260 wager on the Red Sox with a -1.5 run line offers a massive payout for a very plausible, multi-run win.

Doc’s Sports offers MLB expert picks for every game on our baseball predictions page

What is a Run Line in Baseball Betting?

A standard run line is when the favorite is given a -1.5 run line on any given game. If we stick with the New York Yankees example, a -200 favorite can be given a +100 price tag with a -1.5 run line. For the underdog, the Boston Red Sox will be +160 on the moneyline, but -120 on the +1.5 run line. When betting on the run line, it’s critical to remember who the home team is. If the home team Yankees have a one-run lead heading into the bottom of the ninth, they will not bat, and will fail to cover the run line. The home team is often the favorite in the MLB, meaning they will have to cover the -1.5 line in only 8 innings at the plate compared to the visitor’s 9 innings. 

What Does Alternate Run Line Mean?

An alternate run line is when the bettor elects to manipulate the standard run line to shift the odds into their favor. The alternate run lines are often available all the way up to +/- 4.5 or even 5.5 runs for either team. Depending on how the game is expected to play out, it can be very profitable to take these big payouts, despite hitting a smaller percentage of your wagers.

The best way to attack the alternate run line is when you plan on backing the underdog. The +1.5 run line on the Red Sox at -120 odds can be tempting, but the lack of a big payout takes away a big reason to back the underdog. The moneyline at +160 can be a good bet, but the biggest payouts are available with alternate run lines on the underdog. A team like the +160 moneyline Red Sox will have run lines like -1.5 runs with a +260 payouts, -2.5 runs with a +375 payout, and -3.5 runs with a +600 payout. These massive odds ensure even a small winning percentage can still result in a serious profit in the long run. The +260 odds on the -1.5 run line mean a miniscule 28% win rate will still result in an overall profit. By using the -1.5 run line on the underdog, you have to hit a smaller percentage of your bets to still post a profit compared to the moneyline or standard run line. 

Why Should I Bet On and Use MLB Alternate Run Lines?

Alternate run lines are one of the most effective ways professional bettors stay ahead of the market. The ability to shift the odds in the bettor’s favor by selling a run or two with the underdog has allowed astute bettors to consistently come out on top. It cannot be emphasized enough how the difference between a +160 moneyline payout and a +260 payout on -1.5 runs affects a bankroll in the long run. A +160 wager has a 38% breakeven point, while a +260 wager has a 28% breakeven point. Professional bettors understand how alternate run lines can be used to exploit inaccurate lines. Alternate run lines have been becoming more and more popular among the world's best MLB bettors and are a critical part of betting on the MLB. 

How Do I Find Baseball Alternate Run Lines?

Alternate run lines can be difficult to locate on a sportsbook, but they are more than worth the extra effort. On most sportsbooks, the alternate run line can be found under ‘Game Props’ or ‘Game Lines.’ It may be found with the lines and payouts pre-made for you to select, or you may have to use a slider to set the alternate run line to the desired price. To take the underdog at a -1.5 alternate run line, simply go into one of the previously mentioned sections (depending on your sportsbook of choice) and shift the run line against the underdog. The alternate run line is one of the most popular ways to bet on the MLB and can give you the most flexibility when placing bets on baseball.

Get MLB picks on every single game, or if you want our very best bet premium picks by the experts, sign up for your free $60 account with a guarantee.

Get all of Doc's Sports How To Articles Here.

One E-mail A Week Is All You Need!
Our weekly newsletter is loaded with exclusive free picks,insight and advice from our expert handicappers