As the all-star break approaches, some teams have already fallen out of the race as top contenders for Major League Baseball’s greatest prize. Squads considered World Series threats during the Grapefruit League, like the San Francisco Giants, Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Mets, now face long odds to even qualify as wildcard entrants.
Updated World Series odds, provided by Bovada, show that the top five haven't changed much since the embryonic stages of the season. The following teams have established themselves as the prime contenders for a ring in 2017.
Los Angeles Dodgers: +600
Many observers feel that the Dodgers have been underperforming for the past few years, understandable given the injury problems that have surfaced on an annual basis. In 2017, Los Angeles is healthier than ever.
Perhaps the deepest staff in the league, Kershaw, Alex Wood, Brandon McCarthy, Kenta Maeda, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Rich Hill provide an embarrassment of starting riches that no MLB squad can match.
The sudden emergence of rookie Cody Bellinger adds an elite bat, further bolstering the case for the L.A. Dodgers as World Series favorites. Considering they’re playing better than the Cubs, whom sportsbooks list with similar odds to win the World Series, provides great wagering value when backing the Dodgers.
Houston Astros: +475
The Astros have been knocking on the elite-status door for the past couple of years, often hitting their ceiling due to pitching and reliance on the long ball. This year Houston has rocketed to a terrific start, neck-and-neck with the Dodgers for best record in the MLB over the first half of the season.
Houston remains among the leaders for the long ball while managing to increase batting average considerably. Perhaps more importantly, the Astros have enjoyed improved pitching. Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers Jr. have formed one of the best one-two punches of all starting rotations, while the bullpen has also shown signs of improvement.
Experts predicted a solid Astros team, and they’ll be the top threat out of the AL if they continue playing at this level. Top betting sites have inflated their futures odds because of their impressive start. Waiting until Houston cools off should improve the payout, if you’re willing to take that risk.
Washington Nationals: +700
Washington is as star-studded as any MLB lineup. A ridiculous starting trio of Scherzer, Gonzalez, and Strasburg have taken no prisoners, conquering most lineups with relative ease.
The batters have been better in 2017 too, rivaling the Astros for the best offensive squad over the first half of the season. Ryan Zimmerman and Daniel Murphy have rained fire, outperforming mighty Bryce Harper as the mid-way point nears.
The bullpen could be better, but the Nationals have positioned themselves well for a deep playoff run. Sportsbooks agree, giving them solid odds to win it all.
Cleveland Indians: +750
A rain delay away from an historic World Series win, Cleveland experienced a brief hangover to begin the regular season before powering their way to the top of their division. Off-season acquisition Edwin Encarnacion has been ripping the cover off the ball after a difficult start. Jose Ramirez looks is on pace to have a career year, adding extra power to his stroke while raising his batting average.
These talents add to a resilient squad which appears ready to use the 2016 World Series as motivation for a second straight appearance in the Fall Classic. Starters will need to improve, but a shortened rotation plays into Cleveland’s bullpen advantage: Cody Allen and Andrew Miller will hold any lead after the sixth.
Considering the improved offense, it’s tough to bet against Cleveland winning the American League pennant. Compared with the others, sportsbooks have the least faith in Cleveland, improving the payout for wagering on this ascending team.
Chicago Cubs: +600
Sure, the Cubs haven’t been playing at their best, but they only need to play better than the Brewers to qualify for the post season. As World Series winners, they’re given the benefit of the doubt. After all, they transcended one of the worst curses in pro sports history with a Game Seven, extra-innings win.
This squad could tighten up to their 2016 form, gathering momentum before the playoffs begin. Otherwise, they probably deserve to fall outside the top five contenders. The Cubs appear distracted this year, buoyed by a relatively easy division. At this point, they’re no longer favorites, which makes them a great buy-low candidate.
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