As the last weekend before the All-Star break approaches, the divisional races are starting to sort themselves out (some). Betters, however, have made it clear that three teams - the Phillies, Padres, and Giants will not be winning the World Series this year. Sportsbooks have started taking those teams off the betting board of World Series odds.
If you still want to do some baseball betting, here are the latest favorites to take home the 2017 World Series:
Houston Astros: 9/2
The Astros have reeled off an historic first-half and made their re-build of the last few years go off to perfection. Vegas is currently setting Houston as the favorites to win the World Series, and with a 16-game lead in the AL West, it has plenty of cushion to stay healthy and coast into the playoffs.
Los Angeles Dodgers: 5/1
In a loaded NL West, the Dodgers have extended their lead to 4.5 games over Arizona over the past two weeks. The NL West could get three teams in the playoffs with the D-Backs and Rockies currently leading in the Wild Card, but the odds-makers are thinking this could finally be the year the Dodgers make it back to the World Series.
Boston Red Sox: 13/2
Despite several injuries and a hot start by the Yankees, the Red Sox have taken over the AL East with a strong June.
Washington Nationals: 7/1
A bullpen that's about as much of a dumpster fire as is DC politics, but the Nats are in control in the weak NL East. I'm not really confident though the playoffs will treat Washington any better than they have in the past. Look for the front-office to make a big push to shore-up the bullpen - and it's needed.
Chicago Cubs & Cleveland Indians: 15/2
Neither of last year's World Series participants have had a great first-half. The Cubs have been mired in mediocrity and would not be a playoff team if the season ended today (6.5 games back of Colorado for 2nd Wild Card). However, they've been a bit better of late and with the NL Central not being as strong as it has been in past years, Vegas still likes the Cubs' chances.
The Indians have moved into first place in the AL Central, but Minnesota and Kansas City are within 1.5 games. All of those teams look like buyers at the trade deadline, so the AL Central could turn out to be the best race of the divisions.
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