2018 World Series Futures Odds Update
With nearly a third of the MLB season behind us, the New York Yankees are the favorites to win the World Series.
New York’s modern-day murderers row of Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Gary Sanchez and Didi Gregorius tops a lineup that leads the majors in home runs and runs scored. The Yankees have a legitimate ace in Luis Severino and although the rest of their starting rotation could use a bit of a jolt, they’re the favorites on the World Series futures odds at Bovada Sportsbook at +525.
The Yankees aren’t massive favorites, though, as the reigning World Series champion Houston Astros are right behind them on the odds at +550. The Astros’ starting pitching has looked very impressive so far led by Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Charlie Morton. If Dallas Keuchel can regain his old form, they’ll be downright scary. Throw Jose Altuve, Carlos Correa and George Springer into the mix and the Astros could be primed to repeat.
BoSox third in World Series futures at +700 odds
Following the Yankees and Astros on the World Series futures odds are the Boston Red Sox at +700 and the Washington Nationals at +1200.
Boston leads the AL East behind an MVP-calibre season from Mookie Betts and plenty of pop from free-agent acquisition J.D. Martinez. Chris Sale continues to carry the rotation, but Rick Porcello has rebounded nicely after stumbling last season and David Price has also shown flashes of his past brilliance around some odd hand problems.
The first National League team to show up on the odds list, the Nationals are having a much harder time in the NL East than expected, chasing the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies. Bryce Harper has been electric in his free-agent year, which has helped Washington cope with a number of injuries to key players including Adam Eaton, Daniel Murphy, Ryan Zimmerman and Howie Kendrick.
If you’re looking for value right now on the odds, your best bet may be the Cleveland Indians at +1800. The Indians have had a disappointing first few months of the season by their standards, but they’re still in first place in the horrid AL Central. Jose Ramirez continues to put up MVP numbers, Michael Brantley is having a massive bounce-back season and Cleveland starters Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and Trevor Bauer would be a tough trio to face in a playoff series.