World Series Odds: Contenders Beef Up
After most of the World Series contenders upgraded at the trade deadline, there have been a few notable moves in the World Series futures odds.
Nothing has changed at the top where the Los Angeles Dodgers are still the World Series favorites at Bovada Sportsbook at +325. The Dodgers made some noise at the trade deadline by acquiring former Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and Trea Turner.
Fortified Dodgers remain favorites to win Fall Classic
Los Angeles now has three former Cy Young winners and a roster loaded with all-stars. The Dodgers’ chances of repeating as World Series champs would improve even more if they could take over first place in the NL West.
Following the Dodgers on the World Series futures board are the Houston Astros at +450 and the Chicago White Sox at +500.
Houston bolstered its bullpen at the deadline with Kendall Graveman, Rafael Montero and Yimi Garcia. The Astros continue to boast the No. 1 offense in baseball and it could get even better down the stretch when Alex Bregman finally returns from a lengthy stay on the IL.
The White Sox added the best bullpen arm available at the deadline by acquiring Craig Kimbrel. He’ll team up with Liam Hendriks to form arguably the best bullpen back end in the majors. The White Sox also got a boost with the return of Eloy Jimenez, while Luis Robert is also expected back in the Chicago outfield later this month.
Giants, Brewers make big gains in World Series odds
Two of the biggest gains in the World Series odds over the last month were made by the San Francisco Giants and the Milwaukee Brewers. Both are currently getting +900 odds at Bovada.
A few weeks ago, the Brewers were available at +2200 on the futures. They added Eduardo Escobar at the deadline, while earlier acquisition Rowdy Tellez has had a hot bat since changing leagues. Of course, the Brewers’ strength remains their rotation led by Brandon Woodruff, Corbin Burnes and Freddy Peralta.
The Giants continue to hold on to first place in the NL West and have also made a big jump on the futures from +2000. That’s nothing, though, as they began the season at +8000. The Giants added Kris Bryant at the deadline ahead of what will likely be some big games against the Dodgers and San Diego Padres (+1100) in September.
The updated odds on a few other contenders who made notable additions at the deadline include the New York Mets at +1100, the Tampa Bay Rays at +1100, the Boston Red Sox at +1200 and the Oakland Athletics at +2000.