World Series Futures Odds Update
With just under two weeks remaining in the regular season, the favorites in the odds to win the World Series should surprise no one.
At Bovada Sportsbook, the latest World Series futures odds have the best team in baseball, the Los Angeles Dodgers, as a +300 favorite, followed by the second-best team in baseball, the Houston Astros at +400.
Dodgers remain favorites to win 2022 World Series
The Dodgers lead the majors with 103 wins, and they’ve already clinched their ninth division title in the last 10 years. The Dodgers have continued rolling this season despite several injuries to their starting rotation. That includes Walker Buehler being knocked out for the season, Tony Gonsolin still on the injured list and hoping to return before season’s end and Clayton Kershaw spending some time on the IL.
Of course, it’s easier to weather a battered rotation when you boast a lineup that includes Trea Turner, Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith night after night.
The Astros look poised to crack the 100-win mark any day now as they currently sit with a 99-51 record. Justin Verlander garners most of the attention, but the Houston starting rotation has quietly been among the best in baseball this season. Verlander, Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier all boast ERAs under 3.00 and will be tough to beat in a short series. Once they’re done, Ryan Pressly, Ryne Stanek and Bryan Abreu lead what has been a shutdown Astros bullpen.
Following the Dodgers and Astros on the World Series futures are the New York Yankees at +500, the New York Mets at +550 and the defending World Series champion Atlanta Braves at +750.
Judge has Yanks on rebound after dismal August
The Yankees appear to have righted the ship after posting one of their worst Augusts in decades. Aaron Judge is ready to surpass Roger Maris’ AL home run record in what could be an MVP season. One cause for concern: the Yankees’ moves at the trade deadline may prove moot as two of their major pickups, Frankie Montas and Andrew Benintendi, are injured and may miss the postseason. If the Yankees end up facing the Astros, they could be in trouble as they’re 2-5 against Houston this season.
The Mets and Braves are battling for the NL East Division crown with the Mets currently holding a slim one-game lead. By the time you’re reading this, that lead could have grown or the Braves could have surpassed them.
The Mets have arguably the most formidable one-two punch in baseball atop their rotation in Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer. If they can hold their playoff opponents in check and eventually hand the ball off to the nearly automatic Edwin Diaz, this could finally be the Mets’ year.
Defending champs battling Mets for NL East title
The Braves will try to become the first repeat World Series champion since the Yankees won three straight from 1998 to 2000. If they do end up facing the Dodgers or the Mets in the playoffs, bettors may want to know they’re 2-4 vs the Dodgers this season and 7-9 vs the Mets.
The value bets on the World Series futures right now are the St. Louis Cardinals at +1400, Toronto Blue Jays at +1600, Seattle Mariners at +1800, San Diego Padres at +2500, Tampa Bay Rays at +2800 and Cleveland Guardians at +3500.
If you want to take a flier on any of those teams, the Padres may be the best bet right now. San Diego is coming on at the right time and has won five straight while outscoring opponents 26-4. The Padres face the Dodgers next week where they need to prove themselves and improve on their awful 4-12 record against Los Angeles this season.