2020 MLB National League Pennant Odds
As we continue to await the return of the boys of summer here’s a look at some of the most recent National League pennant odds.
If you can’t guess who is leading those NL futures at the Bovada Sportsbook you haven’t been paying attention to baseball lately. The Los Angeles Dodgers will head into the season, whenever it starts, as the NL favorites, currently listed at +155 odds to win the NL pennant.
The Dodgers have been a constant underachiever for years with seven straight NL West titles, a pair of NL pennants, and zero World Series rings. It’s World Series or bust again in Los Angeles after the offseason acquisition of Mookie Betts and David Price. Along with Cody Bellinger the Dodgers have a pair of MVPs, and Price is their No. 3 pitcher behind Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler.
Braves follow Dodgers on NL pennant odds
Following the Dodgers on the NL pennant odds are the Atlanta Braves at +550. Atlanta’s plethora of young talent is blossoming, led by Ronald Acuna Jr. who could give Mike Trout a run for the title of baseball’s best player. Joining Acuna as offseason pickups are Marcell Ozuna and Cole Hamels. The difference maker for the Braves this season will be how well their young pitchers, namely Mike Soroka, Max Fried and Mike Foltynewicz, manage to fare.
Rounding out the top five teams on the NL pennant odds is a mash up of the Washington Nationals (+800), the New York Mets (+850) and the St. Louis Cardinals (+900)
The reigning NL and World Series champs, the Nationals lost a big bat when Anthony Rendon departed via free agency. They were able to retain Stephen Strasburg, and their trio of starters that includes him, Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin make them a legit repeat threat.
The Mets have their own staunch pitching staff with two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, Marcus Stroman and Steven Matz. Rick Porcello could be a solid fifth starter, despite coming off the worst season of his career. Throw in slugger Pete Alonso and the underrated Michael Conforto and the Mets could surprise.
Cardinals to rely on pitching to get to playoffs
The Cardinals will also rely on their starting pitching to get them back to the postseason. Led by Jack Flaherty and Dakota Hudson the Cardinals pitched their way to an NL Central title last season. Unless Paul Goldschmidt bounces back from what for him was a mediocre season they might need to do it again.
If you’re looking for a value pick on the NL pennant futures it could be the Cincinnati Reds at +1200. The Reds opened their wallets in the offseason to bring in Nick Castellanos and Mike Moustakas. They’ll also get their first full season of Trevor Bauer in between Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray in the rotation. If some of the Reds' young up-and-comers like Nick Senzel and Jesse Winker can contribute, they could surprise.