Earlier this week, we took a look at the updated sports betting odds for each of the teams in Major League Baseball to win the World Series. Today, we’re taking a closer look at the top six teams at the top of the list. Each of them is there for a reason, but each of them also has flaws that could keep them from claiming the Commissioner’s Trophy as world champions.
Read on as you consider your MLB futures betting on baseball.
MLB News: Favorites to Win the 2021 World Series
Los Angeles Dodgers (+375)
The Dodgers went 6-0 a week ago, giving them nine straight until they dropped their first two games against Miami to the Marlins. So the San Francisco Giants moved back into the National League West lead for now, but the Dodgers are the hottest team in the division. Teams in this position would normally be buyers at the trade deadline, but what trades do you make for a team that doesn’t have any apparent needs? As far as postseason chances go, the Dodgers have relied too heavily on Clayton Kershaw at just the wrong time the past several years, and he has given up big bombs. This team needs to trust its depth.
Houston Astros (+600)
The Astros were unceremoniously swept by the Baltimore Orioles last week, but then they went to Cleveland and swept a four-game set over the Tribe. Their run differential (+137) is the best in Major League Baseball, and their pitching staff is second in the league in ERA (3.60). This is a team that could make a run to the title, on the basis of offense alone, unless they get caught whistling, banging trash cans, or whatever their latest method of stealing pitch signs might be.
Chicago White Sox (+750)
An interesting fact about the White Sox, who were 50-35 as of Tuesday, is that they have a losing record when playing on the road, including losses in eight of their last 10 when away. The team has gone through a number of key injuries, and the likes of Brian Goodwin, with ten extra-base hits in 78 plate appearances, and Gavin Sheets, have come up to produce. However, the disconnect between manager Tony La Russa and his team could prove dangerous to clubhouse chemistry if things start to go south.
San Diego Padres (+800)
The Padres have a +86 run differential, and shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr is on a pace to hit 50 home runs, drive in 108 runs, score 123 runs and steal 34 bases. Oh, and he’s only 22 years old. The Padres had won 11 out of 12 before taking it on the chin for a three-game sweep over the weekend. This is a young, elite team, and if they can find consistency, they could make a run to the division title and steamroll through the playoffs. Or they could collapse. At this point, it’s still hard to tell.
New York Mets (+850)
The Mets did beat the Yankees in two out of three games over the weekend after either splitting or losing four series in a row. Jacob deGrom is the only Met in the World Series, and he won’t play because he does not want to aggravate any injuries. Taijuan Walker, who has a 2.44 ERA over 15 starts, could be his replacement, but the real question is what this team, with its clunky offense, is doing anywhere near the top of the favorites list.
Tampa Bay Rays (+1200)
The Rays saw a five-game losing streak finally come to an end on Sunday, as they beat Toronto, 5-1, with solid days from Ryan Yarbrough and Colin McHugh. The only Ray in the All-Star Game is catcher Mike Zunino, which is ridiculous given the fact that the woeful Texas Rangers are sending three players to the game. This is another sign that the Rays simply can’t get respect or exposure from the national media, even after their World Series run a year ago. That sort of disrespect can go a long way toward motivating teams in the playoffs.
MLB Betting Odds
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