Early 2019 World Series Odds

Now that the Boston Red Sox have made off with the Commissioner’s Trophy as 2018 World Series champions, winning their fourth title since 2004, it’s time to start looking ahead at your sports betting futures for next year’s champions. Boston is a favorite to repeat, but no team has repeated as world champions since the New York Yankees ran off three in a row from 1998 until 2000 (and posting a 12-1 record in those three Series). Houston sits as a co-favorite, with the L.A. Dodgers and the Yankees just behind. Take a look at the latest 2019 World Series odds as well as our thoughts about some of the contenders.

Early 2019 World Series Odds

Red Sox World Series trophy repaired after beer can hit #RedSox https://t.co/mW76hUOGxc pic.twitter.com/uRbvfDm1vX

— Red Sox by Fanly (@RedSox_Report) November 1, 2018

• Boston Red Sox, Houston   Astros                                                                        +600
• L.A. Dodgers, N.Y. Yankees                                                                                    +700
• Chicago Cubs, Cleveland Indians                                                                          +1000
• Atlanta Braves, Milwaukee Brewers                                                                      +1200
• St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals                                                          +1600
• Philadelphia Phillies                                                                                                 +1800
• Oakland A’s, Colorado Rockies, N.Y. Mets                                                           +3000
• Tampa Bay Rays, Anaheim Angels                                                                                    +4000
• Seattle Mariners, Pittsburgh Pirates                                                                      +5000
• Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, Minnesota Twins,
• Toronto Blue Jays                                                                                                    +6000
• Texas Rangers, San Francisco Giants, San Diego Padres, Cincinnati Reds                                                                                                        +10000
• Miami Marlins, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals                                              +20000
• Baltimore Orioles                                                                                                     +30000

 

Can Boston repeat after their 108-win season?

Well, maybe. However, according to ESPN.com, since MLB went to divisions in 1969, 13 teams have won 104 games or more. The next year, those teams won 12.3 fewer games. They should have everyone back, although closer Craig Kimbrel is eligible for free agency. Given the high blood pressure he caused in the closer’s role during the postseason, it’s a good question whether they will bring him back or not. David Price has a player option to leave if he chooses. What about Chris Sale’s shoulder? These aren’t too many questions, though, and that young core of Andrew Benitendi, Xander Bogaerts, J.D. Martines and Mookie Betts will keep the Sox competitive unless there’s a major meltdown. Houston won 103 games a season after winning a World Series of their own, despite the fact that the only players who seem to have overachieved statistically are Gerrit Cole and Alex Bregman. Carlos Correa bounced back from a down second half to hit clutch in the postseason. Free Agents Charlie Morton and Dallas Keuchel are the biggest names set to leave, but they have prospects who can cover both of those spots. Will the Astros look to add another power hitter? If so, look for them to be right there at the end again too. The Yankees are not likely to stand pat after losing to Boston in the ALDS. Their biggest need is depth in their rotation, and I expect them to push hard after free agents Manny Machado and/or Bryce Harper to give their lineup even more pop. Didi Gregorius will have Tommy John surgery, so the Yankees could put Machado there or sign Harper and then move Gleyber Torres to short. Expect the Yankees to rake again — but can their pitching get them through the postseason?

Should the Dodgers re-sign Clayton Kershaw?

He is their ace, after all. They have room to sign a big free agent without going over the luxury tax, so Harper could end up in Chavez Ravine, as well. But Kershaw flopped in both of his World Series starts this year and appears to be headed downward. Given the other clutch arms in the Dodger bullpen, and the likelihood that Kershaw will opt out of his deal and head to free agency, that’s the biggest question that L.A. faces. Atlanta washed out of the playoffs in a hurry, but they had a +102 run differential on the season and they finished 22 games over .500 against NL East opponents. Ronald Acuna Jr. put up crazy numbers after the All-Star break, batting .322 down the stretch. But they need at least one more starting pitcher and they need to figure out whether to re-sign Nick Markakis or add another big outfield bat in his place.