World Series Odds Overview
Not much changed on most World Series betting boards between Opening Day and the All-Star break. The handful of teams that topped the boards in March still remained at the top three months later, and few teams were playing very far outside expectations.
However, a couple of intriguing longer shots emerged as tempting betting candidates, particularly in Cleveland, while the two teams that played in last year’s World Series were both playing sub-.500 ball well into July.
Then again, 84 wins got Arizona to the playoffs last year on its way to the World Series.
With the All-Star break nearly upon us, here’s a quick update on how some online sportsbooks were handicapping this year’s World Series chase.
The Los Angeles Dodgers opened this season as the favorites on almost every World Series board at a price of around +300. By July, with the second-best record in the National League, the Dodgers were still the favorites on most boards, including Bet365’s, where they were catching +320.
The team with the best record in the National League into July—and in fact, the best record in baseball—was the Philadelphia Phillies. The NL champs of two seasons ago were on pace to win 105 games this season. The Phillies opened getting around +500 to win the World Series, and that’s exactly where they stood on FanDuel’s board in early July.
The New York Yankees began this season as the top World Series choice out of the American League at a price of +500. Thanks in part to some injuries and a late-June swoon, the Bombers were catching +675 on Bet365’s updated World Series board.
The Baltimore Orioles, who won the AL East last season, led the division through June this season. Off at around +800 on most World Series boards, the best Baltimore was catching in early July was +750 at FanDuel.
The Atlanta Braves opened this season getting around +800 on most World Series boards. After losing MVP Ronald Acuña and pitcher Spencer Strider for the season to injuries, the Braves were still only getting +850 on FanDuel’s World Series board.
Next Tier of Contenders
The next tier on most World Series betting boards included the Houston Astros, who perked up following a slow start, catching +1800 at FanDuel; and the American League-leading Cleveland Indians, Minnesota Twins, and AL West-leading Seattle Mariners, all getting +2000 at FanDuel.
Other Possible Contenders
- Milwaukee Brewers +3000 (FanDuel)
- San Diego Padres +4000 (FanDuel)
- Arizona Diamondbacks +5500 (Bet365)
- Boston Red Sox +6000 (FanDuel)
- Kansas City Royals +6600 (Bet365)
- New York Mets +7000 (Bet365)
- Texas Rangers +7000 (FanDuel)
- St. Louis Cardinals +8500 (FanDuel)
