World Series 2018 Odds: Astros, Dodgers, Red Sox Are Betting Favorites After MLB Trade Deadline
Just about every contender made a move to improve their roster at some point before Tuesday’s MLB non-waiver trade deadline. Plenty of teams are given a good chance to win the 2018 World Series, though it was one of the least active organizations that’s still considered to be the favorite.
The Houston Astros (+485) have the best betting odds of winning this year’s championship, via 5Dimes. The defending champs made one deal in July, acquiring reliever Roberto Osuna from the Toronto Blue Jays.
Houston’s big trade came before the season when they got Gerrit Cole from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Cole and Justin Verlander, whom the Astros acquired just prior to last season’s Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline, have helped give Houston the best rotation in baseball.
Because of the Astros’ dominant pitching staff, they have slightly better World Series odds than the Boston Red Sox (+515). Already in the midst of a historic regular season, Boston added both starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and second baseman Ian Kinsler before the trade deadline.
MVP candidates Mookie Betts and J.D. Martinez have helped to give Boston the best offense in baseball and a five-game lead over the New York Yankees (+625) in the AL East. The Yankees were the most active team at the deadline, adding J.A. Happ, Lance Lynn and Zach Britton.
The Los Angeles Dodgers (+505) are the World Series favorites in the National League, and they nearly have the same title odds as the Astros despite having nine fewer victories. Los Angeles acquired power-hitting infielders Manny Machado and Brian Dozier in the last two weeks, looking to win a sixth straight NL West title.
L.A. is no guarantee to win the division. They enter August in third place, percentage points behind the second-place Colorado Rockies (+2200) and a half-game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks (+2000). Colorado stood pat Tuesday, while Arizona upgraded their bullpen, though the oddsmakers don’t seem to be big believers in either team.
The Cleveland Indians (+1400) traded for outfielder Leonys Martin from the Detroit Tigers Tuesday. The defending AL Central champs added All-Star reliever Brad Hand a couple of weeks ago.
Cleveland was considered to be a player for Bryce Harper Tuesday, that is until the Washington Nationals (+2800) announced that they wouldn’t be dealing their superstar. Choosing not to become sellers, the Nationals are still somewhat in the mix for the NL pennant.
Washington didn’t make themselves any better Tuesday, and they still trail the Philadelphia Phillies (+1625) and Atlanta Braves (+1800) in the NL East. Philadelphia added All-Star catcher Wilson Ramos, and Atlanta acquired pitchers Kevin Gausman and Darren O’Day from the Baltimore Orioles.
The Pittsburgh Pirates (+5000) made the biggest move in the hours leading up to Tuesday’s trade deadline by acquiring Chris Archer from the Tampa Bay Rays. Pittsburgh is still considered to be a World Series long shot after adding the starter. They are six games out of first place in the NL Central.
The Chicago Cubs (+805) and Milwaukee Brewers (+1425) are tied atop the division. Chicago added a few pitchers, while Milwaukee improved their lineup, though the Cubs are given a better chance to make a World Series run after making three straight NLCS appearances.
The Seattle Mariners (+2800) and Oakland Athletics (+2800) made minor moves. One of them will likely end up with the second AL Wild-Card spot.
The St. Louis Cardinals (+8000) and San Francisco Giants (+8000) are the only other MLB teams with better than 100/1 World Series odds.
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