Above all most fans and gamblers believe that Major League Baseball should have been playing this past Memorial Day. Players and owners have not been fighting over COVID-19 safety concerns. Instead, they have been in a bitter fight over money. The fact that there are no games on the board for Major League Baseball betting odds has angered America. COVID-19 has wiped out jobs and lives. As a result, people would have been grateful for baseball. Instead, they got nothing. Mercifully, the warring factions are about to come to an agreement.
| Team |
Odds |
| Los Angeles Dodgers |
+375 |
| New York Yankees |
+400 |
| Houston Astros |
+650 |
| Atlanta Braves |
+1300 |
| Minnesota Twins |
+1600 |
| Washington Nationals |
+1800 |
| Philadelphia Phillies |
+2000 |
| St. Louis Cardinals |
+2000 |
| Chicago Cubs |
+2200 |
| Cleveland Indians |
+2200 |
| New York Mets |
+2200 |
| Cincinnati Reds |
+2500 |
| Oakland Athletics |
+2500 |
| Boston Red Sox |
+3000 |
| Chicago White Sox |
+3000 |
| Milwaukee Brewers |
+3000 |
| Los Angeles Angels |
+3300 |
| Texas Tech |
+4000 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks |
+4000 |
| San Diego Padres |
+4000 |
| Texas Rangers |
+8000 |
| All Other Teams |
+10000 |
| Place Bets |
Odds to Win the 2020 World Series Odds Analysis and Top Favorites
It follows that the Dodgers, Yankees, and Astros are top online sportsbook favorites. Los Angeles has been the most successful franchise in Major League Baseball since 2013. For example, LA has won the National League West seven straight seasons. All that is missing is the World Series trophy. Los Angeles lost the Fall Classic in both 2018 and 2017. In fact, 1988 was the last time the Dodgers went all the way. But with one of the most complete and deepest rosters in the game, they are banging on the door. Just as important is their winning habits.
Namely 2019 Cy Young Award Winner Gerrit Cole’s arrival to the Yankees enhances a contender. New York has made the playoffs three years in a row. And is coming off back to back seasons of 100 or more wins. Pitching proved to be the missing link for the Bronx Bombers last year. As a result, Cole helps close the gap. One characteristic that New York has in spades is power hitting. Indeed, strong run production has been the fuel of Yankee’s success.
Houston won the 2017 World Series and made the World Series last year. However, the cloud of scandal hangs over the Astros. General manager Jeff Luhnow and manager A.J. Hinch were fired after the scandal blew up in the offseason. As mentioned earlier Gerrit Cole has departed for Yankee riches. However, Houston is still a top tier team with the MLB lines. Justin Verlander is a Cy Young Award winner in his own right. Alex Bregman and Jose Altuve will continue to ignite the lineup.
Second Tier World Series Contenders
Minnesota made a major leap last year with 101 wins, their best since 1965. Certainly, the Twins were able to take advantage of a weak American League Central division. In the American League divisional series playoffs, they were swept by the Yankees. Still, this is a solid club that has made the postseason two of the last three years. Minnesota is built for a strong run in 2020.
Atlanta may have the best pitching staff in Major League Baseball. Fashion their back to back National League East division titles. Of great concern is the historic record of postseason failure for the Braves. More emphatically they are still yet to erase the image of “chokers.”
Short Season and Expanded Playoffs Change Handicapping Dynamics
Specifically, the 2020 season will be comprised of roughly 70 regular-season games. Perhaps up to half of the teams will make the playoffs. Eventually, strong favorites are going to be tempted to rest top players and coast. While lesser teams will go all-in for a shot at the postseason. Correspondingly this means big chalks may be avoided by sharp gamblers. At least until playoff time.
CASHBET Best Bets: Atlanta Braves
