Buy or sell: Updated World Series betting odds
The Tampa Bay Rays are only 1.5 games back of the AL East lead, the Minnesota Twins hold a 10.5-win lead in their division, and the Washington Nationals are already nine games under .500.
Through roughly one-third of the 2019 MLB campaign, there are underperforming clubs, and others sailing past preseason projections. That's prompted a shake-up in the futures market.
Let's buy or sell the biggest movers in the latest World Series odds list, all while treating teams like assets.
Team | Odds |
---|---|
Astros | 4-1 |
Dodgers | 4-1 |
Yankees | 5-1 |
Twins | 7-1 |
Cubs | 10-1 |
Red Sox | 12-1 |
Brewers | 12-1 |
Phillies | 12-1 |
Rays | 14-1 |
Braves | 16-1 |
Cardinals | 20-1 |
Indians | 40-1 |
Padres | 50-1 |
Nationals | 50-1 |
Athletics | 50-1 |
Rockies | 50-1 |
Mets | 50-1 |
Diamondbacks | 60-1 |
Reds | 200-1 |
White Sox | 200-1 |
Rangers | 200-1 |
Pirates | 200-1 |
Angels | 300-1 |
Giants | 2000-1 |
Mariners | 3000-1 |
Blue Jays | 3000-1 |
Marlins | 5000-1 |
Tigers | 5000-1 |
Royals | 5000-1 |
Orioles | 5000-1 |
Twins (7-1) - Sell
Preseason odds: (75-1)
We were extremely bullish on the Twins before the season while citing the upside of their lineup, one rife with power hitters primarily at the peak of their career arcs. The Twins aren't letting us down in that regard, with the team on pace to comfortably hit 300-plus home runs this season.
At this price, however, we're selling, and a better price would be closer to 12-1. We don't think Minnesota is gimmicky and assumed the Twins would overshoot their projected preseason win total of 84.5. But right now, they're at the height of the market and still in the second tier of World Series contenders.
Astros (4-1) - Wait, then potentially buy
Preseason odds: 7-1
Some potential contenders experienced rough starts, but the Astros are exactly who we thought they were. They're the class of the American League, with few flaws on their roster.
Despite George Springer, Jose Altuve, and Carlos Correa all being sidelined with injuries, Houston is still the front-runner to win the whole thing. We recommend waiting to see if the 2017 champs slump a bit, then buying some Astros stock a little later in the season.
Rays (14-1) - Buy
Preseason odds: 50-1
Getting in on that preseason 50-1 ticket would have been nice, huh? Tampa Bay is every bit as good as the more-recognized franchises in the AL East, with a potent lineup and solid pitching staff.
The Rays' success isn't a fluke, either, as they own a +85 run differential. The team is built for a playoff run, whether it comes through a division crown or wild-card berth.
Cardinals (20-1) - Buy
Preseason: 18-1
Smarter bettors probably wish the market didn't favor the Cardinals so heavily before the season. St. Louis' win total was hovering in the 88-89 range, and the club was given the same odds as the Chicago Cubs to take the NL Central. If there's any time to buy the Cards it's now, as they spiraled throughout the month of May.
Padres (50-1) - Wait, then sell
Preseason odds: 125-1
This is actually an expensive price on the Padres, a team that's even shorter at other shops.
San Diego is off to a nice start, with a record above .500 heading into June. The Padres should pad that record - and see their odds drop - as they continue a 10-game homestand. However, they own a negative run differential (-16) and should expect some pitching regression heading forward.
Alex Kolodziej is theScore's betting writer. He's a graduate of Eastern Illinois who has been involved in the sports betting industry for 11 years. He can quote every line from "Rounders" and appreciates franchises that regularly wear alternate jerseys. Find him on Twitter @AlexKoIodziej.