There is always plenty of interest in the MLB futures odds, and with the 2019 season just around the corner, there are lots of reasons to check in on the latest MLB futures odds. Here are a few of the latest trends and which teams are in favor and against the trend.
Yankees (28–4) are Favorites to Take the Title
The New York Yankees are currently 28–4 and have been a thorn in the side of baseball fans everywhere since their inception in the modern game. While they were once a powerhouse, they have struggled mightily since their heyday in the late 20th century. They remain one of baseball’s most recognizable brands and boast an excellent lineup that includes Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, and their former star player, Babe Ruth. The Bronx Bombers are also one of the game’s most successful franchises, having won six World Series titles and 12 American League pennants over the years. The team hasn’t been to the postseason since 1993, and at 68 years of age, Aaron Judge is the odds-on favorite to end that drought this year.
The Boston Red Sox (20–9) are also among the favorites to win the 2019 World Series, having not only survived, but thrived, after their infamous Great Devore in 1918. Since 1975, the Red Sox have been a fixture in the postseason, appearing in 19 World Series and winning 10 of those matchups. In 2018, the Sox made history by becoming the first team in 70 years to sweep both the Toronto Blue Jays and the Houston Astros in the post-season. They are led by an impressive lineup that includes MVP candidates Josh Beckett and Chris Sale and have an excellent pitching coach in Chris Kelley. The only thing working against the Red Sox this year is the fact that they are -6 against the run line in October because of their pitching staff, which was 12th in the majors in earned run average a year ago and has an unsavory reputation for giving up home runs.
Nationals (34–4) are Second-Best Team to Win the Title
The Washington Nationals are one of the most successful teams in MLB history, having won five consecutive National League East titles from 2012 to 2016 and appearing in the playoffs in each of those years. Even before their streak of division titles, however, the Nationals boasted a great deal of talent, having been one of the game’s best offensive teams from 2004 to 2008. Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg are still among the game’s best pitchers, and with players like Juan Soto, Yoan Lopez, and Victor Robles waiting in the wings, the franchise looks poised to make a run at the top of the 2018 MLB standings. The Nationals are +4.5-favorites to win the World Series this year.
Cardinals (25–6) are Third-Best Team to Win the Title
The St. Louis Cardinals are one of the most successful franchises in baseball, having won 11 World Series titles over the years. They were the first team to win a World Series after the Great Depression, and they remain one of the most recognizable brands in all of sports. The team has not only been a consistent postseason participant but has also made the most of getting there, having won the title in 18 of the last 19 years. In 2018, the Cardinals made it to the World Series for the 12th time in the past 13 years, but were ultimately swept by the eventual champion, the Boston Red Sox. The team now finds itself in a position where it must win its division in order to advance to the postseason for the 13th consecutive year.
Tigers (19–11) are Fourth-Best Team to Win the Title
The Detroit Tigers are one of the most popular teams in all of sports, having been a part of some memorable moments over the years. Back in 1935, the team was founded by William Andrews, who wanted to bring an all-American form of baseball to his city. The name ‘Tigers’ was inspired by the team’s initial players, whose jersey colors were orange and black. The Tigers have never been to the World Series but have made the postseason in every year since 1997 and won a pair of AL pennants in the last two years. Their success is owed, in part, to a stacked roster that includes the likes of Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, and Camarillo Gallardo. The team was also one of the first to transition from using wooden bats to the more traditional metal ones, which it still uses today. With a new manager in the books (albeit, not a very popular one), the Tigers have plenty to look forward to in 2019.
Odds to Win the 2019 World Series
The 2019 World Series is upon us, which means that the betting public has turned its attention to handicapping the Championship Series. As with any other year, there are plenty of contenders and no obvious favorites to come out of the 2019 MLB season. Here are the latest World Series odds, courtesy of TopBet.
Yankees (28–4) 28/1
Red Sox (20–9) 20/1
Nationals (34–4) 34/1
Cardinals (25–6) 25/1
Tigers (19–11) 19/1
Odds to Win the 2019 American League Championship Series
The 2019 American League Championship Series is the best-of-seven series between the winners of the AL East and the AL West divisions of the MLB. The 2019 ALCS is shaping up to be a classic, with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox squaring off against the Tampa Bay Rays and Houston Astros, two of the game’s best teams. The first three games of the series are in Boston, and fans there can rest assured that they will soon be treated to some memorable baseball, as evidenced by the fact that every series since 2013 has had at least one game with an ace pitching performance. While the Yankees and Red Sox have both had their share of memorable matchups in the past, we might see something different in 2019. The 2019 ALCS will be decided, in part, by which team can successfully defend its home turf against the other. For complete ALCS betting info, visit TopBet.
Odds to Win the 2019 National League Championship Series
The 2019 National League Championship Series is the best-of-seven series between the winners of the NL East and NL West divisions of the MLB. The defending champions the New York Mets will be attempting to secure their third title in the last four years, having defeated the Colorado Rockies in seven games last year. The first two games of the series are in Colorado, and fans there can rest assured that they will soon be treated to some memorable baseball, as evidenced by the fact that every series since 2013 has had at least one game with an ace pitching performance. While the Mets will be a popular pick to end the drought, the Rockies could buck the trend and pull off a surprise or two. The 2019 NLCS will be decided, in part, by which team can defend its home turf against the other. For complete NLCS betting info, visit TopBet.
Just like that, the offseason is gone and the regular season is almost here. For those who bet on baseball, the upcoming season should bring with it plenty of excitement and surprises. While it would be fun to look back on the 2018 season and reminisce about the great plays and unbeatable odds, it’s crucial to remember that the sport is a fluid one and that things can change in an instant. So instead of looking back, let’s take a step forward and prepare for the 2019 season by handicapping a few key trends and looking at which teams are in favor and against the current trends.