As Major League Baseball races to the end of the regular season, excitement is building for the playoffs. First among the baseball-betting odds favorites to win the World Series are the Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and New York Yankees. There is nothing new about that. Correlate all three teams are perennial contenders from big markets. Thus, the casual sector is exposed to them in a way they are not to other contenders. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Royals offer the excitement of new blood. Kansas City is closing in on a wild card spot after years of futility.
2024 World Series Futures
| Date: | Playoffs Start October 1, 2024 |
|---|
2024 World Series SBG Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +330 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +330 |
| New York Yankees | +500 |
| Baltimore Orioles | +750 |
| Houston Astros | +750 |
| Cleveland Guardians | +1200 |
| San Diego Padres | +1800 |
| Minnesota Twins | +2800 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | +1600 |
| Arizona Diamondbacks | +1800 |
| Atlanta Braves | +2200 |
| Kansas City Royals | +220 |
| New York Mets | +2200 |
| All Other Teams | +6000 or higher |
Dodgers Win on Diamond but Lose at Betting Window
As has long been the case, the Los Angeles Dodgers are on their way toward another National League West division title. LA has ruled the NL West for over a decade. However, all of that success has not translated into trips to the payout window. Los Angeles continues to rank as one of the worst offshore betting values on the board. Despite a record of 87-59, the Dodgers are -209 on the moneyline. Also, Los Angeles is not performing at the level of a team that has the highest payroll in the game.
Most importantly, the Dodgers have not been a playoff success. Since their epic 1988 World Series title, Los Angeles has only one World Series title, which was won in the pandemic-shortened season of 2020.
Milwaukee Produces a Golden Brew
Milwaukee is the biggest MLB odds moneymaker on the board, largely because the public largely ignores them. Despite running away with the National League Central, Milwaukee remains the best value at the betting window. Milwaukee boasts the second-best bullpen ERA. In turn, the bullpen has overcome a staff ranked 28th for quality starts. Also helping is a lineup ranked 6th for run production.
Diamondbacks Producing Plenty of Greenbacks
Last year, the Arizona Diamondbacks were a surprise entry in the World Series. Although Arizona lost to Texas, they gained respect. Still, gamblers wondered if Arizona was a flash in the pan. Arizona has proven it is not falling back as the top team in the National League wild card standings.
Cleveland Turns Profits in AL Central
At the onset of the season, the Cleveland Guardians were not given much love in the future market. But the Guardians have been big winners on the diamond and at the cashier’s cage. Cleveland has led the American League Central all season. Most important of all, the Guardians are turning big profits for gamblers.
Where Did These Guys Come From?
The biggest surprise of the 2024 season is the Kansas City Royals, who are best known for losing 100 games in most seasons. Instead, Kansas City is a probable wild card team with a tidy profit on the board. Consider that Kansas City is well-balanced, ranking 10th for run production and earned run average. Bobby Witt Jr is becoming a superstar. To show, Witt is hitting .333 with 30 home runs.