At the onset, gamblers are asking how can what was already one of the highest payrolls in baseball afford to go higher. Consider the Mets paid $425 million to Justin Verlander, Edwin Díaz, Brandon Nimmo, and Kodai Senga. Just when MLB payrolls can’t get any more insane, they top themselves. As a result of their spending spree, the Mets are the favorite team on the baseball betting odds future market. New York looks to have Max Scherzer, Verlander, Senga, Carlos Carrasco, and José Quintana in the starting rotation. And that’s “just for starters.”
2023 MLB World Series Odds
| Date: | MLB Regular Season runs from March 30 through October 1, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Betting Online Odds at SBG: | Click Here |
Meet the New Look Mets
Of course, the Mets have long had the sportsbook for good pitching. Now, New York has taken that to an entirely new level. As mentioned earlier, the Mets have the best starting rotation in the game. Tylor Megill, David Peterson, and Elieser Hernandez add strength as long relievers. Meanwhile, Brooks Raley, David Robertson, and Edwin Díaz will handle the late innings.
And then, if rookies Brett Baty (3B) and Francisco Álvarez (C) are even remotely ready, it’s hard to find any weakness on this roster. However, for what is a nearly $350 million payroll, that should be the case.
Across Town, the Yankees are Looking as Good or Better
Even if all the Yankees had done was not lose Aaron Judge, this would have been a successful offseason. Consider the Bronx Bombers kept Judge and Anthony Rizzo. At the same time, they signed one of the best pitchers on the market. That is a championship offseason. Following another playoff flop, failure against the Hot Stove was not an option.
At the beginning, New York boasts a starting rotation of Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodón, Nestor Cortes, Luis Severino, and Frankie Montas. While Domingo Germán and Clarke Schmidt are still in the mix too. Certainly, the Mets will argue their starting rotation is better. But the Bronx Bombers starting five will be a buzzsaw in the AL East.
It is true that the Yankees have not yet done anything to improve what was a disappointing offense over the second half of last season. Hence the A-minus grade.
Of course, retaining Judge and Rizzo is great. But with Andrew Benintendi headed to the White Sox and Matt Carpenter’s future still unknown, the Yankees enter 2023 with a potentially worse MLB odds lineup. However, their grade can improve if they do something to address their left-field situation.
Oakland A’s Get a Big Fat F
Of major concern is that the Oakland A’s didn’t get enough for Sean Murphy. By contrast, Esteury Ruiz’s speed on the basepaths is impressive. In comparison, Kyle Muller should be a solid southpaw. Additionally, Royber Salinas and Freddy Tarnok have some promise on the mound. But not getting a single MLB top-100 prospect is indefensible. Especially considering Manny Piña’s $4.5 million salary in 2023 for no apparent reason. In sum, it was an indefensible return for a Gold Glove catcher.
Since mid-March, the A’s have traded away Chris Bassitt, Matt Olson, Matt Chapman, Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, Lou Trivino, and Murphy. Yet, after all that, they have hands down the worst MLB roster. Oakland has no top-40 prospects and just three top-100 prospects.