The start of the 2017 MLB season is this Sunday, so time is running out to bet on pre-season MLB futures. Once that opening pitch is thrown, a lot of these odds will be taken off the board. Let’s take a look at some of the World Series futures and regular season win totals before they’re refreshed.
World Series Odds
The defending champion Chicago Cubs enter the season as +450 World Series co-favourites with the Boston Red Sox. They’re followed by the Cleveland Indians and Los Angeles Dodgers at +900. The Red Sox won 93 games last season and added ace Chris Sale to their rotation, so they’re the favourite in the American League. Meanwhile, Cleveland added Edwin Encarnacion to a team that was one win short of the World Series last season. As for the Dodgers, they’re the last team inside of 10/1.
The second tier of teams is led by the Washington Nationals and San Francisco Giants (both +1100), followed by the Houston Astros at +1400. The Astros are a young team on the rise and could be a serious contender if their pitching comes together. As for the Nationals, they have a loaded roster once again, but will have to find a way to succeed in the playoffs – if they get there. Playoff success has eluded them. Meanwhile, the Giants could be a contender if they find some answers in the outfield.
Win Totals
Chicago Cubs (95.5) – The defending champs ended their team’s 108-year curse last season and will now go about defending the title. This team is built around a young core that could be even better this year. They’re returning with most of the same players as last season.
Tampa Bay Rays (77.5) – The Rays signed C Wilson Ramos (80 RBI, .354 OBP last season) to a two-year deal for $12.5 million (base salary) – which is a steal if the slugger avoids injury. Had he not torn his ACL and meniscus near the end of last season, he would have been the top catcher in the market. We’ll see how quickly he can join Tampa Bay’s rotation and help bolster the team’s wins.
New York Yankees (82.5) – The Yankees have bats and a bullpen, but some uncertainties with their pitching rotation outside of Masahiro Tanaka. CC Sabathia was last year’s No. 5 starter and was mediocre, and he could be this year’s No. 2. The farm system has a lot of young studs who could be the difference makers if they develop quickly enough.
Washington Nationals (90.5) – Yes, the Nationals struggle in the postseason, but this prop is about the regular season. If Cy Young winner Max Scherzer and Stephen Strasburg stay healthy, the Nats could have the best rotation in the league. They’ll need to find a closer, though, and sort out their bullpen, or a lot of quality starts could be wasted this year.
* Odds as of March 30, 2017