The Major League Baseball (MLB) season is winding down, with the playoffs set to begin in October. As teams make their final pushes towards the postseason, World Series odds are fluctuating, reflecting which clubs are looking strongest heading into the Fall Classic.
Let's take a look at the current favorites to win the 2023 World Series, best value bets, key World Series and MLB futures betting trends, and more.
Who Is Favored To Win The 2023 World Series?
The reigning champion Houston Astros currently have the best odds to win the 2023 World Series at +400. Despite losing in the World Series last year, the Astros remain a powerhouse and are poised to make another deep October run with a loaded lineup and elite pitching staff.
The Los Angeles Dodgers (+450) and Atlanta Braves (+500) round out the top World Series favorites. The Dodgers are always a threat with Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and co., while the Braves are looking to defend their 2021 title.
Here's a look at the full current World Series odds:
- Houston Astros: +400
- Los Angeles Dodgers: +450
- Atlanta Braves: +500
- New York Mets: +600
- New York Yankees: +800
- Toronto Blue Jays: +1000
- Philadelphia Phillies: +1200
- St. Louis Cardinals: +1500
- San Diego Padres: +1600
- Seattle Mariners: +1800
The Astros have been dominant all season long, racing out to the best record in the American League. Led by Jose Altuve, Yordan Alvarez and Justin Verlander, Houston has few weaknesses. With how deep the Astros pitching staff is, especially the bullpen, they have all the pieces to win their second title in three years.
Verlander has been incredible in his return from Tommy John surgery, once again Cy Young contender. Framber Valdez has broken out as a true ace, pitching over 200 innings with an ERA under 3.00. Throw in the steady Luis Garcia, emerging Cristian Javier and shutdown closer in Ryan Pressly, and Houston boasts one of baseball's best rotations and bullpens.
The offense continues to churn even after losing Carlos Correa, Alex Bregman bouncing back from injury-plagued 2021. The Astros lead MLB in runs scored, fuelled by Alvarez's superstar turn and Kyle Tucker's 30 home run power.
After falling short in the World Series last year, the Astros are more motivated than ever to capture another championship. Their roster is just as loaded, if not better, than the 2019 title winning team. That's why the oddsmakers have installed Houston as the team to beat entering October.
Why do the Atlanta Braves have the best odds to win the World Series?
Atlanta features a balanced roster with star power and depth across the diamond. Ronald Acuna Jr. leads a loaded outfield that includes breakout rookie Michael Harris II. Austin Riley has emerged as an MVP candidate, while Dansby Swanson and Matt Olson anchor the infield.
On the mound, Max Fried fronts the rotation as a Cy Young contender. Kyle Wright and Spencer Strider have enjoyed breakout seasons, giving Atlanta a formidable big three. Kenley Jansen has been excellent in his first year as the Braves closer, securing 30+ saves.
But it's the team's depth and experience that make them dangerous in October. Atlanta has key veterans like Charlie Morton and Jake Odorizzi to stabilize the staff, while young arms like Bryce Elder and Kyle Muller provide quality reinforcement options.
The Braves have proven they can overcome adversity, playing .600 ball despite losing Acuna for half the season. Brian Snitker has this group battle-tested and ready to thrive in the high-leverage playoffs. Backed by a loaded farm system, GM Alex Anthopoulos has the pieces to be aggressive at the trade deadline and address any holes.
Bettors are backing Atlanta's championship pedigree, experience and complete roster to win another title in 2023 at baseball's best odds.
World Series Odds: Best Value Bets
While the Astros, Dodgers and Braves garner most of the attention, there are several teams further down the odds board that offer intriguing value.
New York Mets (+600)
Despite holding a division lead for much of the season, the Mets have slid down the odds board into enticing territory. This team remains loaded with talent, led by Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom atop the rotation. Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor and Starling Marte add plenty of pop to the lineup. Buck Showalter has this club playing hard and built to succeed in the postseason. With +600 odds, the Mets are a great pick to break their World Series drought.
Seattle Mariners (+1800)
The Mariners are trying to break the league's longest postseason drought, but they have the pitching to make serious noise if they get in. Luis Castillo was a steal at the trade deadline, giving Seattle a dominant rotation alongside Robbie Ray, Logan Gilbert and George Kirby. Julio Rodriguez's superstar emergence has the offense rolling, while contributing a stellar glove in center field. There's value in the M's at nearly 20-1 as they could be this year's Atlanta.
San Diego Padres (+1600)
Despite the Dodgers ruling the NL West, the Padres are a dangerous team with their remade roster. Juan Soto changes their entire lineup while Josh Hader and Josh Bell were big deadline adds. Stars Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr. are proven playoff performers. At their current odds, the Padres are a good pick if you're betting on chaos in October.
Houston Astros
Jose Altuve and Alex Bregman continue to form an elite offensive core alongside slugger Yordan Alvarez. Justin Verlander has returned in peak form after missing 2021 to injury, while Framber Valdez has emerged as an ace. Manager Dusty Baker brings invaluable experience and deft touch piloting this loaded roster.
After reaching the World Series four out of five years between 2017-2021, Houston is poised to get back again this October. The Astros have never been fazed by the bright playoff lights, playing as well in October as any team in recent memory.
With a deep and battle-tested roster capable of beating you in so many ways, the Astros deserve to be at the top of the betting board heading into the postseason. Their wealth of talent and experience makes them the worthy World Series favorite.
World Series Odds Best Bet: Baltimore Orioles
The Orioles have been one of baseball's best stories this season, competing for a Wild Card spot after losing 110 games last year. Baltimore provides amazing value for bettors at +5000 to win the World Series.
This price is far too high for a team with real October potential. The Orioles are built on elite pitching that travels well in the playoffs. Atop the rotation, young ace John Means showed out in his Wild Card start last season. Veteran Jordan Lyles is having a career year, while breakouts from Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer and DL Hall give the O's enviable rotation depth.
The bullpen could be the best in the American League outside of Houston. Felix Bautista, Cionel Perez and Jorge Lopez form a shutdown trio at the back end, while the group leads baseball in K/9.
Offensively, Trey Mancini, Austin Hays and breakout star Adley Rutschman pace a lineup that grinds out runs. Manager Brandon Hyde has this club playing sound, winning baseball.
With their stellar pitching staff and scrappy offense, the Orioles profile well for pulling playoff upsets. +5000 is too tantalizing to pass up for a rising team ready to make noise this October.
Last 10 World Series Champions
Here are the last 10 World Series winning teams:
- 2022: Houston Astros - Defeated Philadelphia Phillies (Odds: +900)
- 2021: Atlanta Braves - Defeated Houston Astros (Odds: +1600)
- 2020: Los Angeles Dodgers - Defeated Tampa Bay Rays (Odds: +350)
- 2019: Washington Nationals - Defeated Houston Astros (Odds: +2200)
- 2018: Boston Red Sox - Defeated Los Angeles Dodgers (Odds: +950)
- 2017: Houston Astros - Defeated Los Angeles Dodgers (Odds: +800)
- 2016: Chicago Cubs - Defeated Cleveland Indians (Odds: +450)
- 2015: Kansas City Royals - Defeated New York Mets (Odds: +2500)
- 2014: San Francisco Giants - Defeated Kansas City Royals (Odds: +2000)
- 2013: Boston Red Sox - Defeated St. Louis Cardinals (Odds: +1200)
The last five champions have all had preseason odds of +1500 or longer, showing that long shots can always emerge. Teams like the 2019 Nationals, 2021 Braves and 2022 Astros have gone from fringe contenders to World Series winners.
Bettors shouldn't fixate too much on the favorites and should take a chance on some middle and long odds teams. Picking a breakout team or surprise contender to win it all can pay off huge.
MLB Teams with the Most World Series Titles
The New York Yankees have the most World Series titles of any MLB franchise with 27 total:
- New York Yankees - 27
- St. Louis Cardinals - 11
- Boston Red Sox - 9
- San Francisco/New York Giants - 8
- Oakland/Philadelphia Athletics - 9
- Los Angeles Dodgers - 7
- Cincinnati Reds - 5
The Yankees last won it all in 2009, while the Red Sox and Giants have each won three World Series titles in the 2000s.
The Cardinals and Dodgers have consistently contended, combining for 13 pennants since 2004, but just two titles between them over that span. Both franchises are still looking for their next championship.
MLB Teams That Have Never Won a World Series
There are six MLB franchises that have yet to win a World Series championship:
- Seattle Mariners
- Texas Rangers
- Milwaukee Brewers
- San Diego Padres
- Colorado Rockies
- Tampa Bay Rays
The Mariners have the longest active title drought, entering their 46th season since inception without a World Series appearance.
The Brewers began as the Seattle Pilots in 1969 before moving to Milwaukee a year later, extending their combined drought to 54 seasons without a title.
The Padres (54 seasons), Rangers (62 seasons) and Rockies (30 seasons) have also yet to win a ring.
The Rays have come agonizingly close in recent history, reaching the World Series in 2008 and 2020 but coming up empty both times. Tampa's title drought sits at 26 seasons.
World Series Betting Trends
Here are some key betting trends to consider when wagering on the World Series:
- Underdogs have won 4 out of the last 7 World Series. Since 2015, only the favored Red Sox (2018) and Nationals (2019) have won.
- Wild Card teams have won the World Series 8 times since 2002, showing underdogs can get hot.
- Home field advantage has meant very little recently, with road teams holding an 11-6 World Series record over the last five years.
- Pitching depth matters. The last four champions have had top 10 staff ERAs, and six of the last seven.
- League dominance has wavered. Since 2011, the AL has won seven titles to the NL's five. The senior circuit isn't the underdog it once was.
- Fewer sweeps lately. Only one World Series since 2010 has ended in a sweep (Red Sox over Rockies, 2007).
What Are MLB Futures?
Futures are open year-round, with odds adjusting throughout the season as team performance and standings fluctuate. Betting early lets you get better odds on teams before surges or slumps change their number.
In addition to the World Series winner, common MLB futures bets include:
- Team win totals (over/under)
- Division winners
- League champions
- MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year winners
- Player stat props (hits, home runs, strikeouts, etc)
Futures are fixed-odds wagers, meaning you lock in odds at the time you place your bet. Your payout won’t change regardless of subsequent line movement.
They add excitement all season long as you track results, monitor odds shifts and sweat your positions with an eye towards a big score if you hit the right long shot.
Conclusion
The Houston Astros enter the postseason holding the best World Series odds at most sportsbooks. With a loaded lineup and pitching staff full of aces like Justin Verlander, the Astros have proven themselves to be October's team to beat over recent seasons.
While rivals like the Dodgers and Braves are also top contenders, Houston's roster depth, playoff experience and dominance against the AL field make them a worthy betting favorite.
The Astros are trying to capture their second World Series title in three years, showing they are still baseball's gold standard franchise. Bettors who believe in Houston's undeniable talent and championship pedigree will be backing the Astros to win it all as the playoffs get underway.
