2021 World Series Odds: Dodgers and Yankees jump ahead
The 2021 Major League Baseball season is right around the corner. With many new signings, teams are getting ready to start Spring Training in preparation for the upcoming season. Despite being postponed for one month, MLB confirmed the launch of both spring training and a shortened regular season, with 154 games per team, featuring an expanded postseason.
Within two months to the start of the season, the defending champions rise as favourites to lift the Commissioner’s Trophy. But the Yankees are on the chase to stop the first back-to-back titles since 1999. Let’s check the odds for the favourites to win the 2021 World Series:
Los Angeles Dodgers +450
Favored by many as the main contenders for this year’s title, the Dodgers are up to the challenge. Even with Justin Turner’s possible departure, LAs front-office was able to re-sign most of their stars, like Cody Bellinger and Corey Seager, and their roster is as strong as last year.
After posting a league-best 43-17 record last season, and winning the World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers are expected to keep their performances at a high level. Their pitching staff is still one of the best in the league, and most of their signings so far were good additions to the bullpen. With a sturdy lineup and a strong rotation, they pose an offensive threat to any challenger in the National League and can chase their back-to-back titles.
New York Yankees +490
The troublesome 2020 season was full of struggles for the Bronx Bombers. But they are still the best team in the American League, and their batting order scares any major league pitcher. DJ LeMahieu re-signed for another 6 years, as well as Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres, giving the Yankees so many options they could field two batting lineups.
Pitching was their major issue last year. But that can change with the arrival of Corey Kluber. The three-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young Award winner played his last season for the Texas Rangers, after a 8 years tenure with the Cleveland Indians. He’s expected to make an impact in the Yankees bullpen, even after some major injuries over the last years.
Missing the World Series since 2009, when they beat the Phillies and were crowned champions, New York aims to end the drought and stop the Dodgers’ back-to-back titles, which would be the first since the Yankees three-peat between 1998 and 2000.
Challengers
Now that we’re getting close to the start of the 2021 season, betting on MLB baseball is trending among bettors, so here are the odds for some of the other contenders in this year’s title run.
San Diego Padres +850
The Padres displayed a lot of young talent last season, and posted good numbers on the bat, with the likes of Fernando Tatís Jr. and Manny Machado. But the front-office was aggressive on the market, and made some good signings to put up a great season this year. With additions like Blake Snell, Yu Darvish and Joe Musgrove, San Diego brought in some stopping power to the mount, and are definitely contenders in the National League.
Atlanta Braves +950
After blowing a 3-1 lead in the National League Championship Series against the Dodgers last season, the Braves are back in contention. With Mike Soroka back after a long injury, and the 2020 National League MVP Freddie Freeman, fans in Atlanta will fancy their chances to make a World Series run in 2021.
Chicago White Sox +950
Last year, the White Sox made the playoffs for the first time since 2007. For 2021, they brought Hall of Famer Tony LaRussa back from retirement to manage the campaign for a World Series shot. Led by 2020 American League MVP Jose Abreu and Silver Slugger Tim Anderson, the Chicago White Sox are a major force in the American League.
New York Mets +1100
After some years of rebuilding, the Mets now finally find themselves in position to fight for a World Series appearance. With great moves during the offseason, they brought in Francisco Lindor, from the Indians, to replace Robinson Cano, who will miss another season due to PED violations. An addition to the bullpen, Carlos Carrasco will prove to be a great backup to Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndegaard.