The Los Angeles Dodgers are still the overwhelming favorites to win the World Series.They are +160 to win it now.
Can you imagine having to face Tarik Skubal, then Yoshinobu Yamamoto, then Blake Snell, then Tyler Glasnow, then Shohei Ohtani as a rotation in a seven-game series? It is rather absurd.However, there is no value remaining at +160.
The Red Sox were major players at the deadline, but they didn't get much better in their rotation.I just don't see the pitching to get it done.
The Chicago Cubs at 15:1 might actually have what it takes to get past the Dodgers.They just so happen to play each other tonight, with Skubal's debut coming.
The Cubs added Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes to their rotation, and that should - as long as they don't suffer more injuries - give them solid enough pitching to navigate a lot of series.Another National League team that I like is the Padres at +7500.The Los Angeles Dodgers pose for a picture with the Commissioner’s Trophy after beating the New York Yankees in game four to win the 2024 MLB World Series at Yankee Stadium.
(Brad Penner-Imagn Images)The Padres did not fold as some people expected.Instead, they went out and addressed their starting pitching needs.
They were able to get Robbie Ray (a former Cy Young winner), and they also grabbed Casey Mize from the Tigers.Their hitting has been down, but you would think some of their guys will come back to their normal averages.
At this value, I think you have to take them.The Phillies at +1800 added a guy in Luis Arraez who will be on base, and Zack Wheeler and Christopher Sanchez give them a chance against anyone.In the American League, I like the Mariners, who addressed their biggest need by acquiring Taylor Ward from the Orioles.
They are at +2200 and should have the best rotation in the playoffs, but they need to make it there first.The Rays are +1300 and one of the best teams in baseball.
They will have a great 1-2 punch in Shane McClanahan and Freddy Peralta.Los Ange...