The World Series is one of the most prestigious championships in all of sports, as the top team in Major League Baseball takes home the trophy and enjoys the ensuing celebration each year. Here, we look at the odds to win the World Series in 2023, as there are some clear favorites that have emerged from the pack. As we know in baseball, though, being a favorite could be rendered meaningless in a matter of just a few games in a sport where most games could go either way.
2023 MLB World Series Odds
| Team |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
HOU
|
+600 | +900 | +800 | +750 | +900 |
|
ATL
|
+750 | +250 | +250 | +310 | +260 |
|
LAD
|
+850 | +425 | +500 | +425 | +410 |
|
TOR
|
+1300 | +1800 | +1800 | +1600 | +1800 |
|
PHI
|
+1800 | +1200 | +1400 | +1300 | +1200 |
|
TB
|
+1900 | +1200 | +1200 | +950 | +1100 |
|
MIN
|
+3000 | +1800 | +1800 | +1700 | +1700 |
|
MIL
|
+3500 | +2000 | +1800 | +1700 | +2000 |
|
TEX
|
+4500 | +1000 | +900 | +700 | +1000 |
|
MIA
|
+7500 | +5000 | +3300 | +3000 | +5000 |
|
BAL
|
+8000 | +600 | +650 | +700 | +650 |
|
ARI
|
+17000 | +5000 | +3000 | +3000 | +4800 |
|
CIN
|
+20000 | +75000 | +25000 | +60000 | +100000 |
As you can see from the World Series futures odds above, there are several teams being given a great chance to win the World Series this year. While the usual suspects have the best title odds, there are a great many teams that can’t be counted out just yet, as the grueling 162-game schedule and compressed postseason format can lead to surprises throughout the league. Here, let’s look at the title favorites according to the odds listed above.
Atlanta Braves
The Atlanta Braves will be in the mix for the National League pennant and the World Series this season. Atlanta has been miles better than their competition in the NL East this year, thanks in large part to disappointing seasons from the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies. But the Braves have been great in their own right as well, stars both on the mound and in their lineup to lead them in October.
Houston Astros
Of course, the defending World Series champion Houston Astros are among the favorites to win the 2023 World Series. They have proven themselves capable of winning it all multiple times now, and have been a contender for years in a row, as they have been one of the last teams standing on a consistent basis. With Justin Verlander joining Framber Valdez and the rest of their rotation, and Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez both healthy, the Astros will be in the mix to repeat as champions for the foreseeable future.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The LA Dodgers are loaded with offensive talent this season, putting them high on the list of World Series futures favorites. So far, their pitching staff has held up well, helping them to get back to the top of the NL West despite an early season challenge from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The big question for this team will be whether Clayton Kershaw can continue to pitch at the level he has during the regular season when things get all the more intense in October.
Baltimore Orioles
One of the most pleasant surprises in baseball this season has been the Baltimore Orioles. They have shot to the top of the AL East standings and could end up with the best record in the American League on top of that. Doing so would be huge for the O’s, as it would give them home-field advantage in the American League playoffs. Either way, the Orioles offense will be a force to be reckoned with for the other teams in the American League.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays had the best record in baseball for a long time this season, thanks in large part to a historic start at home. But they have fallen behind the Orioles in the AL East, and they will be in a tight race with the Orioles for the division title the rest of the way. No matter who wins the AL East title, the Rays will still have a chance at a championship, though, as their pitching staff is one of the best in baseball.
Philadelphia Phillies
Last season, the Philadelphia Phillies won the National League pennant despite entering the playoffs via a Wild Card spot. This year, the Phillies are once again going to grab a Wild Card position, and clearly can’t be counted out to get to the World Series. Philly’s explosive lineup will make any playoff opponent they face have to work hard to get past them.
Longshot World Series Futures
Outside of those teams listed above, the odds get progressively longer for teams looking to win the World Series. There are a few teams that could win the title as longshots, such as the Milwaukee Brewers and Minnesota Twins. While the chances of these teams getting the job done are worse than the chances of the favorites mentioned above, you cannot rule anything out in baseball.
How To Bet World Series Futures
Bettors should look for the best value when wagering on a team to cash their World Series futures with. Determining which teams have a better chance to win the World Series than their odds would suggest is the way to maximize profitability when betting on this market. To do that, bettors must consider a variety of factors when looking at each team.
First, roster construction is key to success for any team. Looking at a team and making sure their lineup has the depth to put up runs from anywhere is important. Pitching might be even more important, as both starting pitching and bullpen arms can make or break World Series futures wagers. Bettors need to look at rosters from top to bottom to make the most informed decisions possible.
Then, bettors should look at the path that a team has to go through to make it to the World Series. Matchups are so important in baseball, and one bad matchup can ruin a team’s chances of going all the way to a championship. Evaluating potential matchups in the postseason can help bettors avoid making a bad bet in the futures markets.
