We are closing in on the end of the 2021 MLB regular season as there’s just one more month to go. That means the playoff races are about to heat up as teams jockey for position – especially for the wild card spots. With the Fall Classic approaching, let’s take a look at the updated World Series futures and see what the best bets on the board are.
The Favorites to Win the 2021 World Series
The reigning champions Los Angeles Dodgers (+280) are still the favorites as they’ve done little to show they are undeserving. Their pitching rotation is stacked with talented players such as Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer, and don’t forget that there’s a chance they could get Trevor Bauer back.
The Dodgers also grabbed Trea Turner, who currently leads the majors in batting average, from the Washington Nationals to bolster their lineup. This is a really complete roster without many flaws.
The Houston Astros (+425) are the favorite in the American League as they have been incredible at the plate this season. All of those trash can jokes are ringing hollow as this team has the best batting average in the league right now and they’ve scored the second-most runs with 695. This group holds a record of 77-53 at the moment and are first in their division.
The World Series Longshots
The San Diego Padres (+500) are currently listed as longshots to win the World Series, but they could end up challenging the Dodgers. While this team does have a lot of talent, arguably the most important aspect of this roster is that they are having fun together.
It looks like Padres all want to be in San Diego and their morale could help them overcome potential obstacles that come their way. Having NL MVP candidates in both Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado also helps. They have been dealing with injuries, which is why their odds are so long, but they have the talent to win it all. A 50/1 payday could be enticing to many bettors.
The Milwaukee Brewers (+850) are a team that’s still a bit of a longshot but they’ve rocketed up the board. This team started the year 24-25 but is 54-27 over their last 81 games. Their batting average is pretty low – just 26th in the league – but their earned runs average is 3.37, which good enough for third in the MLB. Corbin Burnes has been playing phenomenal lately as well as he has compiled 180 strikeouts on the year. With Brandon Woodruff in the rotation, the Brewers have among the best one-two punches in the Majors. Of course, in the playoffs, that type of duo can take them a long way.
Keep an eye on the New York Yankees too (+825). They were left for dead before a 13-game winning streak not only revived them but put them in playoff position. Although many experts had written them off at the trade deadline, the trades seem to have rejuvenated the Yankees and they’re on a tear right now. Maybe they can carry their hot streak into the playoffs and make a run in October.