The Houston Astros are set up incredibly well to come away with their second World Series title in three years.
Boasting a rotation that includes Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole and Zack Greinke, the Astros are going to be difficult for any team to beat.
So, it’s not necessarily a surprise that betting lines have the Astros as heavy favorites to win the title (per Sports Betting Dime).
- Houston Astros: 3/1
- Los Angeles Dodgers: 9/2
- New York Yankees: 6/1
- Atlanta Braves: 10/1
- St. Louis Cardinals: 11/1
- Minnesota Twins: 19/1
- Washington Nationals: 20/1
- Oakland Athletics: 23/1
- Tampa Bay Rays: 24/1
- Milwaukee Brewers: 25/1
It’s clear that Vegas is picking Houston and Los Angeles to do battle in the World Series. That’s been the case for some time. Now that the playoff field is set, this is magnified further.
Odds to win American League
- Astros: 11/1
- Yankees: 13/5
- Twins: 9/1
- Athletics: 12/1
- Rays: 13/1
Odds to win National League
- Dodgers: 3/2
- Braves: 7/2
- Cardinals: 4/1
- Nationals: 9/1
- Brewers: 11/1
None of this should really come as a surprise. The four wild card teams boast the longest odds to come out of their leagues. An extra do-or-die game adds to this.
We are, however, intrigued by how much the betting community likes the Braves. At 7/2, they are pretty darn good plays and the likeliest team to overcome Los Angeles in the National League.
In fact, putting money down on the Braves and Yankees (how fun would that be?) squaring off in the World Series stands at 15/1. Those are pretty darn good odds right there. And at least one star player has predicted this to come to fruition.
In terms of those with longer odds, the Minnesota Twins and Oakland Athletics are interesting bets in the American League. Minnesota will not have to do battle in the Wild Card round. Instead, it’s set to take on the Yankees. Boasting 300-plus homers, you can never count that team out. That’s especially true given the question marks in New York’s rotation.
In terms of the A’s, they actually finished the regular season winning 10 of their final 14 against the Yankees and Astros. It’s some food for thought, especially given the one young X-factor Oakland has heading into the playoffs.
While Vegas is certainly hedging its bets that Houston will take out Los Angeles in the World Series, it’s a long playoff push for all 10 teams.
Everything starts Tuesday with the Brewers heading to the nation’s capital to take on the Nationals. Buckle up, it should be a blast.