Despite Struggles the Dodgers Remain World Series Favorites According to Bookmakers
Dave Roberts, pitching change
Jul 10, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers manager Dave Roberts (30) signals to the bullpen to make a pitching change against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Despite recent setbacks, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain the favorites to win the 2024 World Series, maintaining +300 odds as the All-Star break approaches. This resilience in the betting markets is remarkable considering the team’s recent challenges, including a sweep by the Philadelphia Phillies and injuries to key players.

The Dodgers have been hit hard by injuries, losing their top two pitchers, Tyler Glasnow and Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and two of their best position players, Max Muncy and Mookie Betts. These losses would typically cause a significant drop in a team’s World Series odds, but the Dodgers’ depth and overall talent have kept them at the top of the list.

Despite the Dodgers’ continued status as favorites, the Philadelphia Phillies have emerged as strong contenders. Philadelphia currently boasts the best overall record in baseball and, according to the experts at JackPoker Casino and Sportsbook, sits second in the odds at +470. The Phillies’ recent sweep of the Dodgers has only solidified their position as serious contenders for the World Series title.

Rounding out the top five in World Series odds are:

1. Los Angeles Dodgers: +300
2. Philadelphia Phillies: +470
3. New York Yankees: +550
4. Baltimore Orioles: +700
5. Atlanta Braves: +900

Despite recent struggles, the New York Yankees remain third in the odds at +550. The Baltimore Orioles, one of the season’s semi-surprises, are fourth at +700, while the perennially strong Atlanta Braves sit fifth at +900.

The numbers shift slightly after examining the American and National League Pennant odds. The online BoomerangBet lists the Dodgers at +165, but only marginally better than the Phillies, at +220. Currently, in the wild card spot, Atlanta is third at +460, with the Milwaukee Brewers at 12-1 and the longshot San Diego Padres paying 18-1.

As the midseason All-Star break approaches, these odds could see some shifts. The break allows teams to rest, recover, and potentially get some injured players back. For the Dodgers, this could be crucial in maintaining their favored status, as they hope to see some of their key players return to health.

The All-Star break also marks a natural point for teams to assess their positions and potentially make moves before the trade deadline. This could lead to some teams improving their World Series chances through strategic acquisitions, while others may see their odds lengthen if they become sellers.

Despite their challenges, the Dodgers’ continued status as World Series favorites speaks to the strength of their organization and the depth of their roster. However, with intense competition from teams like the Phillies and Yankees and potential dark horses like the Orioles in the mix, the race for the 2024 World Series title remains wide open as we head into the second half of the season.