With the MLB All-Star break behind them, teams concentrate on the playoff race. For perennial playoff teams like the Los Angeles Dodgers, securing one of the top two seeds and a first-round bye is paramount. The Dodgers’ last need is a short series in which depth doesn’t matter much.
The odds continue to chronicle the narrative of which team could emerge victorious in this year’s Fall Classic, with approximately six weeks remaining before the MLB regular season ends. Los Angeles remains the favorite to win the World Series, as the odds board summits remain unchanged.
Despite a recent decline in the power rankings, bettors favoring L.A. are optimistic about the team’s future. That said, the trade deadline acquisition of Jack Flaherty from Detroit added a needed arm to a starting battery devastated by injuries over the last two seasons.
Odds Remain the Same
The Los Angeles Dodgers continue to assert their dominance in Major League Baseball, maintaining their status as frontrunners for the World Series with odds currently at +360 on trusted online sports betting sites. This consistency in odds reflects their strong performance throughout the season. The Dodgers are 73-52 and hold a three-game lead in the National League West.
The Dodgers’ sustained success is not just a result of their current season’s performance but also a continuation of their recent history. They have been a formidable force in baseball, reaching the World Series three times in the last five years and securing the championship in 2020.
Maintaining the position of favorites from the season’s start to mid-August is a rarity in baseball, yet the Dodgers have managed to do so. This achievement speaks volumes about their consistent performance and roster strength. Despite facing challenges such as injuries to key position players Mookie Betts and Max Muncy, the Dodgers’ depth has allowed them to navigate these setbacks effectively, keeping them at the top of the standings.
Why the Dodgers Can Win the World Series
One Name: Shohei Ohtani. The most talked about man in baseball.
Shohei Ohtani has established himself as an exceptional and successful Major League Baseball player. Ohtani is hitting remarkable statistics in his inaugural season with the Los Angeles Dodgers, as seen by his MLB regular season and All-Star break performances.
Teams will undoubtedly attempt to walk Ohtani intentionally throughout the postseason, but it may prove more challenging due to the strategic arrangement of the Dodgers’ order at the top. Even without Ohtani having played in the postseason, his batting skills alone will significantly enhance the Dodgers’ performance in October, making them a formidable team.
Betting on Betts
Mookie Betts has achieved superstar status while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Boston Red Sox. We have witnessed his exceptional performance in the regular season, with minor setbacks in the playoffs.
For the Dodgers to fulfill their high sportsbook probability of winning the World Series, Betts must elevate his performance to a higher level throughout October. He undoubtedly possesses that performing skill, and when combined with Ohtani, this pair will be a formidable force in the postseason.
Top Ten: Odds to Win the World Series
Let us examine the 2024 World Series odds for each team at top bookmakers.
- Los Angeles Dodgers: +360
- NY Yankees: +500
- Philadelphia Phillies: +800
- Baltimore Orioles: +1100
- Cleveland Guardians: +1200
- Houston Astros: +1400
- Minnesota Twins: +1600
- San Diego Padres: +1600
- Milwaukee Brewers: +1600
- Atlanta Braves: +2000
World Series odds as of August 16, 2024.
Biggest Playoff Threat to the Dodgers: Themselves
The Dodgers have experienced the most unfortunate injury occurrences this season compared to any other club. Reversing this situation will be crucial for them to make significant improvements and have a strong chance of reaching the World Series.
Injuries may be perceived as a mere justification, but in the case of this Dodgers team, it is difficult to identify a more significant cause for their difficulties. They have been without Muncy since mid-May. They have been without Betts since mid-June. Yamamoto descended one day before to Betts… It’s been a nightmare!
The team’s ability to overcome injuries and achieve regular-season success is a credit to the strength of their squad. However, it is evident to avid fans and critics that they are not entirely sure the World Series is in their future.
They must reverse their misfortune with injuries throughout the remaining two months and extend it into October; only then will they pose a significant danger to win the Commissioner’s Trophy.
The Bullpen
While the Los Angeles Dodgers bullpen has demonstrated exceptional baseball performance, its success in October isn’t guaranteed.
The Dodgers bullpen consists of skilled relievers who lack significant experience in high-pressure situations during October. Will they be able to maintain the level of dominance that we have witnessed at some points this year?
If yes, and should the injury woes be overcome, there aren’t many teams capable of stopping the Blue Crew, and another World Series might very well be justified by the season-long future betting odds we’ve seen thus far.
