MLB Odds: Dodgers World Series and 2023 MVP Race Favorites
Mookie Betts, 2022 NLDS
Kiyoshi Mio/USA TODAY Sports

As the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season approaches and Spring Training just around the corner, fans and bettors eagerly anticipate the season’s outcome, with many already placing their bets before opening day on which team they believe will come out on top and win the coveted World Series championship.

Fans and bettors have several options to bet on the World Series, including online sportsbooks, in-person sportsbooks, and betting exchanges. There are also numerous resources to help you gamble online, while in-person sportsbooks are available at most casinos and racetracks, providing a more immersive betting experience.

To place a bet, fans and bettors need to consider several factors, including a team’s past performance, current form, injuries, and overall team strength. For example, a team with a strong pitching staff, solid defense, and a deep lineup may be favored to win the World Series over a team that lacks these qualities.

Additionally, fans and bettors should consider the odds when placing their bets. The odds reflect a team’s likelihood of winning the World Series and can be used to calculate potential payouts. For example, if a team has odds of +300 to win the World Series, a $100 bet would yield a $300 payout if the team wins.

World Series Odds

Here are the current World Series odds (February 16, 2023) at BetMGM:

  • Houston Astros +600
  • New York Yankees +650
  • Los Angeles Dodgers +750
  • New York Mets +750
  • San Diego Padres +1000
  • Atlanta Braves +1000
  • Philadelphia Phillies +1400
  • Toronto Blue Jays +1500
  • Seattle Mariners +1600
  • Tampa Bay Rays +2500

With the 2023 MLB season set to begin in just a few weeks, fans and bettors eagerly place their bets on which team they believe will win the World Series. Whether betting online or in person, it’s essential to consider a team’s strengths and weaknesses and the odds when placing a bet. With a little bit of luck and a lot of skill, fans, and bettors may be able to cash in on the excitement of the 2023 World Series.

2023 MVP Race

As we head into the 2023 Major League Baseball (MLB) season, several players could be considered favorites to win the MVP award in their respective leagues. While predicting the MVP is always a bit of a gamble, based on recent performance and projected success for the upcoming season, here are a few players who may be the favorites to win the award.

American League MVP

  1. Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels
    Mike Trout is widely regarded as one of the best players in baseball, and for a good reason. He’s won three MVP awards and finished in the top four in voting in the last eight seasons. Trout was limited to 36 games in 2021 and 119 games in 2022 due to injury, but he’s still one of the most feared hitters when healthy.
  2. Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Angels
    Shohei Ohtani’s 2022 season in the MLB was a historic and record-breaking display of talent. As a two-way player for the Los Angeles Angels, the 2021 AL MVP excelled as both a pitcher and a hitter, batting .273 with 34 home runs and 95 RBIs. Ohtani posted an impressive 2.33 ERA on the mound with 219 strikeouts, a second-place finish in the AL MVP voting, and a fourth-place finish for the AL Cy Young Award.
  3. Aaron Judge – New York Yankees
    Aaron Judge’s MVP season in the MLB was a dominant display of power-hitting and outstanding defensive play. During the 2022 campaign, Judge led the league in home runs, with an impressive total of 62, while also batting .311 with 131 RBIs. In addition to his impressive offensive stats, Judge was a standout defender, making several highlight-reel catches in the outfield and displaying his arm strength with numerous assists. The combination of his offensive and defensive contributions made him a clear choice for the American League MVP award and a favorite to repeat in 2023.

National League MVP

  1. Paul Goldschmidt – St. Louis Cardinals
    St. Louis Cardinals’ first baseman Paul Goldschmidt has emerged as a top contender for the 2023 National League Most Valuable Player (MVP) award. Goldschmidt, who has been an integral part of the Cardinals’ lineup since joining the team in 2019, had a stellar 2022 season, hitting .294 with 34 home runs and 104 RBI in 146 games. He also contributed defensively, with a .996 fielding percentage and 11 defensive runs saved. With the Cardinals expected to contend for a playoff spot in 2023, Goldschmidt’s continued success at the plate could put him in a prime position to earn his second career MVP award, having previously won in 2013 as a member of the Arizona Diamondbacks.
  2. Mookie Betts – Los Angeles Dodgers
    Mookie Betts, the Los Angeles Dodgers superstar outfielder, is set to embark on his third season with the team in 2023. After signing a massive 12-year, $365 million contract extension in 2020, Betts is expected to remain a cornerstone of the Dodgers’ championship-caliber roster for years to come. With his exceptional hitting, speed, and defense, Betts is considered one of the best all-around players today. He has lived up to expectations in his first two seasons with the Dodgers, winning a Gold Glove award in 2020 and helping lead the team to a World Series championship in 2020. As the Dodgers aim to defend their title in 2023, Betts will undoubtedly play a significant role, and fans will eagerly anticipate his performance on the field.
  3. Juan Soto – San Diego Padres
    Juan Soto, the young outfielder, is among the most exciting and talented players today. His MVP chances for the 2023 season are worth considering. Soto burst onto the scene in 2018 and has quickly established himself as a legitimate star, with his incredible hitting ability and a keen eye at the plate. 2022 was a down year for Soto. He batted .242 with 27 home runs and 62 RBIs, but if he stays healthy, he’s expected to bounce back quickly. Soto could win the National League MVP award.

Of course, there are always surprises and dark horse candidates who emerge as the season progresses. However, these players are all legitimate MVP candidates based on their recent performances and projected success for the upcoming season. It will be exciting to see who rises to the top in 2023.