As the 2024 Major League Baseball season enters its final stretch, the Los Angeles Dodgers have positioned themselves as strong contenders for the World Series title, boasting the best record in the National League.
With 35 games left to play, the Dodgers odds of winning the World Series have dipped to just +300 at some sportsbooks. Los Angeles is 7-3 over the last ten games, and the team has been bolstered by the return of Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, and Clayton Kershaw from injury, adding depth and experience to a team already rich in talent. Shohei Ohtani, the leading National League MVP candidate, has been instrumental in their success this season and is pacing to become the sixth player to join the 40-40 club. The Dodgers superstar stole his 38th base yesterday against the Seattle Mariners to go along with his 39 homers on the season.
Meanwhile, while the Philadelphia Phillies have cooled enough to allow the Dodgers and Milwaukee Brewers to catch them for the best record in the National League, they still maintain second-best odds to win the World Series at +500. The Phillies have built on their back-to-back National League Championship Series appearances and are looking to win the National League East for the first time since 2011.
In the National League West, the San Diego Padres and Arizona Diamondbacks have been two of the hottest teams since the All-Star break. The Padres, with odds of +1700 according to the experts at BetZillion, have made a remarkable turnaround, significantly narrowing the Dodgers’ lead in the division. The Diamondbacks, with odds of +2300, have also improved their standing in the division. Both teams sit comfortably in wild-card spots ahead of the Atlanta Braves, New York Mets, and San Francisco Giants.
The Braves, who have won the National League East six straight seasons, remain in the playoff picture despite losing star player Ronald Acuña Jr. for the season. Their odds have fallen to +1500, and they have a slim 2-game lead over the Mets for the final wild card birth. Atlanta has a home series against New York at the end of September, and that may decide if they make or miss the playoffs.
American League
Over in the American League, the New York Yankees, another deep-pocketed powerhouse, are not far behind the Dodgers with odds of +550. Aaron Judge, a frontrunner for the league MVP, and Juan Soto have led the Yankees’ potent offense, which is second in the league in runs scored with 640. Despite some ups and downs, the Yankees’ potent offense and solid bullpen staff have kept them competitive in the American League East.
The Baltimore Orioles have emerged as a semi-surprise contender with odds of +700. Their blend of young talent and experienced players has kept them at the forefront of the American League race, defying expectations and proving to be a formidable opponent. They are tied with the Yankees for the division lead and hold a 6-4 edge in head-to-head games.
Under Stephen Vogt’s management, the Cleveland Guardians lead the American League Central with odds of +1600. Their defense and pitching have been their mainstays, highlighting their potential to make a deep postseason run. However, the Kansas City Royals and Minnesota Twins are just 3.5 games out, meaning a single series sweep could quickly change the division’s dynamics in a weekend.
Over in the American League West, the defending World Series champion Texas Rangers have struggled to replicate last year’s success. Falling to 59-69 and all but out of playoff contention. Meanwhile, their instate rival, Houston Astros, has been the best team in baseball since June 1st. The Astros have gone 43-25 and sit on top of the American League West standings after starting the season 25-33. Houston has a 4.5-game lead over the Seattle Mariners, who have been 3-7 in their last ten games.
As the season progresses, the playoff picture is becoming more apparent. The Dodgers, Yankees, and Phillies lead the charge, with the Orioles, Guardians, Padres, and Diamondbacks all vying for postseason spots. The Rangers’ struggles highlight the unpredictable nature of baseball, where last year’s champions can find themselves battling to stay in the race. With the playoffs approaching, fans and bettors will watch closely to see which team will ultimately claim the 2024 World Series title.