2023 MLB World Series odds MLB futures pennant division odds win total odds preseason projections picks and predictions

Best bets: 2023 Texas Rangers World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Houston Astros World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Texas Rangers posted a dismal 68-94 record last season and avoided last place in the American League West Division only because the Oakland Athletics (60-102) were even worse.

The Rangers made improving the pitching staff a giant priority in the offseason, adding RHP Jacob deGrom on a 5-year, $185 million deal with a conditional 6th-year option, and RHP Nathan Eovaldi was added on a 2-year, $34 million contract. LHP Andrew Heaney was also added, rounding out a new-look rotation which could be one of the better units in the AL, if healthy.

The Rangers aren’t expected to knock off the division rival Houston Astros anytime soon, but they also won’t flirt with 100 losses again. Let’s analyze the Texas Rangers’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Texas Rangers World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday, March 26, at 9:14 p.m. ET.

Odds: +3500 (bet $100 to win $3,500)

The Rangers are in the middle of the pack, tied with the San Francisco Giants for the 15th-shortest odds. The Houston Astros (+600) are the favorites, followed by the Atlanta Braves (+700), Los Angeles Dodgers (+750) and New York Yankees (+750).

At +3500, Texas has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 2.78% or 35/1 fractional odds.

The Cincinnati Reds, Oakland A’s, Pittsburgh Pirates and Washington Nationals have the longest odds, each at +20000.

The Rangers really made some nice moves to shore up the pitching rotation, and they should be vastly improved in that department.

However, the offense is still going to struggle to score runs. 2B Marcus Semien is a decent table setter and SS Corey Seager is also strong in the 2-hole. 1B Nathaniel Lowe and OF Adolis Garcia will provide some nice pop in the middle of the lineup, but things fall off after that.

C Jonah Heim surprised with 16 homers last season, but he posted just a .227 batting average. The team is likely looking at OF Robbie Grossman, DH Mitch Garver, 3B Josh Jung and either OFs Leody Taveras or Bubba Thompson to round out the lineup.

That’s not exactly a murderer’s row. All of the aforementioned players will need to vastly improve or the high-priced pitching staff will be on the short end of some hard-luck losses.

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Texas Rangers playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +180 | No -230

The Rangers are actually worth a roll of the dice for a chance to nearly double up. The regular-season win total (see below) is set for 82.5, so the books are expecting serious improvement over last season.

The offense is a bit of a concern, but the pitching staff is outstanding. If deGrom, Eovaldi and Heaney can stay healthy, this is a pitching staff that can hang with any team in the American League.

Texas Rangers win total

Over/Under: 82.5 (O: -116 | U: -106)

Again, I am excited about the pitching staff additions, but the offense concerns me. If there was an Over/Under for runs scored, I’d likely lean to the Under.

The Rangers have to contend with the likes of the defending World Series champ Astros and the high-octane Seattle Mariners, but they’ll also be battling the Los Angeles Angels for wins, and they’ll still get to kick around the Oakland A’s, who remain a complete mess.

This Texas team has the potential to fire out of the chute with a favorable schedule in April, especially the home portion. The month of May will be a bit challenging with only 8 games at home and 19 on the road.

If Texas can get to June above .500, look out. It wouldn’t be surprising to see this team cobble together 90 wins with the kind of rotation GM Chris Young has amassed.

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To win AL West Division

Houston Astros -205 (bet $205 to win $100)
Seattle Mariners +310 (bet $100 to win $310)
Los Angeles Angels +800 (bet $100 to win $800)
Texas Rangers +900 (bet $100 to win $900)
Oakland Athletics +20000 (bet $100 to win $20000)

Texas’ implied probability of winning the AL West is 10.00%, or 9/1 fractional odds.

The Rangers should be improved quite a bit, moving closer to the contenders in the division rather than the cellar-dwelling A’s.

However, the Astros remain the class of the AL West and the Mariners are likely next in line in case Houston unexpectedly falters.

While the Rangers have the pitching advantage, the Angels have past AL MVP winners in DH/SP Shohei Ohtani and OF Mike Trout, making Los Angeles a major contender, too.

Expect the Rangers and Angels to battle for 3rd place in the division, and perhaps a postseason opportunity as a Wild Card. But the Rangers winning the division? That’s still a ways off. AVOID betting Texas to win AL West.

To win American League

Odds: +1700 (bet $100 to win $1,700)

The Rangers have a fair chance of making the postseason field in the AL, but with the lineup in Arlington in its current state, this isn’t a title-caliber team.

The pitching staff is rounding into championship form, and this could be a team no one wants to face. If Texas is a buyer rather than a seller at the trade deadline in late July, things could get interesting. But the Rangers aren’t going to be better than the Astros, Yankees or even Blue Jays or Mariners.

PASS.

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Best bets: 2023 Houston Astros World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Houston Astros World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Houston Astros are the defending World Series champs, and they’re hungry for more in 2023. The Astros have been to the World Series 4 times in the past 6 seasons, winning 2 rings, including manager Dusty Baker’s 1st ring in 2022.

The Astros will certainly have a different look in 2023, however, as RHP Justin Verlander left via free agency, and the team also has to replace catchers Jason Castro and Christian Vazquez, LHP Will Smith, SS Trey Mancini.

Houston also lost 1B Yuli Gurriel to free agency, but made a splash by landing 1B Jose Abreu on a 3-year, $60 million deal.

The Astros might take a small step back, but they’ll be right there among the contenders when the dust settles at the end of the regular season. Let’s analyze the Houston Astros’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Houston Astros World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday, March 26, at 11:07 a.m. ET.

Odds: +600 (bet $100 to win $600)

The Astros are the favorites, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (+700), New York Mets (+700) and New York Yankees (+750).

At +600, Houston has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 14.29% or 6/1 fractional odds.

The Oakland A’s have the longest odds at +40000 with the Washington Nationals next at +30000.

The Astros lost Verlander to the Mets in free agency, so the pitching staff will have a slightly different look in 2023.

LHP Framber Valdez, who won 17 games a season ago, while posting 194 strikeouts and a 1.16 WHIP, figures to be the new ace of the staff. RHP Christian Javier didn’t have the same type of success in the win column at 11-9, but he had a 2.54 ERA, 194 strikeouts and a sparkling 0.95 WHIP, so even without Verlander, this staff should be just fine.

RHPs Luis Garcia and Jose Urquidy also have solid track records, and fill out the staff. RHP Hunter Brown, the team’s top prospect, could get a chance out of the gates with RHP Lance McCullers Jr. nursing a muscle strain in his forearm, likely keeping him from starting the season on time.

Abreu was a tremendous addition to the lineup, although his power numbers did tail off in 2022 with the White Sox. After a 30-homer, 117-RBI campaign in 2021, he managed just 15 homers and 75 RBI last season, although his strikeouts were down, and his average and on-base percentage was way up.

The Astros don’t need Abreu to mash 30 homers to be successful, as this remains one of the best lineups top to bottom. And Gurriel hit just .242 with 8 homers for the Astros last season, so Abreu is an obvious upgrade.

I don’t like betting the chalk, especially in futures bets, as I like the contenders from the National League a little better this year. But you certainly wouldn’t be throwing money away on Houston, as it looks to run it back.

Houston Astros playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes -850 | No +520

The Astros are a huge PASS for me, as laying 8 1/2 times your potential return is never a good bet, especially when dealing with futures. For instance, if you were to make a $100 bet on the Astros to make the postseason, your winnings at season’s end would be a whopping $11.77. It’s just not worth it.

Houston Astros win total

Over/Under: 95.5 (O: -106 | U: -116)

The Astros won 106 games last season, winning the AL West by a 16-game margin. Yes, again, this team did lose Verlander, but it still has plenty of pitching in place, and Brown or McCullers Jr. working out of the 5th spot in the rotation is more than adequate.

The books might be overestimating the effect of losing Verlander, as do you really believe his departure will cost the team 10 wins? Yes, Seattle will be better in the division, but the Astros are going to roll up a lot of wins against the in-state rival Texas Rangers and the floundering Oakland Athletics. If Houston doesn’t win at least 100 games, it would be a huge upset.

In addition, this is a very good offense, as 2B Jose Altuve is likely to be atop the order again, with OF Michael Brantley, DH Yordan Alvarez and 3B Alex Bregman making up the meat of the order. OF Kyle Tucker belted 30 homers with 107 RBI, and Abreu figures to slot into the 6th spot in the order.

How many teams have a 7th-place hitter contributing 22 homers and 11 steals? That’s where the Astros are with SS Jeremy Pena, and OF Chas McCormick has a little pop near the bottom of the order. There are just no weaknesses, and it’s going to be another highly productive season in H-Town.

In other words, Houston, it has very little problems.

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To win AL West Division

Houston Astros -205 (bet $205 to win $100)
Seattle Mariners +310 (bet $100 to win $310)
Los Angeles Angels +800 (bet $100 to win $800)
Texas Rangers +900 (bet $100 to win $900)
Oakland Athletics +20000 (bet $100 to win $20000)

Houston’s implied probability of winning the AL West is 68.75%, or 5/11 fractional odds.

Again, you can’t risk more than 2 times your potential return on a singular bet, especially on a futures bet. That’s tying too much money up for a very small return at season’s end.

The Mariners will give chase, closing the gap from 16 games back in 2022, to perhaps single digits. But there is very little chance the Astros aren’t able to run it back and hoist another division title banner.

While I like Houston to dominate this division again, PASS, as there is no value playing the chalk.

To win American League

Odds: +260 (bet $100 to win $260)

This might be the best play on the board among Astros props.

The Astros should be a slam-dunk to win the AL West, but there is no value there. If Houston does, somehow, miss the division title, there is little chance it misses the playoffs altogether. But there is no value playing the playoff prop, either.

While I am higher on NL teams to win the World Series, I think Houston still has a more than good chance of representing the AL, and at least having a chance at a title. Houston’s pitching staff is top-notch, and the batting order, top to bottom, is the class of the AL, too.

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Best bets: 2023 Seattle Mariners World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Seattle Mariners World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

After making the playoffs for the first time in 21 years, the Seattle Mariners will look to make it 2 seasons in a row in 2023.

After finishing 90-72 and earning the 2nd AL Wild Card last season, the Mariners spent the offseason bringing in some veterans to help a young lineup remain focused and get as much out of them as possible.

These moves, adding DH A.J. Pollock through free agency, and OF Teoscar Hernandez and 2B Kolten Wong through trades, will speed up the maturation process and help superstar OF Julio Rodriguez lead the team.

While it could be difficult for the Mariners to replicate the 90 wins from last season, this is going to be a good team if they remain healthy.

Let’s analyze the Seattle Mariners’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Seattle Mariners World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday, March 25 at 8 a.m. ET.

Odds: +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500)

The Mariners have the 9th-shortest odds in the ML to win the World Series. This also ranks them 4th in the AL behind the Houston Astros +600, the New York Yankees +750 and the Toronto Blue Jays +900.

While Seattle had a good season in 2022, this is a little bit high for a young team who outperformed their expected win total in 2022 to make the playoffs for the first time in 21 years.

+1500 is a bit short on what I expect to see from the Mariners in 2023 and while not a complete stay away, there are other bets to make.

PASS.

Seattle Mariners playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes -150 | No +125

If the young players that came alive in 2022 can mesh with the veterans the Mariners brought in, this could be another playoff season for Seattle in the AL.

Fighting for the final Wild Card with the likes of the AL East will be tough sledding, but it is certainly something the Mariners have the ability to do.

Seattle is clearly ahead of the Athletics and Rangers in the division and a fight with the Angels could be the deciding factor between making and missing the playoffs.

A small play on the -150 to make the playoffs is alright. But taking any future wager at -150 is a bit risky.

Seattle Mariners win total

Over/Under: 87.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

Veterans like Hernandez and Pollock will help Seattle to not take a major step backwards this season.

After getting to 90 wins in 2022, the Mariners are certainly able to get to 87.5 this season if everything falls into place.

The Mariners only made 3 offseason signings. All of which were 1-year contracts to help shore up the roster. This shows the confidence the coaching staff has in what the team built last season.

87.5 wins could be tough. But with the confidence the coaches have shown, it is best for us to also show confidence and a play on the Over would be the way to wager.

Take MARINERS OVER 87.5 WINS (-115).

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To Win AL West Division

Houston Astros -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
Seattle Mariners +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
Texas Rangers +900 (bet $100 to win $900)
Los Angeles Angels +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000)
Oakland Athletics +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

The Houston Astros have the highest implied chances of winning its division in baseball this season. This means Seattle is not likely to win the AL West even at the 2nd-best odds of +300.

If any team is going to challenge the Astros, it will be the Mariners, though. So, a wager in Seattle is not a total throw away. Houston cannot continue to dominate every season and a slip is in the cards at some point. It could be this season and this makes MARINERS +300 worth a look.

To win American League

Odds: +750 (bet $100 to win $750)

Seattle at +750 could be a better wager than +300 for the division.

Despite losing to Houston 3-0 in the playoffs last season, Seattle still made it to the playoffs, and we have seen Wild Cards win the league before. Just last season, the Philadelphia Phillies went from being the last team in the playoffs to making it to the World Series against the Houston Astros. Seattle might be able to pull off the same feat in 2023.

+750 for Seattle to win the AL is a better wager than taking the Mariners +300 to win the AL West. And this is the wager to make of any futures listed.

LEAN MARINERS TO WIN AL (+750).

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Best bets: 2023 Oakland Athletics World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Oakland Athletics World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Oakland Athletics were terrible in 2022, and 2023 does not look to be much better.

A series of mediocre offseason moves, signing new 3B Jace Peterson (2 years, $9.5 million), 1B Jesus Aguilar (1 year, $3 million) and IF/DH Aledmys Diaz (2 years, $14.5 million) along with RP Trevor May (1 year, $7 million) were the only signings, and the odds for the Athletics show the value the signings had.

The Athletics finished last in the AL West a year ago with a 60-102 record, so it’s no surprise that this season they have the worst odds in baseball for the division, to make the playoffs and to win the World Series. Their win total is also the lowest in MLB, just behind the Washington Nationals, who are in a total rebuild just like the A’s.

Let’s analyze the Oakland Athletics’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Oakland Athletics World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday, March 25, at 10:20 a.m. ET.

Odds: +40000 (bet $100 to win $40,000)

Oakland has the longest odds of any team in the ML to win the World Series at +40000. This means a wager on the Athletics is like throwing money into the wind.

With a mediocre starting lineup and a pitching rotation led by SP Paul Blackburn, the Oakland Athletics are just trying to get to the 2024 season and hopefully start to improve.

A play on this line is not worth the money. But if you insist, just bet $1 and try to win $400.

Oakland Athletics playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +2000 | No -10000

This is also a number to STAY AWAY from.

Oakland has a minimal chance to make the playoffs in 2023. If you do think they have a chance to do so, the best bet is to take them to win the AL West. You can win 10 times the money of this wager and it is just as likely.

Oakland Athletics win total

Over/Under: 59.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

While all the other wagers on Oakland are off the table, the Wins wager has some legs.

With just 60 wins last season, Oakland was awful. But it still would have gone over the Number offered. A number which is lower than the number offered for the 2022 season.

This team will be bad. But are they 59.5 bad? Yes, they are.

Taking the UNDER 59.5 (-105) would be the way to play this line if you want to take a chance at it. Otherwise, staying away would be prudent.

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To win AL West Division

Houston Astros -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
Seattle Mariners +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
Texas Rangers +900 (bet $100 to win $900)
Los Angeles Angels +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000)
Oakland Athletics +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

Oakland is in the same AL West Division as the reigning World Series Champions in the Houston Astros. Houston has the highest odds of any division favorite to win at -220, and if it does not win, Seattle has made a jump into the competition this offseason. This said, Oakland is not going to win this division. But the odds here are the same as the Athletics odds to win the AL. So, if one bet is going to be made, it should be on the division.

This said, this is NOT a wager worth making. Much like the rest of the Oakland futures, it is too much of a long shot to be worth the risk.

To win American League

Odds: +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

As with the AL West and the World Series, the Oakland Athletics have the worst odds of any team to win the AL.

Oakland, once again, is in a rebuild and is not expected, nor does it really want to be competitive in 2023. Taking a chance on any of its future is therefore not a good investment of time or money.

PASS on this along with any of the Oakland futures for the 2023 season. Unless you can make a wager on Oakland getting the first pick in the 2024 Amateur draft.

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Best bets: 2023 Los Angeles Angels World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Los Angeles Angels World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Los Angeles Angels finished the 2022 season with a 73-89 record. That put them in 3rd place in the American League West, 33 games behind the eventual World Champion Houston Astros.

The front office did make some moves this offseason that should help push the team in the right direction. They added some free agents in LHP Tyler Anderson, 2B Brandon Drury, 3B Gio Urshela and RP Carlos Estevez, and acquired OF Hunter Renfroe in a trade with Milwaukee. Let’s analyze the Los Angeles Angels’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Los Angeles Angels World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Saturday, March 25 at 9:30 a.m. ET.

Odds: +5000 (bet $100 to win $5,000)

Just 8 teams have longer odds than the Angels, who are tied with the Twins, Orioles, and Cubs at +5000. Just 2 American League teams (Kansas City, Oakland) are viewed as bigger long shots to win it all.

The team has some star power at the top with 2 of the game’s best, OF Mike Trout and SP/OF Shohei Ohtani. They still managed to finish 25th in runs scored in 2022, but it’s easy to see how the offense could take a significant step forward this season, if everyone can stay healthy.

Left fielder Taylor Ward had an outstanding season in 2022 and should once again be a nice table-setter at the top of the lineup. Renfroe adds some much-need power, as he has averaged 31 HR over the last 3 full seasons, while Drury adds another productive bat to the lineup.

On the pitching side, newcomer Anderson registered a 2.57 ERA across 178 2/3 innings in 2022 and there is plenty of reason for optimism for 23-year-old Reid Detmers. Though Anderson can’t be counted on for a full repeat, the pieces are in place for this to be a solid rotation. This team could be a force if everything breaks right on the health front, making ANGELS +5000 worth a small wager.

Los Angeles Angels playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +162 | No -200

The Angels had a disappointing season in 2022 and were nowhere close to reaching the postseason. They are clearly an improved team heading into 2023, though. While there are plenty of health risks on the roster, most notably Trout and 3B Anthony Rendon, this looks like a team that may be ready to contend. Back YES +162 for the Angels to make the playoffs.

Los Angeles Angels win total

Over/Under: 81.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

This line is set at a level the team hasn’t reached since 2015, when they won 85 games. But the front office has patched a couple of holes in the lineup, and the rotation, which is rounded out by southpaws Patrick Sandoval and Jose Suarez, looks pretty formidable from top to bottom. This team is ready to take a step forward so side with OVER 81.5 (-110).

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To win AL West Division

Houston Astros -220 (bet $220 to win $100)
Seattle Mariners +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
Texas Rangers +900 (bet $100 to win $900)
Los Angeles Angels +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000)
Oakland Athletics +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

The Astros enter the season as the clear favorite in the division, and for good reason, but they appear destined to take a step back. They lost SP Justin Verlander to free agency and will be without 2B Jose Altuve, SP Lance McCullers and OF Michael Brantley to start the season, with Altuve looking at an extended absence.

This is certainly a huge gap to close for the Angels, but it’s tough to understand how their odds can be so much longer than those of the Mariners. They will need Trout and Ohtani to stay healthy, but this is a pretty attractive price so put a small bet on ANGELS +1000 to win the American League West.

To win American League

Odds: +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

The team still has a couple of potential soft spots at the bottom of the lineup and there is a wide range of outcomes for most of the starting pitchers. But led by Trout and Ohtani, this team has plenty of talent as well as solid depth. They could prove to be very dangerous if health cooperates, so ANGELS +2000 to win the American League pennant is worth a small play.

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Best bets: 2023 Colorado Rockies World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Colorado Rockies World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Colorado Rockies were one of the National League’s worst teams in 2022, finishing with only 68 wins and in last place in the NL West. They continue a slow rebuild after an offseason of low-key moves. Even their owner is hoping for maybe a .500 season.

Let’s analyze the Colorado Rockies’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

Via trade, they acquired 3B/OF Nolan Jones, RP Dylan Spain, P Connor Seabold and RP Nick Mears. In those trades, they lost OF Sam Hilliard and OF/1B Connor Joe.

They added OF Jurickson Profar, RP Pierce Johnson and RP Brad Hand in free agency. This is a team that, at best, can beat expectations and find themselves in the Wild-Card race.

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Colorado Rockies World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 24, at 5:56 p.m. ET.

Odds: +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

The Rockies are real longshots to win the World Series — +10000 odds gives them 0.99% implied odds or 100/1 fractional odds. Only 4 teams have longer odds in all of baseball.

The Houston Astros (+600), Atlanta Braves (+700), New York Yankees (+750) and Los Angeles Dodgers (+750) are the favorites. The Oakland A’s have the longest odds at +40000. The Washington Nationals are next at +30000.

The Rockies will be lucky to reach .500. They won’t be anywhere near the World Series.

PASS.

Colorado Rockies playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +1500 | No -10000

PASS.

One, there is no fun in betting on a team not to make the playoffs. Two, having to wager 100 times what you can win on the Rockies not to make the playoffs isn’t worth your time.

At +1500 odds, they only have 6.25% implied odds or 15/1 fractional odds of making it and 99.01% implied odds of not making the playoffs.

They were a last-place team in the National League West last year. They are expected to be in last place again.

Colorado Rockies win total

Over/Under: 65.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

FanGraphs projects 66 wins for the Rockies in 2023. They won 68 games last season and barely had 3B Kris Bryant in the lineup. They have made improvements on offense and on their staff. and ownership believes they could make it to 81 wins. That might be a little lofty, but even staying the same beats this year’s win projection.

BET OVER 65.5 (-115).

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To win NL West Division

Los Angeles Dodgers -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
San Diego Padres +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
San Francisco Giants +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)
Arizona Diamondbacks +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)
Colorado Rockies +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

The Rockies have longer odds to win the NL West than they do to win the World Series. They have 0.50% implied odds of winning the West or 200/1 fractional odds. The Rockies will be lucky not to be in last place again this season.

PASS.

To win National League

Odds: +8000 (bet $100 to win $8,000)

At +8000, they have 1.23% implied odds of winning the National League pennant. Considering they are almost certain to not even make the postseason, they won’t be able to win the National League.

PASS.

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For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

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Best bets: 2023 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Los Angeles Dodgers enter 2023 with lofty expectations again after having failed to deliver on one of the best regular seasons in history. After winning 111 games, they lost in the NLDS 3-1 to the San Diego Padres when they were World Series favorites.

They enter 2023 among the favorites again to win the World Series. Let’s analyze the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

They did suffer significant losses in free agency as SS Trea Turner, SP Tyler Anderson, 3B Justin Turner, OF Cody Bellinger and RP Craig Kimbrel signed elsewhere.

They added SP Noah Syndergaard, DH J.D. Martinez, OF Jason Heyward and RP Shelby Miller in free agency.

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Los Angeles Dodgers World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 24, at 7:54 p.m. ET.

Odds: +750 (bet $100 to win $750)

The Dodgers are tied with the New YorkYankees for the 3rd-shortest odds to win it all. Only the Houston Astros at +600 and the Atlanta Braves at +700 are better.

They have 11.76% implied odds of winning it all or 15/2 fractional odds.

The Oakland A’s have the longest odds at +40000. The Washington Nationals are next at +30000.

Backing the DODGERS (+750) to win the World Series for a 9-to-1 payoff is definitely worth a wager.

Los Angeles Dodgers playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes -800 | No +550

PASS

As one of the favorites to win the World Series, they obviously should make the playoffs, but there is no value betting on them, having to wager 8 times your potential winnings. It is something worth adding as a leg to a parlay bet.

Los Angeles Dodgers win total

Over/Under: 96.5 (O: -125 | U: +125)

The Dodgers have had more than 100 wins in 4 of the last 6 seasons and, in 2020, the pandemic-shortened season, their winning percentage had them winning 116 games in a 162-game season.

They still have a top pitching staff. They lost some on offense in the offseason but still have firepower.

BET OVER 96.5 (-125).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

To win NL West Division

Los Angeles Dodgers -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
San Diego Padres +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
San Francisco Giants +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)
Arizona Diamondbacks +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)
Colorado Rockies +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

They are the odds-on favorites to win the West and at -130, they have 56.52% implied odds.

They will compete with the Padres again but were 15 games better a year ago. Have the Padres gained 15 games on them? It’s a good bet not.

BET DODGERS (-130).

To win National League

Odds: +330 (bet $100 to win $330)

The Dodgers have the shortest odds in the NL to win the pennant. That gives them 23.26% implied probability of doing it. As the favorites and with solid positive odds, they are certainly worth a wager.

BET DODGERS (+330).

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For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
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Best bets: 2023 San Francisco Giants World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 San Francisco Giants World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The San Francisco Giants went 81-81 last season and missed the postseason for the 5th time in the last 6 years.

The Giants won the World Series 3 times in 5 seasons between 2010-14, but they have just 1 Wild-Card victory in the previous 8 seasons. The winning ways have significantly dried up in the Bay Area and it’s now a Los Angeles Dodgers thing, and soon, a San Diego Padres thing, leaving the Giants fighting for scraps in the NL West. The Padres are no longer content just making the playoffs, they want to win the whole ball of wax.

Let’s analyze the San Francisco Giants’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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San Francisco Giants World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 24, at 5:26 p.m. ET.

Odds: +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)

San Francisco is tied with 5 teams for the 7th-shortest odds to win it all. The Houston Astros (+600) are the favorites, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (+700), New York Mets (+700) and New York Yankees (+750).

At +3000, San Francisco has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 3.23% or 30/1 fractional odds.

The Oakland A’s have the longest odds at +40000 with the Washington Nationals next at +30000.

The Giants signed OF Michael Conforto to a 2-year, $36-million contract, looking to keep up with the NL West Joneses. OF Mitch Haniger was also signed to a 3-year, $43.5-million deal, shoring up the team’s corner outfield spots. With OF/DH Joc Pederson, and OF Mike Yastrzemski, the team has some decent pop.

However, is it enough to compete with the likes of the Atlanta Braves, Dodgers, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals and Padres? It looks doubtful.

This was a .500 team last season, and they definitely made some nice additions to the lineup. The rotation consists of RHPs Alex Cobb, Anthony DeSclafani, Ross Stripling and Logan Webb, as well as LHP Alex Wood, with some depth pieces in RHP Jakob Junis and LHP Sean Manaea. It’s improvement, but it’s not nearly enough.

The Giants aren’t on par with the likes of the defending champ Houston Astros, division rival or the New York clubs. Unlike teams like the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians and Milwaukee Brewers who have clearer paths to the playoffs, the Giants have to contend with the arms race in the NL West, and they’re like Brazil or Spain compared to the United States and China. Adequate, but not a superpower.

San Francisco Giants playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +180 | No -230

This is a team the books are projecting with a win total Over/Under of 80.5, which is roughly the same projection as last season. That’s also projected to be around the .500 mark again. That’s not going to cut the mustard.

I lean toward NO for the Giants making the playoffs, but risking more than 2 times your potential return is just too expensive.

PASS.

San Francisco Giants win total

Over/Under: 80.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

The Giants added Conforto and Haniger to an offense which ranked 23rd in the majors last season, hitting just .234. San Francisco was 12th in HRs and 11th in runs scored, and adding the 2 corner infielders should have the Giants in the Top 10 in the power categories. That’s obvious improvement.

San Francisco won just 81 games last season, so you have to figure we’ll see at least 2 or 3 more wins. I also like the addition of Manaea to the pitching staff. If he isn’t able to win a rotation job in the spring, he’ll be a nice insurance marker in the event one of the starting 5 goes down. That’s invaluable as the grueling regular season gets into the dog days of summers and beyond.

I still see a healthy amount of losses against the Dodgers and Padres in the NL West, but the Giants will pick up plenty of wins over the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies, teams who will be in the lower half of the league. The interleague schedule sets up nicely, especially at home.

Expect a win total in the low 80’s, so go OVER 80.5 (-105), but be patient, as an Over result isn’t likely to be secured until perhaps the final week of the regular season.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

To win NL West Division

Los Angeles Dodgers -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
San Diego Padres +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
San Francisco Giants +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)
Arizona Diamondbacks +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)
Colorado Rockies +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

San Francisco’s implied probability of winning the NL West is 7.69%, or 12/1 fractional odds.

Barring multiple disastrous injuries for the Dodgers and Padres, it’s unlikely that the Giants will finish anywhere higher, or lower, than 3rd in the NL West. I like the additions of Conforto and Haniger, and I see some slight improvement in the win total. But betting the Giants to win the division outright is foolish, and just throwing money away.

AVOID.

To win National League

Odds: +2000 (bet $100 to win $2000)

The Giants are likely to be hovering around the .500 mark, to perhaps the 84-86 win neighborhood. It’s not going to be good enough to compete in the NL West, it’s not going to likely be good enough to get a Wild Card, and it certainly isn’t going to have San Francisco claiming the pennant.

PASS, and consider a wager on the New York Mets (+350) or San Diego Padres (+450) instead for a much better value.

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For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

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Best bets: 2023 San Diego Padres World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 San Diego Padres World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The San Diego Padres won 89 games last season, and they made the postseason for the 2nd time in the last 3 seasons. That’s the good news.

The bad news is that after a Wild-Card series win over the New York Mets, and a 3-1 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLDS, the Padres were rolled in 5 games by the Philadelphia Phillies in the NLCS. It showed the Padres just how much more it needed to get over the hump, and San Diego went on an offseason spending spree to address that.

The Padres are no longer content just making the playoffs, they want to win the whole ball of wax. Let’s analyze the San Diego Padres’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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San Diego Padres World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 24, at 1:26 a.m. ET.

Odds: +900 (bet $100 to win $900)

San Diego is tied with 3 teams for the 4th-shortest odds to win it all. The Houston Astros (+600) are the favorites, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (+700), New York Mets (+700) and New York Yankees (+750).

At +900, San Diego has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 10.0% or 9/1 fractional odds.

The Oakland A’s have the longest odds at +40000 with the Washington Nationals next at +30000.

The Padres went out and signed free-agent SS Xander Bogaerts to a 11-year, $280 million contract, immediately upgrading the offense. Pairing Bogaerts with 3B Manny Machado, OF Juan Soto and OF Fernando Tatis Jr. signals that the Padres are not only going for it all this season, but they’re planning on sticking around as a contender for many years to come.

Tatis is suspended until mid-April, but the offense will be more than able to produce big numbers until his return.

The Padres added some tremendous depth pieces, too, which might have been missed following the Bogaerts addition. Veteran DH Nelson Cruz was added on a 1-year deal, and RHP Michael Wacha joined a rotation already featuring RHPs Yu Darvish, Joe Musgrove and Seth Lugo, as well as LHP Blake Snell. Second-baseman Rougned Odor, LHP Cole Hamels and RHP Julio Teheran are also looking to resurrect their careers.

I like the Padres a lot at +900. This is an All-Star team with very few holes and plenty of depth in the event of injuries or further suspensions.

San Diego Padres playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes -429 | No +320

It’s not that I don’t think the Padres will miss the playoffs. I very much believe this is a postseason-bound team, and the books feel strongly about that, too. AVOID, as there is just never a reason to risk more than 4 times your potential return on a singular bet, especially a wager which you must tie up money for several months just for a pittance in return.

San Diego Padres win total

Over/Under: 93.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

The Padres ended up with 89 victories last season, 22 games behind the 1st-place Los Angeles Dodgers. You can expect the gap to be closed significantly as San Diego is going to bash teams into submission all season long.

It’s going to be an amazing Southern California battle for 1st place, with some exhilarating games, and exuberant crowds, similar to the 1980s and early 1990s when Padres baseball was at its previous apex.

The Padres also have home interleague series scheduled against the Baltimore Orioles and Kansas City Royals, which are very favorable, as well as a road set against the lowly Oakland Athletics. Even if the talent was the same as 2022, you could expect a bump in wins on that schedule fact alone.

But top to bottom, the Padres have an outstanding lineup mix of All-Stars, experienced veterans and solid contributors, and the rotation, top to bottom, might be one of the best in the league. San Diego has even toyed with the idea of a 6-man rotation, using RHP Nick Martinez in the mix, which would give their big arms even more rest, and perhaps allow them to go deeper into games.

What’s more, 1B Jake Cronenworth has had a blazing-hot spring, which is not what the rest of the league needs with the Big Four already in place. It’s going be a fun season of partying in the Gaslamp Quarter this season, and this could easily be a 100+ win team.

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

To win NL West Division

Los Angeles Dodgers -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
San Diego Padres +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
San Francisco Giants +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)
Arizona Diamondbacks +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)
Colorado Rockies +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

San Diego’s implied probability of winning the NL West is 44.44%, or 5/4 fractional odds.

At plus-money, the Padres are a better value play than taking the slightly-favored Dodgers.

Both teams are phenomenal, and this is going to be a super-fun race all summer long. The pitching staff for the Dodgers is sick, too, but San Diego’s lineup is arguably better — much better.

I’d much rather play San Diego to win the NL West than Los Angeles.

To win National League

Odds: +425 (bet $100 to win $425)

Sign me up. The Padres represent an outstanding value for a chance to more than multiply your initial wager more than 4 times. Good things come to those who wait.

I can’t repeat enough how this lineup and rotation has an All-Star feel. In fact, if you were just to draft all Padres on a fantasy team, you’d probably win your championship, too.

The New York Mets made some amazing additions this offseason, while the Dodgers added RHP Noah Syndergaard to an already deep rotation. But at this price, the Padres represent the best value of the Top 4 teams in the NL.

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For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow Kevin J. Erickson on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

[lawrence-newsletter]

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Best bets: 2023 Arizona Diamondbacks World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Arizona Diamondbacks World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

After winning just 52 games in 2021, the Arizona Diamondbacks improved to 74-88 in 2022. While they play in the NL West with serious World Series contenders, the D-backs might be poised to take the next step and compete for a Wild Card.

Let’s analyze the Arizona Diamondbacks’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

Arizona signed OF Corbin Carroll to a contract through 2031, signed free agents SP Zach Davies, RP Scott McGough and 3B Evan Longoria, and traded for OF Kyle Lewis, OF Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and C Gabriel Moreno.

Gone are C Cooper Hummel and C/OF Daulton Varsho in trades. RP Ian Kennedy departed in free agency.

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Arizona Diamondbacks World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 24, at 1:14 a.m. ET.

Odds: +8000 (bet $100 to win $8000)

PASS

Arizona has made strides but are still long shots. Only 6 teams in all of baseball have longer odds than they do to win it all. The favorites are the Houston Astros at +600, while NL West rivals the Los Angeles Dodgers are at +700 along with the New York Mets.

Even optimistic projections have them competing with the San Francisco Giants to be perhaps the 3rd-best team in the NL West.

At +8000, the Diamondbacks have an implied probability of 1.23% to win the World Series or 80/1 fractional odds.

Arizona Diamondbacks playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +480| No -699

After winning 74 games in 2022 and with an improved lineup and pitching staff entering 2023, Arizona has a chance to compete for a Wild-Card berth.

The line for a NO wager is of no use and isn’t worth the action and a YES bet only has 17.23% implied odds of happening, but they could be in the mix.

A small YES (+480) wager for Arizona to make the postseason is worth making, which is a nice change from the last few seasons.

Arizona Diamondbacks win total

Over/Under: 74.5 (O: -130 | U: +110)

They won 74 games last season and have a better starting rotation, bullpen and lineup. They have the promise of a potential young star in Carroll and SS Nick Ahmed returns from injury.

They were 40-41 at home and 34-47 on the road. All they have to do is be 1 win better somewhere and they hit the Over.

BET OVER 74.5 WINS (-130).

Play our free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!

To win NL West Division

Los Angeles Dodgers -130 (bet $130 to win $100)
San Diego Padres +125 (bet $100 to win $125)
San Francisco Giants +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)
Arizona Diamondbacks +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)
Colorado Rockies +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

Arizona’s implied odds of winning the NL West is 2.44% or 40/1 fractional odds. The Dodgers are not only clear favorites to win the division, they are World Series favorites in the entire MLB.

Arizona will be better, but will not be competing for the division title. They are more likely competing for 3rd place.

PASS.

To win National League

Odds: +4000 (bet $100 to win $4000)

The Diamondbacks have the same odds to make it to the World Series that they do to win the division. Only 4 teams have longer odds. With how they have improved, they will be lucky to get even get into the NLCS. That in itself will be a great accomplishment for this season.

PASS.

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For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

Follow Jess Root on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and like us on Facebook.

Additional MLB coverage:
BaseballHQ Fantasy Baseball
BaseballPress.com: Your source for every MLB lineup

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