2024 MLB World Series odds MLB futures pennant division odds wins total odds preseason projections picks and predictions – Page 3

Best bets: 2024 New York Yankees World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2024 New York Yankees World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

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The 2023 New York Yankees averaged a below-league-average 4.15 runs per game while allowing 4.31. They were perhaps a bit fortunate to finish 82-80, which was good for 4th place in the AL East.

Many of the particulars from that 2023 roster return this season, and Yankees management is looking for a healthier outcome for that group. The club was beset by key injuries throughout, something that has become a familiar refrain with this franchise. To that end, the 2024 spring training campaign has seen plenty of injuries, chief among them a right elbow problem (nerve inflammation) for ace starter Gerrit Cole. The veteran right-hander is expected to be out until at least June.

New York’s run production will have to answer, and on that front, the Yankees have added OF Juan Soto, he of 160 home runs through the 1st 6 years of his career.

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

New York Yankees World Series odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 22, at 5:37 p.m. ET.

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

New York has the 4th-shortest odds to win it all. The Los Angeles Dodgers (+350), Atlanta Braves (+450), and Houston Astros (+800) have shorter odds.

At +900, New York has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 10% or 9/1 fractional odds.

The Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies and Oakland Athletics have the longest odds; all 3 are pegged at +50000.

The YANKEES (+900) assessment is an aggressive one; it calls for a successful Cole comeback, improved production in the rotation and more health in the batting order than what seems justified. PASS.

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New York Yankees playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes -250 | No +200

At -250, the implied make-the-brackets probability is 71.43%. That’s a fair hurdle, not because the Yanks figure as a 92- or 94-win team but because the AL East and overall AL Wild Card races figure as more compressed (more teams in the above-average category and fewer in the great category).

There is value in a YANKEES (-250) play.

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New York Yankees win total

Over/Under: 91.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Peg New York’s offense as being more productive than it was in 2023. But the pitching, while potentially solid, has a glaring question mark in Cole and a lot of little question marks in how other pieces fit together.

With preponderance of games coming against talented-but-not-great teams like the Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays, the UNDER 91.5 (-115) is the leverage play here.

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To win AL East Division

New York Yankees +175 (bet $100 to win $175)
Baltimore Orioles +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
Toronto Blue Jays +475 (bet $100 to win $475)
Tampa Bay Rays +700 (bet $100 to win $700)
Boston Red Sox +1300 (bet $100 to win $1,300)

New York’s implied win probability here is 36.36%. Its going to take some significant improvement over what was a 22-30 mark in AL East games a year ago, but this return figures on offering a sliver of value when pegging the division to maybe 3 teams making a lot of 2-steps-forward-1-or-2-steps-back climbs and falls in 2024.

Consider a small-unit wager on this prop. Something closer to +200 would be a full-value offering, but YANKEES (+175) to take the East flag is fair.

To win American League

Odds: +400 (bet $100 to win $400)

The Yanks are the 2nd-shortest odds here, behind the Astros (+300) but ahead of other contenders like the Orioles (+550) and Texas Rangers (+650).

New York has had its problems with Houston, and we should want a return just a bit higher here. PASS.

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Best bets: 2024 Baltimore Orioles World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2024 Baltimore Orioles World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

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The Baltimore Orioles won the AL East in 2023 for the 1st time since 2014. They went from 110 losses in 2021 to 101 wins in 2023.

Baltimore lost 115 games in 2018, and the organization made a sweeping regime change. New GM Mike Elias completely overhauled the scouting and player development, and he hand-picked his manager, Brandon Hyde. They proceeded to lose 108 and 110 games over their next 2 full seasons, but those awful seasons yielded them cornerstones pieces like C Adley Rutschman and 3B Gunnar Henderson.

What’s new in 2024?

You have to start with the Orioles acquiring the services of 29-year-old former Cy Young winner RHP Corbin Burnes from the Milwaukee Brewers for LHP DL Hall, 2B Joey Ortiz and cash considerations. He’s been 1 of the best pitchers in the majors for several years now and is that true ace Baltimore has been missing.

While Burnes was the marquee move, the Orioles needed to sure up the backend of their bullpen after losing stud closer RHP Felix Bautista for the entire 2024 season to have Tommy John surgery. They signed veteran free agent closer RHP Craig Kimbrel to fill the void. Kimbrel may be on the backside of his career, but he’s still got good miles left as evidenced by his All-Star appearance last season.

There are huge expectations in 2024 for this team. Let’s analyze the Baltimore Orioles’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

Baltimore Orioles World Series odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 22 at 11:25 a.m. ET.

Odds: +1400 (bet $100 to win $1,400)

The Orioles are tied for the 5th-best odds to win it all, only behind the Los Angeles Dodgers (+320), Atlanta Braves (+450), Houston Astros (+700), and New York Yankees (+900).

While it was a disappointment to lose in the divisional round to the Texas Rangers last season, you can look at that as a learning experience for this very young team. They can use that as motivation in 2024.

Backing the ORIOLES (+1400) to win it all is worth at least half-unit bet.

Baltimore Orioles playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes -235 | No +180

The Orioles do play in 1 of the most competitive divisions with the likes of the Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays and Boston Red Sox. Despite that fact, I’m not recommending you make either of these bets because the majority of people who know anything about baseball believe the Orioles will not only make the playoffs, but make a deep postseason run.

PASS.

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Baltimore Orioles win total

Over/Under: 89.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

They won 101 games last season. It was the 1st time they had accomplished that feat since 1980. If this number were closer to 100, I’d be more hesitant, but if they don’t win 90 games, it would be a huge disappointment for this team. I really love this Over.

BET OVER 89.5 (-115).

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To win AL East Division

New York Yankees +165 (bet $100 to win $165)

Baltimore Orioles +200 (bet $100 to win $200)
Toronto Blue Jays +380 (bet $100 to win $380)
Tampa Bay Rays +550 (bet $100 to win $550)
Boston Red Sox +1900 (bet $100 to win $1,900)

This is going to be a tight race down to the wire between the Yankees and Orioles for this division. New York loaded up this off-season to battle with Baltimore for the division crown. I really don’t see any of the other 3 teams in the division getting into the mix, so since it’s just a 2-horse race, I like taking this bet with the nice plus odds.

BET ORIOLES (+200).

To win American League

Odds: +650 (bet $100 to win $650)

As I mentioned earlier, the 1st-round exit from the 2023 playoffs was probably a blessing in disguise for this young Orioles squad. They took that pain, and the hope is that they’ll use that as a learning experience in 2024.

I feel like it’s a 4-horse race for the AL pennant: the Astros, Orioles, Rangers, and Yankees. Those other 3 teams all have more postseason experience than Baltimore, but those teams don’t have the combination of youth and depth that the Orioles have. I like putting half-a-unit down on this bet.

BET ORIOLES (+650).

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Best bets: 2024 Houston Astros World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2024 Philadelphia Phillies World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

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The Houston Astros finished with a 90-72 record in 2023. It was their lowest win total in a full season since 2016, though they still managed to win the American League West after a tight battle with the Texas Rangers, who finished with an identical record.

It has been a fairly quiet offseason for the Astros, though they did name a new manager in Joe Espada, in addition to 1 major addition on the field. The team’s big splash was adding LHP Josh Hader, who saved 33 games for San Diego in 2023. They also added backup C Victor Caratini, who hit .259 with 7 home runs across 226 plate appearances a season ago.

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.

Houston Astros World Series odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Friday, March 22 at 11:10 a.m. ET.

Odds: +800 (bet $100 to win $800)

Houston has the 3rd-shortest odds to win it all, behind only the Los Angeles Dodgers (+350) and Atlanta Braves (+450). At +800, Houston has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 11.1% or 8/1 fractional odds.

A strong core remains intact, and the Astros should be 1 of the top teams in the league once again. Backing the ASTROS (+800) to win the World Series is worth a small wager.

Houston Astros playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes -500 | No +360

The Astros have finished atop the American League West each of the past 3 seasons and are the heavy favorites to do the same in 2024. The lineup, led by DH Yordan Alvarez, OF Kyle Tucker, and 3B Alex Bregman, is strong from top to bottom. They finished 5th in the majors in runs in 2023 and will be a potent offense again.

Houston’s pitching has more questions than the lineup, but a lot of things would have to go wrong for this team to miss out on October baseball. Confidently make a play on ASTROS (-500) to make the playoffs.

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Houston Astros win total

Over/Under: 92.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

LHP Framber Valdez is a reliable arm at the top of the rotation, while RHP Hunter Brown and RHP Cristian Javier are good bets to deliver better results than they did in 2023. The starting rotation won’t be at full strength to start the season, but RHP Justin Verlander could be back sometime in April and RHP Lance McCullers Jr. could provide a 2nd-half boost.

The pen lost Hector Neris over the winter but more than made up for his departure with the addition of Hader. The team has plenty of other arms in the bullpen as well, including RHP Ryan Pressley, who saved 31 games last year, and RHP Bryan Abreu, who registered a sub-2.00 ERA each of the past 2 seasons.

Despite some minor questions in the rotation, this is a team set up for success again in 2024. Look for them to push OVER 92.5 (-110) wins.

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To win AL West Division

Houston Astros -110 (bet $110 to win $100)
Texas Rangers +225 (bet $100 to win $225)
Seattle Mariners +280 (bet $100 to $280)
Los Angeles Angles +5000 (bet $100 to win $5,000)
Oakland Athletics +25000 (bet $100 to win $25,000)

There are only 3 teams with a realistic shot to win the division, as the Angels and Athletics are each likely headed for another losing record and are long shots to be in the race. Texas hung tough with the Astros all season long in 2023, and went on the win the World Series. Seattle wasn’t far behind, finishing with 88 wins, just 2 games behind the top 2 teams.

But Texas has more questions in its rotation than Houston, with Jordan Montgomery likely gone and Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom set to miss extended time. The ASTROS (-110) are still the team to beat and have a better than 50/50 shot to take home another AL West crown, so a small play here makes sense.

To win American League

Odds: +360 (bet $100 to win $360)

The Astros fell to Texas in the American League Championship Series in 2023, but they have won 4 of the last 7 AL pennants. They are as good of a bet as anyone to win it again, so ASTROS (+360) is a sound investment.

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Best bets: 2024 Cincinnati Reds World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2024 Cincinnati Reds World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

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The Cincinnati Reds exceeded expectations last season but still fell short of a postseason appearance. They finished 82-80, ending with a better road record (44-37) than at Great American Ball Park (38-43). They placed 3rd in the NL Central, 10 games behind the division champion Milwaukee Brewers.

The Reds have rising superstar SS Elly De La Cruz entering his 2nd season, so hopes will be high for this Cincinnati team. The Reds did part ways with long-time 1B Joey Votto (who signed a minor-league deal with Toronto) and top prospect 3B Noelvi Marte was hit with an 80-game suspension and will be ineligible for the postseason suspension for a performance enhancing drug violation.

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

Cincinnati Reds World Series odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, March 19 at 6:47 a.m. ET.

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

Cincinnati is tied for the 16th shortest odds to win it all. The Los Angeles Dodgers (+320) are the favorites, followed by the Atlanta Braves (+450), Houston Astros (+700) and New York Yankees (+900).

At +5000, Cincinnati has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 2% or 50/1 fractional odds. The improvements that could be due from a strong young core, especially in the Reds rotation, could present good value here.

The Oakland A’s and Colorado Rockies are tied for the longest odds at +50000. BACKING THE REDS (+5000) to win the World Series for a 50-to-1 payoff is worth a small wager.

Cincinnati Reds playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +134 | No -172

The Reds may have hit some turbulence prior to the season with the Marte suspension, but they still have a solid roster behind De La Cruz and IF/OF Jonathan India, the 2021 NL Rookie of the Year. India is being moved out of his normal position by 2B Matt McLain, who was the 17th overall pick in the 2021 MLB Draft. There’s hope in Cincinnati that McLain can be even better after notching 106 hits in 365 ABs for a team-best .290 batting average in 2023.

If the pitching staff, who MLB.com’s David Adler called a dark-horse rotation, steps up, this team can make a run to the postseason.

BET REDS TO MAKE THE PLAYOFFS (+134).

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Cincinnati Reds win total

Over/Under: 82.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

Over the last several seasons, the Reds’ pain point has been the rotation, but pitchers like LHP Andrew Abbott and RHP Hunter Greene could be ready to explode. Plus, Cincinnati added veterans RHP Nick Martinez and RHP Frankie Montas to bring in some consistency — Montas has been tabbed as the Opening Day starter.

The Reds are an improved team in a winnable division, but they have had solid teams before and have won more than 82 games in just 1 season since 2014 — and they only won 83 games that season (2021). For these odds, taking them to win the division provides better value.

Ultimalty, PASS here.

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To win NL Central Division

St. Louis Cardinals +160 (bet $100 to win $160)
Chicago Cubs +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
Cincinnati Reds +350 (bet $100 to win $350)
Milwaukee Brewers +700 (bet $100 to win $700)
Pittsburgh Pirates +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)

Cincinnati’s implied probability of winning the NL Central is 22.22% or 7/2 fractional odds. The Cardinals and Cubs are the only threats here. If the Reds can bring together the pitching, and players like Abbott and McLain can avoid sophomore slumps, there’s no reason to believe they couldn’t make a run down the stretch.

The Reds finished 10 games behind the Brewers last season but had a shot before Milwaukee finished 26-13. The Brewers have regressed, and this division could be wide open. Cincinnati is worth a play here.

BACK REDS (+350) TO WIN THE NL CENTRAL.

To win National League

Odds: +2300 (bet $100 to win $2,300)

The Reds are a solid team, and as we’ve prefaced, they have several stars that could get going and help them contend for both the division and the NL pennant.

Regardless, the NL will be difficult to win, especially with teams like Philadelphia (+800), Atlanta (+250) and Los Angeles (+165) in the mix, the latter 2 of which are the top favorites to win the World Series.

While the Reds’ odds are enticing, ultimately, this one isn’t worth a play. PASS.

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Best bets: 2024 Milwaukee Brewers World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2024 Milwaukee Brewers World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

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The Milwaukee Brewers won the NL Central last season, but expectations aren’t quite as big as they enter 2024. Milwaukee lost in the NL Wild Card series. The Brewers weren’t always in the lead of the division last season, winning 26 of their last 39 games.

The loss of RHP Corbin Burnes looms large on this team; they traded Burnes to the Baltimore Orioles. Milwaukee also lost several key personnel like GM David Stearns.

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

Milwaukee Brewers World Series odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m. ET.

Odds: +9000 (bet $100 to win $9,000)

Milwaukee is tied for the 22nd-shortest odds to win it all. The Los Angeles Dodgers (+320) are the favorites, followed by the Atlanta Braves (+450), the Houston Astros (+700) and the New York Yankees (+900).

At +9000, Milwaukee has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 1.1% or 90/1 fractional odds. The disappointing offseason mixed with the loss of numerous key off-field personnel make this a play to AVOID.

The Oakland Athletics and Colorado Rockies are tied for the longest odds at +50000. Backing the Brewers (+9000) to win the World Series is NOT worth a play here.

Milwaukee Brewers playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +350 | No -520

The Brewers rotation lost too many players, including Burnes and RHP Brandon Woodruff. Milwaukee dealt away its ace, and there are a plethora of teams that could eye other players. There’s no telling if that’s the start of a domino effect of trades for Milwaukee.

With Burnes and Woodruff gone and a plethora of prospects on the rise, it is a realistic concern whether or not the team trades LF Christian Yelich as well. There’s just too much uncertainty, but betting against the Brewers here offers no value.

Ultimately, AVOID this play.

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Milwaukee Brewers win total

Over/Under: 76.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

If you haven’t noticed, there isn’t much love for this Brewers team. The main reason to be skeptical is the loss of Stearns. He took over at the start of the 2016 season, and the Brewers had topped this total in all but 1 year (not including the COVID-19 shortened 2020 season).

With Milwaukee looking to get younger and contend in a few seasons, along with the departure of several key rotational pieces, the Brewers could struggle more than expected.

The Brewers have replaced steady pitchers with young guns like LHP Robert Gasser and RHP Jacob Misiorowski. The assumption is they won’t take that next step this season, and that’s worth betting on.

BET UNDER 76.5 (-105).

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To win NL East Division

St. Louis Cardinals +160 (bet $100 to win $160)
Chicago Cubs +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
Cincinnati Reds +350 (bet $100 to win $350)
Milwaukee Brewers +700 (bet $100 to win $700)
Pittsburgh Pirates +1200 (bet $100 to win $1,200)

Milwaukee’s implied probability of winning the NL Central is 12.5% or 7/1 fractional odds. There are many other threats here, and all 3 of the teams sitting ahead of it had a better offseason and have more promising young prospects.

That said, this is ultimately a PASS.

To win National League

Odds: +4500 (bet $100 to win $4,500)

Like with the other long-shot plays for Milwaukee, this one isn’t worth considering either.

The Brewers are a wild card in the division with more downside than upside, and assuming they can top well-developed teams like Atlanta and Los Angeles is just a dream at this point. In a few years, they may have a shot, but not in 2024.

PASS on them to win the NL.

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Best bets: 2024 Kansas City Royals World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2024 Kansas City Royals World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

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The Kansas City Royals posted an awful 56-106 record in 2023, tying a franchise mark for losses in a single season. It was the 3rd 100-loss campaign in the past 5 full seasons since 2018, not including the COVID-shortened season of 2020.

The cupboard isn’t totally bare, as SS Bobby Witt Jr. has superstar potential, but, unfortunately, he is just 1 guy. The rest of the roster is rather patchwork, with a few decent, young players with a little upside. To make matters worse, the Royals have been consistently rated as 1 of the worst farm systems in the majors heading into 2024.

Unlike Oakland, which is a dumpster fire, the Royals are trying somewhat. They’re bringing in veteran arms like Seth Lugo and Michael Wacha, trying to at least be somewhat competitive. But this is a mish-mash roster which doesn’t look terribly promising heading into the new campaign. At least they have the Chiefs in Kansas City. Let’s analyze the Kansas City Royals’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

Kansas City Royals World Series odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Sunday, March 17 at 5:48 p.m. ET.

Odds: +15000 (bet $100 to win $15,000)

The Royals have the 7th-longest odds to win the World Series in the majors, well behind the Miami Marlins and Milwaukee Brewers (+9000), and just ahead of the Los Angeles Angels (+18000).

The Los Angeles Dodgers (+320) are the favorites, followed by the Atlanta Braves (+450), Houston Astros (+700) and New York Yankees (+900).

At +15000, Kansas City has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 0.66% or 150/1 fractional odds.

The Colorado Rockies and Oakland Athletics are tied for the longest odds at +50000. The Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals are next at +25000, with the Pittsburgh Pirates at +20000.

It seems like a lifetime ago that Alex Gordon, Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas were making back-to-back World Series appearances, helping Kansas City to a championship in 2015. Where have you gone, Ned Yost?

The team has been stuck in a rebuild since 2018, and it is still a work in progress, with no relief in site.

PASS. Backing the Royals (+15000) to win the World Series at 150-to-1 is not a recommended betting strategy.

Kansas City Royals playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +450 | No -720

The Royals aren’t in the worst shape of any team in the majors, and being in the American League Central makes for a slightly easier path to the postseason than in most other divisions.

However, this is a team which is still projected to lose 85-90 games, so the playoffs aren’t a realistic goal in 2024. The team has some nice parts, but they have a lot of holes, too, and unlike some markets, they can’t just spend their problems away in Kansas City. It takes time to develop players, and the farm system just isn’t much help. The top prospects are on a fast track to the majors already.

Spending more than 7 times your potential return, and locking that up long-term, is not a recommended betting strategy. On the flip side, it would be like winning the World Series if this team could sniff .500. But they’ll be nowhere near challenging for a playoff spot.

AVOID.

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Kansas City Royals win total

Over/Under: 73.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

The Royals have won more than 65 games just once in the past 5 full seasons dating back to 2017, again, not including the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign.

Kansas City shouldn’t lose triple digits again. The 2023 season was a disaster, tying an all-time low with 106 losses. The organization will be patient with manager Matt Quartaro, who begins his 2nd season with 1 of the youngest rosters in the majors.

The Royals have cobbled together a major-league caliber rotation with Lugo and Wacha joining the likes of Brady Singer, Cole Ragans and Jordan Lyles. They’ll give up plenty of runs, but they should be much better than 2023. This could be a 75-win team, and the lean is to the OVER 73.5 (-110), but don’t get carry away.

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To win AL Central Division

Minnesota Twins -125 (bet $125 to win $100)
Cleveland Guardians +330 (bet $100 to win $330)
Detroit Tigers +360 (bet $100 to win $360)
Kansas City Royals +950 (bet $100 to win $950)
Chicago White Sox +5000 (bet $100 to win $5,000)

Kansas City has an implied probability of winning the AL Central of 9.52% or 19/2 fractional odds.

The Twins are the favorites to win the division, with the Guardians and Tigers jockeying for 2nd place, ready to pounce if Minnesota should falter. The Royals have some rather long odds, and should avoid the basement thanks to the woeful White Sox also being in the division. However, a division title for Kansas City is still quite the long shot.

PASS, unless you really like to roll the dice.

To win American League

Odds: +7000 (bet $100 to win $7,000)

The Royals are simply trying to win more games than they lose, and if they were able to somehow finish in 2nd or 3rd in the Central, it would be considered a win. This isn’t a playoff team, and it certainly isn’t a team which is going to edge out free-spending contenders like the Astros, Rangers, Yankees and talented teams like the Mariners, Orioles, Rays and Twins, etc.

PASS.

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Best bets: 2024 Oakland Athletics World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2024 Oakland Athletics World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

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The Oakland Athletics finished a dismal 50-112 last season, but this season will be a historic one for the franchise. The team plans to relocate to Las Vegas after its lease at the Oakland Coliseum expires following the 2024 season, becoming the 1st American League franchise to relocate since 1972.

The A’s haven’t made the postseason since falling in the American League Divisional Series in 4 games after the COVID-shortened 2020 season. The A’s were 10 games over .500 in 2021, winning 86 games, but they have averaged 107 losses per season in the previous 2 campaigns under manager Mark Kotsay.

There has been no effort by ownership to change anything for this swan song season, and you can expect to see plenty of empty seats, young players earning service time, mostly bad baseball and angry fans. 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.

Oakland Athletics World Series odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, March 18 at 11:15 a.m. ET.

Odds: +50000 (bet $100 to win $50,000)

The Athletics (+50000) are tied with the Colorado Rockies for the longest odds to win the World Series in the majors.

The Los Angeles Dodgers (+320) are the favorites, followed by the Atlanta Braves (+450), Houston Astros (+700) and New York Yankees (+900).

At +50000, Oakland has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 0.2% or 500/1 fractional odds.

As mentioned, the A’s are tied for the longest odds at +50000. The Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals are next at +25000.

It’s a shame to see what baseball has become in the East Bay. The A’s were once 1 of the most feared teams in the majors. This is the city which had the Bash Brothers — Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire. They had Rickey Henderson stealing bases at a feverish pace. They had Storm Davis, Dave Stewart and Bob Welch dealing on the mound, trying to get the ball to closer Dennis Eckersley. Curt Flood, Reggie Jackson and Frank Robinson made stops in Oakland over the years. When the A’s pull out of town, they’ll be taking a lot of baseball history with them.

All A’s fans have will be memories. The 2024 season will be a nightmare, and it’s as if the franchise has already moved. Ownership just hasn’t cared the past couple of seasons, like a real-life Major League movie script.

PASS. Backing the Athletics (+50000) to win the World Series at 500-to-1 is like throwing money away.

Oakland Athletics playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +8000 | No -100000

It’s a shame to see what has happened to this proud franchise, and hopefully Las Vegas really does prove to be an oasis in the desert, where riches and redemption can be found.

For now, there is no hope for the A’s. Again, to steal a line from a famous baseball movie, this is a roster full of has-beens and never-will-bes.

It should go without saying, but No (-100000) is not a recommended play. In other words, you would need to risk $100 just to win 10 cents. Seriously. And Yes (+8000) would be good if you were backing a major league caliber team, but this will be a roster which would struggle to compete at the Triple-A level.

AVOID.

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Oakland Athletics win total

Over/Under: 57.5 (O: -120 | U: -102)

Can the A’s avoid triple-digit losses for a 3rd straight season? It doesn’t look likely. The 112 losses last season were the most since 1916 when the Philadelphia Athletics were 37-117-1. Yes, there were ties in baseball.

The A’s have averaged 55 wins per season in the past 2 campaigns, with an average of 107 losses. The books are expecting the A’s to be a little better than last season, when they managed just 50 victories. Even an improvement of 5 or 6 games would be a big step forward, but that would still net the Under.

UNDER 57.5 WINS (-102) is the play, as this roster is bad, and the worst part is that the ownership doesn’t care.

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To win AL West Division

Houston Astros -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Texas Rangers +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
Seattle Mariners +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
Los Angeles Angels +4500 (bet $100 to win $4,500)
Oakland Athletics +25000 (bet $100 to win $25,000)

Oakland has an implied probability of winning the AL West of 0.4% or 250/1 fractional odds.

The Astros are the heavy favorites to win the division, with the defending World Series champion Rangers also right there. The Mariners made the postseason in 2023, and will make a push, too. The Angels are likely to be 4th, and the A’s will be holding up the end. AVOID, there is no shot.

To win American League

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

The A’s might again challenge for a postseason spot and World Series titles, etc. one day. There are artist renderings of a new, palatial retractable roof on the Strip in Vegas, where Moe Greene is out of The Tropicana, and green and gold will be in. But it isn’t happening in Oakland in 2024.

There isn’t much else to say. This team is bad, and it will be a major upset if Oakland can avoid 100 losses. It isn’t challenging for a playoff spot, and it certainly isn’t championship caliber.

PASS.

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Best bets: 2024 Los Angeles Angels World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2024 Los Angeles Angels World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

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The Los Angeles Angels limped to a 73-89 record last season, and the team missed the playoffs for the 13th time in the past 14 years.

It had an offseason of upheaval. Mainly, the team saw generational talent Shohei Ohtani take his talents down the freeway from Anaheim to the Los Angeles Dodgers via free agency. The Angels have a Grand Canyon-sized hole to fill, not only in their lineup, but pitching rotation, too.

The team was busy in the offseason adding LHPs Tyler Anderson and Jose Quintana to bolster the rotation. The cupboard isn’t totally bare, either, as a keen eye for talent in the draft has given the Los Angeles Angels hope in 2024. 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.

Los Angeles Angels World Series odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, March 18 at 11 a.m. ET.

Odds: +18000 (bet $100 to win $18,000)

The Angels (+18000) have the 3rd-longest odds to win the World Series among American League teams, and the 6th-longest odds overall.

The Los Angeles Dodgers (+320) are the favorites, followed by the Atlanta Braves (+450), Houston Astros (+700) and New York Yankees (+900).

At +18000, Los Angeles has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 0.55% or 180/1 fractional odds.

The Colorado Rockies and Oakland Athletics have the longest odds at +50000. The Chicago White Sox and Washington Nationals are next at +25000.

The Angels have amassed some good, young talent, and if the team is able to stay the course, and avoid the temptations of the next expensive, shiny thing, Los Angeles could have sustained long-term success. The future is not 2024, however, nor is it likely 2025.

AVOID. Backing the Angels (+18000) to win the World Series at 180-to-1 payoff is a waste of money, as this team couldn’t sniff the postseason with Ohtani and Mike Trout.

Los Angeles Angels playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +750 | No -1600

Manager Ron Washington is 1 of the good guys in baseball, and he gets the most out of his players. Washington helped the division-rival Texas Rangers to a pair of AL pennants during his tenure in 2007-14, so the Angels hope he can turn things around in similar fashion in Anaheim.

The Angels have some nice, young pieces in place heading into 2024. The team appears to have struck gold with 1B Nolan Schanuel, last season’s 1st-round draft pick. He quickly went from draftee to major league player in the course of a couple of months. Schanuel’s plate discipline for a youngster was tremendous, but it remains to be seen if he can develop more power.

In addition, the team has SS Zach Neto and OFs Jo Adell and Mickey Moniak, a good core group for years to come. However, there are going to be growing pains, and the pitching staff is just so-so.

No (-1600) is too expensive to play, and Yes (+750) is a pipe dream.

PASS.

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Los Angeles Angels win total

Over/Under: 72.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

Let’s look at this a rather simple way. Last season, the Angels had Ohtani, and they ended up winning just 73 games. Granted, he missed chunks of time due to injury, but really, this is a team that isn’t as good as it was last season.

In addition to the loss of Ohtani, which is obviously the big headline, the team really struggled after the starting pitchers checked out. The bullpen amassed a dismal 4.88 ERA in 2023. That needs to get better in a hurry. There are live arms like RPs Carlos Estevez and Jimmy Herget, but we’ve seen a lot of erratic pitching from that duo.

Again, we’ve highlighted numerous times above, the team has a core of solid young prospects who will contribute sooner rather than later. However, for 2024, this is a team which is going to struggle, and it is lucky to have the even-worse Athletics in the same division, or the Halos would be a cellar dweller.

UNDER 72.5 WINS (-115) is the play, and a 9th consecutive losing campaign, and 10th straight non-playoff season, is in the offing.

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To win AL West Division

Houston Astros -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
Texas Rangers +210 (bet $100 to win $210)
Seattle Mariners +300 (bet $100 to win $300)
Los Angeles Angels +4500 (bet $100 to win $4,500)
Oakland Athletics +25000 (bet $100 to win $25,000)

Los Angeles has an implied probability of winning the AL West of 2.17% or 45/1 fractional odds.

The Astros are the heavy favorites, with the defending World Series champion Rangers also in the mix, as well as the 2023 playoff team Mariners. The Angels are a big-time long shot. PASS.

To win American League

Odds: +7000 (bet $100 to win $7,000)

Again, the Angels hardly made a peep with a lineup consisting of Ohtani, Trout, Luis Rengifo, Anthony Rendon, among others. Now that Ohtani is gone, they’re a lot further away from a berth in the World Series, not closer.

This is a team with a solid young core, and it will be interesting to see if the Halos can have a little impulse control, avoid trying for the quick fix, and develop some of the immense talent it has. If the Angels can do that, this is a team which could finally turn the page, and have Tampa Bay Rays type of success, contending year in and year out despite not having a ton of high-priced talent.

However, will that young talent help them win the AL in 2024? No. AVOID.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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Best bets: 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2024 Los Angeles Dodgers World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

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The Los Angeles Dodgers won the NL West in 2023 for the 2nd consecutive year and for the 10th time in 11 seasons, and won 100 games for the 3rd consecutive year and 4th time in the last 5 season. However, for the 2nd straight year, they failed to make it out of the divisional round of the playoffs, getting swept by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 3 games despite being among the favorites to win the title.

They have championship expectations against in 2024. Let’s analyze the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL/NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

What’s new in 2024?

They made the biggest offseason moves in all of baseball, inking AL MVP Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract and signing Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto to a 12-year, $325 million contract.

OF Jason Heyward, SP Clayton Kershaw, RP Joe Kelly and RP Daniel Hudson all return, while SP Juio Urias, DH J.D. Martinez and OF David Peralta are gone.

Los Angeles Dodgers World Series odds

Provided by FanDuel Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, March 18 at 6:45 a.m. ET.

Odds: +320 (bet $100 to win $320)

The Dodgers are the favorites to win it all, followed by the Atlanta Braves (+450), Houston Astros (+700) and New York Yankees (+900)

At +320, L.A. has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 23.81% or 16/5 fractional odds.

While they have disappointed the last 2 postseasons, by adding Ohtani, they not only added one of the best bats in the game to the lineup, they also added a great starter, plus another top talent to the rotation in Yamamoto.

Backing the DODGERS (+320) to win it all makes sense.

Los Angeles Dodgers playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes -7000 | No +1500

The Dodgers have made the playoffs in 11 straight seasons. They are the favorites to win the World Series. They won 100 games last season and added talent. Yes, they should make the postseason, but you have no business betting them at -7000.

PASS.

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Los Angeles Dodgers win total

Over/Under: 103.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

They won 100 games last season. They surpassed 103 the previous 2 seasons and in 4 of the last 7. Winning in the regular season has rarely been a problem.

BET OVER 103.5 (-115).

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To win NL West Division

Los Angeles Dodgers -600 (bet $600 to win $100)
San Diego Padres +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100)
Arizona Diamondbacks +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100)
San Francisco Giants +1600 (bet $100 to win $1,600)
Colorado Rockies +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

The Dodgers got better and have won the division in 10 of the last 11 seasons. Their -600 odds give them 85.71% implied odds of winning the division or 1/6 fractional odds. It is a sure bet, but it isn’t going to win you much money. PASS.

To win National League

Odds: +165 (bet $100 to win $165)

The Dodgers have fallen short of making the World Series 3 years in a row, but they have been NL champs 3 times in the last 7 seasons. They are a pretty good preseason bet.

BET DODGERS (+165)

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Best bets: 2024 San Diego Padres World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2024 San Diego Padres World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

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The San Diego Padres failed to live up to preseason expectations last year — they were +900 to win it all in March 2023 — by missing the playoffs after going to the 2022 NLCS. San Diego was a -429 favorite to make the postseason after signing 2B Xander Bogaerts, but its 82-80 record obviously wasn’t enough to make the cut.

The Padres have made several interesting moves this offseason, including trading OF Juan Soto to the New York Yankees, losing LHP Josh Hader — and potentially LHP Blake Snell — in free agency, and bringing in RHP Dylan Cease from the Chicago White Sox. 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.

San Diego Padres World Series odds

Provided by BetMGM Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, March 17 at 5:22 a.m. ET.

Odds: +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)

The Padres are tied with the Cincinnati Reds for the 16th-shortest odds to win the World Series, so the market is saying that San Diego is basically a middle-of-the-pack team.

At +4000, the Padres have an implied probability of winning the World Series of 2.44%, and to be profitable, you would only have to hit bets at these odds once every 40 times.

The Arizona Diamondbacks were +8000 to win the World Series entering last season, and that became a great bet once they won the NLCS.

I’m going to PASS, but last season was a great example of how these long-shot futures can potentially make for good positions. However, don’t forget that these futures markets do have a higher theoretical hold than their 2-way counterparts, making them harder to beat long-term.

San Diego Padres playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +135 | No -165

According to Statmuse.com, the Padres went 20-7 from Sept. 1-Oct. 1 to finish last year’s regular season. While I’m obviously not projecting them to keep that pace and finish with 120 wins, it is a sign of this team’s ceiling. Besides, they did beat the Dodgers to go to the NLCS just 2 seasons ago.

BET YES (+135).

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San Diego Padres win total

Over/Under: 83.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

This is a great number to bet. It basically comes down to a simple question: Will the Padres be 1.5 games better than they were last year?

San Diego was projected to win 93.5 games last season and fell surprisingly short of that mark. I don’t like the idea of betting on a lineup that consists of Bogaerts, 3B Manny Machado, and OF Fernando Tatís Jr. to win fewer than 84 games in back-to-back seasons.

BET OVER 83.5 (-110).

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To win NL West Division

Los Angeles Dodgers -500 (bet $500 to win $100)
Arizona Diamondbacks +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000)
San Diego Padres +1100 (bet $100 to win $1,100)
San Francisco Giants +1400 (bet $100 to win $1,400)
Colorado Rockies +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

Again, I’m not a huge fan of betting into multi-way markets. With the Dodgers being priced as -500 favorites — which is actually very low compared to other books — there is no value on any of the long shots.

PASS.

To win National League

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

The Diamondbacks’ odds to pull this off last season were +4000, and they actually did it.

This isn’t a ridiculous bet by any means, but I’m going to PASS. Bet the Padres’ playoff odds and/or their win total. Risking $100 to win $2,000 just isn’t enough profit for what is projected to be a middle-of-the-pack team.

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For more sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW.

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