At the onset of the All-Star break and midway point World Series favorites are no surprise. With the exception of the upstart Minnesota Twins that is. The Dodgers, Yankees, and Astros are understandable MLB betting favorites. Meanwhile, Minnesota has emerged as the leader of the American League Central. Defending champion Boston has suffered from a World Series hangover. Atlanta is solid but unproven in the postseason. Namely, the Cubs have popularity and a balanced team. Owing to so many quality contenders is a strong handicapping challenge. Let’s assess the top contenders for the 2019 Fall Classic.
2019 World Series Champion Futures
| Date and Time: | World Series starts Tuesday, October 22, 2019 |
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MLB Betting Online Odds at SBG:
| Teams | Odds | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 7/2 | ||
| New York Yankees | 4/1 | ||
| Houston Astros | 5/1 | ||
| Minnesota Twins | 8/1 | ||
| Atlanta Braves | 13/1 | ||
| Chicago Cubs | 15/1 | ||
| Milwaukee Brewers | 20/1 | ||
| Boston Red Sox | 25/1 | ||
| Philadelphia Phillies | 25/1 | ||
| St. Louis Cardinals | 30/1 | ||
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Los Angeles Dodgers
Starting with back to back National League pennants does LA have MLB betting credibility. First baseman Cody Bellinger has dominated (1.138 OPS , 30 HR, 71 RBI). Further help comes from starting pitcher Hyun Jin Ryu (10-2, 0.91 WHUP, 1.73 ERA, 99 K, 109 IP). Walker Buehler, Clayton Kershaw, and Kenta Maeda have WHIPs under 1.08. Namely, Kenly Jansen impresses as well. Jansen (3-2, 23 SV, 46 K, 35.2 IP, 3.28 ERA) has filled this role since 2012. LA was 60-31 and leading the NL West at the break.
New York Yankees
Second-year manager Aaron Boone has the Bronx Bombers leading the AL East at 54-33. Catcher Gary Sanchez powers New York with 24 HR and 57 RBI. Additional production comes from Luke Volt’s 17 HR. 50 RBI, and .901 OPS. In the same way, starting Pitcher Domingo German is a sportsbook asset. German (10-2, 1.09 WHIP, 2.67 ERA, 83 K, 76 IP) leads the Yankees in wins. In turn closer, Aroldis Chapman owns enemy hitters. Chapman (2-1, 24 SV, 1.10 WHIP, 1.82 ERA, 50 K, 34.2 IP) is baseball’s top closer.
Houston Astros
Now the 2017 World Series champions lead the AL West at 56-33. Alex Bregman (.934 OPS, 23 HR, 56 RBI, 60 runs) keeps the Astros launched. Naturally, veteran starter Justin Verlander is a hit with gamblers. To show Verlander (10-4, 2.98 ERA, 153 K, 126.2 IP, 0.81 WHIP) has aged like a fine wine. He may be baseball’s most reliable starter. But another star is closer Roberto Osuna (3-1, 19 SC, 2.00 ERA, 0.75 WHIP).
Minnesota Twins
Where have these guys come from? To begin with, Minnesota is 56-32. The Twins are the top run-producing team in MLB and rank fifth for ERA. Jake Odorizzi (10-4, 1.12 WHIP, 3.15 ERA, 96 K, 88.2 IP) is a stopper. Another contributor is Max Kepler (21 2B, 21 HR, 55 RBI, .867 OPS). Eddie Rosario has 20 HR with 60 RBI. Of great concern is an inconsistent bullpen.
2019 MLB Betting World Series Champion Futures Picks
In this situation, the Yankees are expensive but also look like the best team in MLB betting. Minnesota has lost value as a team that has been discovered. It follows that the Dodgers will draw considerable cache with their consistency.
MLB Betting 2019 World Series Champion: New York Yankees
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