Above all baseball fans and gamblers are simply relieved to have the national pastime return. It’s a classic case of better late than never. And far too late is what baseball is in the eyes of most. Instead of a 162-game season, the 2020 schedule is for 60 games. After seriously considering expanded playoffs the normal 10-team format remains. Relief pitchers will have to face three batter minimums. While the designated hitter is now a regular baseball betting staple. Extra inning games will start with a runner on second base. One thing that has not changed are the betting favorites.
2020 Odds to Win World Series
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +375 |
| New York Yankees | +400 |
| Houston Astros | +650 |
| Atlanta Braves | +1300 |
| Minnesota Twins | +1600 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | +1800 |
| Washington Nationals | +1800 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +2000 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | +2000 |
| Chicago Cubs | +2200 |
| Cleveland Indians | +2200 |
| New York Mets | +2200 |
| Cincinnati Reds | +2500 |
| Oakland Athletics | +2500 |
| Boston Red Sox | +3000 |
| Chicago White Sox | +3000 |
| Milwaukee Brewers | +3000 |
| All Other Teams | +3300 or Greater |
2020 World Series Betting Odds Overview
All of the changes in the world can’t hide the fact that the sports betting public considers the Astros, Yankees, and Dodgers the best teams. Of course, the wild card factor is the shortened schedule. In 2019 the eventual World Series champion Washington Nationals were just 19-31 after 50 games. That is what keeps handicappers and the baseball community tossing and turning. Normally baseball is a marathon, not a sprint. COVID-19 has completely flipped that script. For 2020 it is a high-risk sprint with full blast playoff pressure in 60 games. Correspondingly surprises are expected.
Can Dodgers End 32 Year Drought?
A clear difference has been seen between the Dodgers and the rest of baseball. Los Angeles has won seven consecutive National League West titles. And made the World Series twice. LA boasts an overloaded roster and payroll. But the fact remains that their last World Series championship was in 1988. With one of the biggest prizes on the board, Los Angeles offers little in the way of wagering value. Which is nothing new. Despite their on-field success the Dodgers struggle to make profits. LA remains the biggest overlay on the board.
Yankees Put a Cole on the Fire
Namely, Gerrit Cole arrives from Houston with the biggest contract ever given to a pitcher. Simultaneously gamblers lost their minds when the deal was announced. New York has cleared the 100-win mark in the past two seasons. Starting pitching was seen as the liability that prevented a World championship. Cause by a lack of depth does more sober-minded handicappers believe the price is too high.
Astros Set for Relaunch
Due to the sign-stealing scandal that broke in the offseason did the Astros become a scourge. COVID-19 took the attention off of the scandal. Veteran major league manager Dusty Baker arrives to try and win his first World Series. Commencing with Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander is Houston still a top tier team.
Baseball Odds Today Betting Odds Free Picks
On this occasion, the once hated Astros make the most sense with the MLB Odds. Operating in the relatively weak American League West they have a clear playoff path. Baker should prove to be the stabilizing influence that can get them to the Promised Land.
Baseball Odds Today Betting Online Pick: Houston Astros