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Every sport claims it has the best postseason, but it’s hard not to get particularly excited about the Major League Baseball playoffs. There is something about October baseball that brings something extra. We’re through the dog days of summer, and while it’s cliched to say all the games count, it sticks to you a little more.
The Houston Astros are the favorites to win the 2019 World Series and take home the Commissioner’s Trophy when October comes to an end. They’ve been installed as +200 favorites at DraftKings Sportsbook, and it’s not difficult to see why. When you roll out a starting pitching staff that includes Justin Verlander, Gerrit Cole, and Zack Greinke, you’re in pretty decent shape. Add in an offense that leads the league in WAR, and you’d be foolish to bet against them.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are sitting at +275 heading into October. Their offense is right behind the Astros in WAR, and their pitching staff currently sits third behind the Rays and Twins. Odds are pretty decent they end up meeting the Astros in the World Series, but a short series can open the door for plenty of upsets.
One of the more intriguing teams has to be the Washington Nationals, who sit at +1800. The loss of Bryce Harper last offseason stung, but they instead invested in further building out a strong pitching rotation. They head into October boasting a starting trio of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, and Patrick Corbin. Add in an offense that is clicking in spite of losing Harper, and they are a wild card worth considering if you want to bet on a long shot.
Here is a full rundown of 2019 World Series odds as we await the start of the Wild Card round this week. Odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
Houston Astros: +200
Los Angeles Dodgers: +275
New York Yankees: +400
Atlanta Braves: +750
Minnesota Twins: +1400
St. Louis Cardinals: +1600
Oakland Athletics: +1800
Washington Nationals: +1800
Tampa Bay Rays: +2200
Milwaukee Brewers: +2500
Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.
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