Better Bet: Who are This Year’s Favorites to Win the World Series?

After the Boston Red Sox did some damage in 2018, ResortsCasino.com previews the upcoming MLB season, and looks at the early favorites before Opening Day arrives on fans’ doorsteps.

Yankees
The Yankees ultimately came up agonisingly short last season, falling to divisional rivals Boston in the American League Division Series of the playoffs. However, the storied franchise, which has won 27 World Series, possesses a stacked roster and has another shot at a deep playoff run. With star outfielders Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton regularly hosting home-run contests between themselves in games, the Yankees are always going to score runs. With a deep bullpen of pitchers, headlined by Aroldis Chapman and CC Sabathia, the Yankees look a real threat to lift the Commissioner’s Trophy.

+550: New York Yankees World Series moneyline
See all World Series moneylines at ResortsCasino.com

Red Sox
Last season couldn’t have gone much better for the Red Sox. They broke a 106-year franchise record for the most wins in a season, beat their fierce rivals the Yankees in the playoffs, and then won the World Series. This season sees the Boston outfit looking to feed off their recent success, as they bid to win their third title in the decade. The Red Sox fielded four All Stars last season, and three of them remain. Craig Kimbrel is still a free agent, but the Sox should be in the mix again come October.

+600: Boston Red Sox World Series moneyline
See all World Series moneylines at ResortsCasino.com

Astros
2017’s World Series winners, expect the Houston Astros to be in the hunt for their second World Series title. Another team that broke a record for the most wins in a season in 2018, the Astros have a stacked roster, headed by former AL MVP Jose Altuve, and with former CY Young award-winner Justin Verlander leading the pen, the Astros seem sure to be in for another exciting year.

+650: Houston Astros World Series moneyline
See all World Series moneylines at ResortsCasino.com

Dodgers
Losing finalists in the last two seasons, the LA Dodgers must be thinking it is now or never for them. With superstar pitcher Clayton Kershaw helming an extremely talented bullpen - not to mention a heavy-hitting line-up featuring the resurgent Matt Kemp and Cody Bellinger - the Dodgers won’t be afraid of anyone. The biggest block for them will be getting over the psychological hurdle of a World Series, should they make it to the end game.

+750: Los Angeles Dodgers World Series moneyline
See all World Series moneylines at ResortsCasino.com

Phillies
The Phillies have struggled for much of the past decade, but things are beginning to look up. A trade for All Star catcher J.T. Realmuto, and the signing of 4 x Silver Slugger-winner Andrew McCutchen, have reshaped the roster somewhat. Right now, the Phillies should be competitive. This could all hinge, however, on Bryce Harper. With the Phillies one of the favourites to sign the superstar, his arrival would completely change the complexion of the team, and indeed the World Series race. Currently, the Phillies are +1200, but if they secure Harper that price will tumble.

+1200: Philadelphia Phillies World Series moneyline
See all World Series moneylines at ResortsCasino.com

Mets
The Mets have slowly entered the conversation as genuine contenders, making the playoffs in both 2015 and 2016. In fact, it was only four years ago they lost a World Series. With a seriously good pitching unit, headlined by Jacob deGrom and Noah Syndergaard, the Mets should be able to hang around with even the top teams for a long time, ensuring low-scoring affairs. However, they will need their aging batting core, with two former Home Run Derby-winners in Todd Frazier and Yoenis Cespedes alongside 8 x All Star Robinson Cano, to really step up this season if they have any hope of challenging for another championship.

+2200: New York Mets World Series moneyline
See all World Series moneylines at ResortsCasino.com