As the 2018 Major League Baseball season begins the second half of the season, the playoff picture begins to get more clear. Contending teams will still be looking to add pieces before the July 31st trade deadline. Let’s take a look at where the current World Series odds stand for every contending team.
Favorites:
Houston Astros +425: It is no surprise that the defending World Series champion Astros are still the favorite to repeat this year. The Astros feature the best starting rotation in baseball, and will be difficult to beat in a playoff series. Houston has a deep lineup that knows how to hit in a tight playoff game. The Astros continue to lead the AL West, but the Mariners and Athletics are making it tight.
Boston Red Sox +475: The Red Sox are the highest scoring team in baseball, and also have the best record in Major League Baseball at this time. Mookie Betts is having an MVP season for Boston, and J.D. Martinez continues to be one of the best sluggers in baseball. The Red Sox have opened up a 6 game lead over the Yankees in the American League East.
New York Yankees +500: The Yankees are struggling through their roughest stretch of baseball in 2018, but are still firmly in the American League playoff race. The Yankees might be forced into the AL Wildcard Game, which is a scary proposition. The Bronx Bombers will try to find a way to catch the Red Sox before the season ends.
Los Angeles Dodgers +500: The Dodgers went out and traded for Manny Machado to significantly increase their World Series chances. Los Angeles is now the clear favorite in the National League, and should reach their third straight NLCS. The Dodgers must find a way to hold off the Diamondbacks in a very tight NL West.
Chicago Cubs +650: The Cubs have vaulted past the Brewers in the NL Central, but still continue to struggle with starting pitching. Chicago has a very talented offense, but they might need to make a trade if they want to win a second World Series in three seasons.
Dark Horses
Cleveland Indians +1400: The Cleveland Indians are in complete control in the American League Central Division, but aren’t on the same level as the top AL teams. Cleveland does have Corey Kluber as the ace of their staff, and he could lead them through a deep postseason run.
Atlanta Braves +1400: The surprising Atlanta Braves currently sit in second place in the NL East, but are in good shape as a Wild Card team. It will be interesting to see how the young Braves roster holds up in a playoff race for the first time.
Philadelphia Phillies +1400: The Phillies currently lead their division, but by the slimmest of margins. Aaron Nola has been dominant at the top of the rotation, but the Phillies will need more pitching in the playoffs to win a series.
Milwaukee Brewers +2000: The Brewers led the NL Central for much of the first half, but have struggled in recent weeks. The Brewers can hit, but their starting rotation has held them back. If the Brewers can reach the playoffs, their bullpen could steal a series for Milwaukee.
Arizona Diamondbacks +2500: All-Star Paul Goldschmidt has kept the Diamondbacks in the NL West race, but they will need a strong second half to pass the Dodgers. The Diamondbacks are another team who could use the trade deadline to improve their team, and their chances, in the National League.
Washington Nationals +2500: Not much has gone right for the Nationals this season. The Nationals sit in third place in the NL East. If the Nationals find a way into the playoffs, their starting rotation could be a huge advantage for them.
Seattle Mariners +2500: The Seattle Mariners have surprised everyone this season, and are currently secure in the second Wild Card spot in the American League. Lefthander James Paxton anchors a solid Mariners rotation, but Seattle has had one of the best offenses in baseball in 2018.
Longshots:
San Francisco Giants +4000: The Giants have some work to do if they are going to make the playoffs in 2018. San Francisco is currently in 4th place in the NL West, but are still within striking distance. Buster Posey and Brandon Crawford lead a veteran offensive attack for the Giants.
Oakland Athletics +4000: The Oakland Athletics have been on a recent tear, and just added Jeurys Familia to an already talented bullpen. The A’s best chance to reach the postseason might come in the form of an American League WildCard spot.
Colorado Rockies +4000: If the Rockies can figure out their pitching woes, they might find a way into the 2018 postseason. All-Star third baseman, Nolan Arenado, is one of the best players in baseball and could put on a show if given a chance in October.