World Series winner odds & best bet ahead of the 2022 postseason
Sep 29, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Will Smith (16) is congratulated by manager Dave Roberts (30) at the dugout after hitting a home run against the San Diego Padres during the eighth inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
With the 12-team MLB playoff field finally decided, it’s finally time to start taking a serious look at the World Series odds in 2022.
After all, the World Series odds now are as firm as they’re going to get until the postseason begins and teams start either advancing or getting eliminated. That’s why now is the best time to examine the World Series futures for all 12 teams in the postseason.
Of course, what this postseason holds is anybody’s guess. Obviously, fans are hoping to witness the best World Series ever, and with the field expanded and the format changed, who knows if some of the greatest baseball moments of all time await us in the weeks to come.
With that said, let’s take a look at the World Series odd in 2022 for all 12 playoff teams.
Dodgers, +300
The World Series odds now, just as they did before the season, give the Dodgers the shortest odds. The trio of Trea Turner, Mookie Betts, and Freddie Freeman might be the best hitting trio in baseball.
More importantly, Clayton Kershaw might be the fourth-best starter in the LA rotation right now, which is a scary thought. After 111 wins during the regular season, the Dodgers aren’t invincible, but it’ll take something special to knock them off.
Astros, +380
Houston certainly has a championship pedigree given the team’s success in recent years despite falling short in last year’s World Series. Outside of Justin Verlander, the average fan may not recognize the pitchers in Houston’s rotation.
But the likes of Cristian Javier and Framber Valdez have been great all year and are more than capable of carrying the Astros through the postseason.
Braves, +500
Since the start of June, the Braves have been every bit as good as the Dodgers, possibly better.
The Braves can mash as well as anyone but are still athletic and sound defensively at most positions. If Spencer Strider comes back healthy, he’ll join Kyle Wright and Max Fried in a tremendous rotation trio that can help set up a deep bullpen in winning back-to-back titles.
Yankees, +550
What version of the Yankees are we getting during the playoffs? If it’s the team that looked invincible during the first half of the season, look out.
Even if the Yankees aren’t quite that good, clearly Aaron Judge is capable of carrying their lineup. Plus, if Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon can pitch like aces, the Yankees will have the starting pitching needed to win in October.
Mets, +950
The Mets are no doubt disappointed to not win the NL East despite winning 101 games, so they’ll have to go the long way to get to the World Series.
However, if they can get Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Chris Bassitt pitching at their best, their rotation can go toe to toe with just about anyone. The rest is up to a lineup that has plenty of potential but has felt the absence of Starling Marte late in the season.
Blue Jays, +1600
The Blue Jays expected much better from Jose Berrios this year, so they don’t have the rotation depth they need behind Kevin Gausman and Alek Manoah.
However, don’t overlook the possibility of the Blue Jays making some noise in October with their bats because Toronto’s lineup has some mashers.
Cardinals, +1700
St. Louis seems to be the forgotten division champ in the National League. The Cards certainly have experience on their side with the likes of Adam Wainwright, Albert Pujols, and Yadier Molina.
Tampa will be happy to wipe the slate clean after the regular season, as the Rays struggled down the stretch, ending up with the last Wild Card spot.
But with Tyler Glasnow returning from Tommy John surgery late in the year, the Rays have a rotation that’s deep and could give opposing teams fits. The caveat is Yandy Diaz is the only regular with an OPS over .800 this year, so how are the Rays going to score runs?
Guardians, +3000
Much like St. Louis, the Guardians are the forgotten division champ in the American League. Nobody expected Cleveland to be here, so the Guardians are playing with house money.
Some will say that the Mariners are just happy to be back in the playoffs. But they won 90 games this year and shouldn’t be overlooked just because people don’t know much about them.
Seattle’s rotation is solid, especially with Luis Castillo on board. The Mariners should also find a way to score some runs and create trouble for anyone they play.
Phillies, +3000
Philly’s defense and bullpen are probably going to sink them when the Phillies face elite competition.
But there’s power up and down the lineup, so the Phillies won’t be easy for any team to face.
Best Bet
Our World Series pick for this year is the Dodgers. Just because it’s the obvious choice doesn’t mean that it’s the wrong choice.
Granted, the path to the World Series might be a little more difficult in the National League since the Dodgers might have to beat both the Mets and Braves, both 101-win teams. But no other team in the playoffs has four starters at the same level as the Dodgers.
The Dodgers also led the majors in runs scored and OPS, so they’re a complete team. Whether it’s a five-game or a seven-game series, it’ll be hard for any team to come out ahead of the Dodgers over several games, making Los Angeles the best bet to win the 2022 World Series.
