2024 World Series Futures: Where things stand at the beginning of MLB Free Agency

With the 2023 MLB season now over, you know what that means. It’s time to put some early money down on who could win it all next year in the 2024 World Series futures. While a lot can change between now and next fall, this is a great way to earn a profit. But, there could also be some changes for some of these contenders given that free agency just opened up and most notably, Shohei Ohtani has yet to sign. Wherever he ends up will immediately boost the odds of his new ball club. For the time being though, the Atlanta Braves, who failed to live up to expectations this past season, sit as the early favorite. Below, we’ll preview a handful of teams who are expected to be in the Fall Classic mix a year from now.

Atlanta Braves

The Braves had the best record in the big leagues in 23’, finishing 104-58. However, that wasn’t enough to get past their NL East rival Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS for the second year in a row. The best offense in baseball went silent and their rotation didn’t look great, either. Despite that, Atlanta has +550 odds at Bodog in the World Series futures, much in part to their core that is locked up for the foreseeable future. That includes Ronald Acuna Jr, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and Matt Olson. Plus, the pitching staff dealt with many injuries this past season. There’s no reason to think the Braves won’t be a contender again.

Los Angeles Dodgers

Always expected to be in the WS mix, the Dodgers also failed to live up to expectations. They were absolutely shocked in the NLDS by the Arizona Diamondbacks, getting swept. There may be some changes this offseason, too. Clayton Kershaw and JD Martinez didn’t have their player options picked up by the organization, but Los Angeles is seen as a favorite to land Shohei Ohtani. That could be massive.

Houston Astros

How can you ignore the Astros? They’re basically a regular in the World Series and almost always end up in the ALCS at the very least. Houston couldn’t get past the Rangers though, who beat them in a thrilling seven games. We should see most of the same roster for the Astros in 2024 with no shortage of experience and young talent. They also have a new bench boss in Joe Espada after Dusty Baker stepped down. 

Philadelphia Phillies

The Phils have +900 odds at most MLB betting sites. This is a team that is built for the playoffs as we’ve seen across the last two years. They don’t always play that well in the regular season but never fail to show up in October. Aaron Nola is one of the prized free agent arms this winter though and it appears he could sign elsewhere. Rhys Hoskins may not be back as well, while Nick Castellanos trade rumors are swirling. But, Philadelphia still has tons of talent in Bryce Harper, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, and several others. You also can’t beat their fanbase.

Texas Rangers

With the fifth-best odds is the Rangers. Perhaps that’s a bit disrespectful considering Texas did just win it all. Chris Young and the front office did a phenomenal job of building this roster into a contender through free agency and trades and they should be great again 24’. Max Scherzer will be healthy, Jacob deGrom should be back from injury as well, and Corey Seager and Marcus Semien form one of the best middle infields in baseball. Oh, and don’t forget Adolis Garcia, who is one of the budding superstars in the Majors.