World Series Futures: Braves The Favorite Over Dodgers, Rays

The 2023 Fall Classic is many, many months away. But, that doesn’t mean it’s too early to take a look at the World Series futures, which offer a ton of value for bettors, especially since all teams are at plus odds. Right now, the Atlanta Braves are the favorite to win their second title in the last three years amid their hot start, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers and Tampa Bay Rays. Below, we’ll dive into some analysis on several contenders.

Atlanta Braves

Brian Snitker’s group sits at +500 odds at Bodog which is the best of the lot right now. It’s understandable, though. The Braves are at the top of the National League East with a 29-18 record and truly excel on both sides of the ball. Atlanta ranks top-five in basically every notable offensive category and relies heavily on the long ball, slugging 78 homers. 

10 career games with 10+ strikeouts ⛽️

Spencer Strider has only made 30 MLB starts. pic.twitter.com/1eW1mFjTJf

— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 24, 2023

Ronald Acuna Jr is tearing the cover off the baseball with a .342 average and 11 bombs. Four players in total are in double digits in tanks, with Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, and Sean Murphy also doing their part. Despite injuries to key arms, their staff is also lights out, with nearly every starter hovering around the 2.60 mark in ERA. With no shortage of playoff experience, the Braves are the real deal. 

Los Angeles Dodgers

Even though it’s been an up-and-down campaign at times for the Dodgers thus far, they can never be underestimated with star power such as Mookie Betts, Max Muncy, Freddie Freeman, and Clayton Kershaw, among others. LA actually has the best record in the National League at 30-19 and has gone 6-4 in their last 10 outings.

No doubt from Mike Trout 🐟💥

(via @Angels)pic.twitter.com/rEVdWTURF1

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) May 24, 2023

Injuries are certainly taking their toll on this team, however, especially the rotation. Walker Buehler is of course out as he recovers from Tommy John, while Dustin May and Julio Urias are sidelined for a couple of weeks too.

The biggest question mark for the Dodgers is their pitching because of their inability to stay healthy. The bats will swing it, there is no doubt that. If they’re going to make a deep playoff run, consistency is needed from the arms.

Tampa Bay Rays

MLB betting sites should honestly have the Rays higher up here. Tampa Bay started off the season in historic fashion and owns the best record in all of baseball at 35-14. Sure, they’re in the most difficult division in the sport in the AL East, but Kevin Cash’s group has proven year after year that their success is no fluke. 

It’s actually absurd how good this Rays offense is. They rank first in numerous categories and have four different guys hitting over .300. Randy Arozarena is the leading catalyst with a .308 average and 11 home runs. Yandy Diaz, Wander Franco, and Brandon Lowe are also raking. 

Luke Raley bamboozles Vladimir Guerrero Jr. with a 50 mph curveball...

... and ducks out of the way just in case 😅 pic.twitter.com/VxBInVnuaH

— Tampa Bay Rays (@RaysBaseball) May 24, 2023

On the bump, Shane McClanahan is having another Cy Young campaign, posting a 2.05 ERA and a 7-0 record. Drew Rasmussen is out for the year with an elbow injury, but Tyler Glasnow is expected to make his season debut on Saturday. Alongside McClanahan, that’s one of the most electrifying starting duos in the Majors. Tampa is a legitimate contender.