World Series Futures: Where things stand after the MLB Trade Deadline

The Fall Classic is still a few months away, but it’s never too early to look at some World Series futures, especially after the MLB trade deadline on Tuesday.

There was quite a bit of movement, with the New York Mets turning into sellers as they moved both Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, ultimately hitting the reset button.

But, regardless of the activity among several contenders, the Atlanta Braves remain the favorite to win it all, with the Dodgers, Rays, and Astros, among others, also in the mix. 

Braves

The Braves sit at +310 odds at Bodog which is slightly better than the +500 odds from a couple of months ago. It stands to reason, though. Despite not making any moves at the deadline, Atlanta is stacked from top to bottom.

They’re 68-37 and possess the best offense in baseball, ranking first in numerous categories including home runs, slugging, average, and runs, among others.

And while the Braves have dealt with their fair share of injuries to key arms like Max Fried and Mike Soroka, others continue to step up. It’s hard to believe anyone beating this ball club in October.

Dodgers

Just like LA always does, they went out and got better at the deadline. The Dodgers reunited with Kike Hernandez and Joe Kelly while also bringing in Lance Lynn to join their rotation.

That should be a nice addition despite his struggles in Chicago in 2023. Plus, they got Amed Rosario, too. Los Angeles owns a 60-45 record and can never be counted out when it comes to postseason baseball.

Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman are both having fantastic campaigns while the likes of JD Martinez, James Outman, and Max Muncy, to name a few, are doing their part.

Rays

With the third-best odds at most MLB betting sites, Tampa has been overtaken in the AL East by the Baltimore Orioles. Don’t get it twisted though, the Rays are still a very good team.

Winners of three in a row, Kevin Cash’s group ranks fourth in the big leagues in home runs and just put on a show at Yankee Stadium.

We’ve seen what the Rays can do in the playoffs before and it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to see them make a deep run. It may have to come as a Wild Card team however if they can’t overtake the O’s in first place. The AL East is really tough.

Astros

The defending World Series champs aren’t messing around and just brought back reigning AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander.

That alone makes them a contender again, but don't forget they’re still a talented squad. Jose Altuve and Yordan Alvarez are back now and their staff is one of the best around. We already know what all of these experience hitters can do as well. 

Rangers

Just a tad above the Astros in the AL West, Texas was the most active team at the deadline, getting Jordan Montgomery and Max Scherzer to beef up the rotation and make up for the loss of Jacob deGrom.

Texas absolutely tears the cover off the baseball and now they’re better from a pitching standpoint. Some great business done by Chris Young puts the Rangers in the position to contend for a title.