The Los Angeles Dodgers are the first team to break the 70-win barrier this season. The next highest win total right now is 67, belonging to the Houston Astros. While the Dodgers have established themselves as the best team in baseball, the Astros are a close second so it’s no surprise that they remain the sports betting favorites to win the World Series. The clubs with the best records are in the spotlight for a reason. However, there is also a handful of teams that shouldn’t be overlooked right now despite that they don’t lead their respective divisions. Here is a look at the biggest World Series threats among teams that do not lead their division right now along with their current futures odds.
New York Yankees (+1800)
The Yankees entered Thursday night’s action one game back of the Boston Red Sox at the top of the American League East. The numbers suggest that they are for real. New York ranks fourth in the majors in runs scored this season with 530. They also rank sixth in ERA with a 3.85 mark. Aaron Judge has been an absolute monster at the plate. However, it’s important to remember that he hasn’t had to do it alone as Brett Gardner, Didi Gregorius, Starlin Castro, Aaron Hicks and Gary Sanchez have helped share the load on offense. Meanwhile, the pitching has been better than expected with Luis Severino, Jordan Montgomery and C.C. Sabathia excelling in the starting rotation while Dellin Betances and Aroldis Chapman lead the bullpen. The additions of David Robertson and Todd Frazier should help solidify the roster on both sides of the ball. The Yankees have the talent to contend this season. Now they need to maximize their potential and find a way to get the job done when it matters the most down the final stretch and come playoff time.
Arizona Diamondbacks (+2000)
Arizona has been one of the biggest surprises in baseball this season. The numbers indicate they are good enough for that trend to continue. The Diamondbacks pitching staff has produced the second-best ERA in the majors with a 3.52 mark. Zack Greinke has been lights out this season while Robbie Ray has complimented him to form the perfect 1-2 punch. Meanwhile, their offense has been solid as they rank sixth in runs scored thanks in large part to another MVP-caliber season from Paul Goldschmidt. Arizona has the talent on both sides of the ball to win now. The Diamondbacks will have an opportunity to add to their roster before the MLB trade deadline. If they can make a couple of minor upgrades then their roster could end up being good enough to contend for a World Series.
Colorado Rockies (+2500)
There are only a handful of teams that could rival the Rockies when it comes to offensive firepower. Colorado ranks second in the majors in runs scored this season and third in batting average. Charlie Blackmon is having a career year while Mark Reynolds has turned back the clock with an outstanding season in his own right. Blackmon, Reynolds, Nolan Arenado, D.J. LeMahieu, Gerardo Parra and Trevor Story lead one of the most explosive offenses in the majors this season. Meanwhile, the Rockies pitching staff has been inconsistent at best. Colorado will need more from its starters in order to contend for a World Series. Part of the problem is the elevation they are forced to deal with playing at Coors Field. However, there is definitely room for improvement both in the starting rotation and in the bullpen. If the pitching staff improves even slightly, the Rockies could surprise as a World Series contender.
Kansas City Royals (+3300)
The Royals were left for dead in the AL Central before an eight-game win streak pushed them right back in to the playoff picture. Kansas City is now just 1.5 games back of the Cleveland Indians at the top of the AL Central and tied for a Wild Card spot with the Yankees. The Royals don’t rank in the top-10 in offense or defense but they have managed to grind out some close wins to turn their season around. Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, Salvador Perez and Lorenzo Cain lead a veteran group on offense while Whitt Merrifield has exploded on to the scene this season. Kansas City will need more from its starting rotation, which means more consistency from Jason Vargas, Ian Kennedy and Danny Duffy. The Royals have shown that they can hang around in the mix for a division title. Now Kansas City must take another step forward in order to prove they have what it takes to contend for a World Series championship this season.
The MLB season is in full swing, so if you’re looking at betting lines, in-game betting and World Series futures, click here to bet on MLB (or any other sports) at BetDSI!
