MLB FUTURES REPORT (JULY/AUGUST 2020)
The favorites
Los Angeles Dodgers (+375): The Dodgers have remained consistently priced as the 2020 World Series favorites, even with SP David Price opting out of the season and 2B Gavin Lux being optioned at the end of summer camp. They’re the heaviest of all division winner favorites at -715 to win the National League West.
New York Yankees (+400): The Yankees’ odds also haven’t changed over the last month and they sit atop the American League odds as +175 favorites. RP Aroldis Chapman is expected to have a delayed start to the season while awaiting negative COVID-19 tests, but Zack Britton can hold down the ninth inning for now.
Houston Astros (+800): The Astros also trail the Yankees in the AL futures odds at +350. Both numbers seems elevated by the widespread ill-feelings toward the 2019 AL champs following the sign-stealing scandal. A favorable early-season series with the rival Seattle Mariners could drop this number quickly.
The contenders
Atlanta Braves (+1300): Last season’s NLDS loss to the St. Louis Cardinals hasn’t done much to deter Braves bettors or the oddsmakers this season. They’ve stayed stagnant and remain ahead of the rival, and defending World Series champion Washington Nationals. Their youth could be their best asset in the condensed season.
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Minnesota Twins (+1600): The Twins are expected to be hotly contested in the AL Central by the rebuilt Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Indians this season. They’re still favored at -130 for the division crown. Chicago is +2400 and Cleveland is +2500 for the World Series.
Tampa Bay Rays (+1800): The Rays boast arguably the best rotation in the AL and are flush with versatile offensive players who can allow manager Kevin Cash to keep his top players fresh. The Rays will also be better equipped to handle any positive COVID-19 tests than more top-heavy teams.
Washington Nationals (+1900): The Nationals’ odds have ticked slightly upward from +1800 a month ago. Bettors should get them now, as their odds will likely drop early in the season. After a tough opening series against the Yankees, they’ll face the Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins, and Baltimore Orioles.
The biggest movers
Boston Red Sox (+4000): Boston suffered one of the biggest drops after being +3000 in late June. The starting rotation is highly questionable but there’s plenty of talent on offense with Alex Verdugo helping to replace Mookie Betts.
Arizona Diamondbacks (+5000): The No. 3 favorites in the Dodgers-led NL Central, Arizona has come up from +4500 for the World Series over the last month. OF Starling Marte and 2B Ketel Marte will lead the offense hitting first and second, respectively. Free agent addition Madison Bumgarner helps to replace Zack Greinke in the rotation.
Miami Marlins (+30000): The Marlins are one of several longshots whose odds have plummeted with the season approaching. They were +75000 a month ago with more and more bettors banking on the unpredictability of the 60-game season.