We are pulling close to the finish line of the 2023 MLB season. Much has already been established. We know that Shohei Ohtani has AL MVP wrapped up neatly. It is very clear that the Atlanta Braves will end up on top of their division. But what we can’t know for certain is who will hoist the World Series trophy.
There are several teams that fans and pundits are considering the favourites, with the highest odds of winning. But who are those teams? Below, we’ll look at five contenders that gambling experts, fans, and baseball insiders believe have the best chance of winning the World Series.
Atlanta Braves
On just about all MLB betting sites, the team that most have pegged for victory is the Atlanta Braves. The Braves have the best record in baseball, and there aren’t many holes you can poke in this group. Ronald Acuna is having an all-time year and is the favourite for MVP. He is backed by an elite hitting group that includes Ozzie Albies, Matt Olson, Sean Murphy, and Marcell Ozuna. Their pitchers have been lights out despite injuries, with Spencer Strider and Charlie Morton leading the way. Nothing is missing in this group, and victory is the expectation.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Los Angeles Dodgers have surged in the past few months, silencing doubters and fanning the flame of hope in the city of angels. Los Angeles has two of the best hitters in baseball, with Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts leading one of the league’s top options. Pitching has been questionable throughout the year, which could hinder them in October. It will get worse with Julio Urias’s recent arrest. However, they still have the talent to move past this and make some noise, and their deep offense will be intimidating for any opposing pitcher they see.
Houston Astros
Oddsmakers have to give the Houston Astros the benefit of the doubt. They are the defending champions and have a battle-tested team that has all the ingredients to succeed. For starters, they have some of the best hitters in the game. Jose Altuve is still elite, Kyle Tucker is a star, and Yordan Alvarez can mash. Their pitching hasn’t been strong this year, but Justin Verlander returning is a great addition. The Astros have experience playing in high-leverage showdowns, so the October pressure will not be anything new. Fans may cheer against them, but they are still a threat.
Baltimore Orioles
Some fans and sportsbooks projected a step forward for the Orioles this year, but few could see this coming. The Orioles have been one of the best teams in baseball, and it seems like there is nothing but bright days ahead for this franchise. The Orioles have elite young position players like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, as well as quality depth with guys like Anthony Santander and Ryan Mountcastle. There are still issues with pitching, but they have been able to overcome their weak starters all year long thanks to an elite bullpen and the performance of ace Kyle Bradish.
Tampa Bay Rays
Few teams have had to weather more storms than the Tampa Bay Rays this year. The Rays have dealt with a massive mid-season slump, injuries to many star players, and their franchise centerpiece facing horrific allegations. Yet they keep on winning games. The Rays may not have the big names that other teams on this list do, but they keep chugging along regardless. Tyler Glasnow is finding his place, and their deep roster of talent like Randy Arozarena, Yandy Diaz, Jose Siri, and Isaac Paredes is still mashing at a high level. Don’t doubt this team’s ability to overcome.