Can anyone stop the Astros in their bid to repeat as champions?
The defending champion Astros are as formidable as defending champions come. They have just won their second World Series title in the past 6 seasons.
Before making any bets you need to check out our World Series betting page which includes our evaluation of the favorites, contenders, and longshots to win the 2023 World Series.
Here's a look at the best 2023 World Series odds, along with our best bets below.
| Team |  |  |  |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston Astros | +600 | +650 | +600 |
| Atlanta Braves | +700 | +850 | +750 |
| New York Yankees | +750 | +750 | +750 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +800 | +850 | +800 |
| San Diego Padres | +800 | +900 | +850 |
| New York Mets | +850 | +850 | +950 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | +1100 | +1400 | +1200 |
| Philadelphia Phillies | +1800 | +1600 | +1700 |
| St. Louis Cardinals | +1800 | +2000 | +2000 |
| Seattle Mariners | +1800 | +1800 | +1800 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | +2000 | +2200 | +2200 |
Favorites
Astros
Oddsmakers are tabbing the Astros as the team to beat due to their ability to consistently develop and replace talent. Ace pitcher Justin Verlander leaving for the New York Mets hasn't deterred many from believing the Astros will keep up their winning ways.
They decided to add Jose Abreu to one of the best lineups in baseball and added Rafael Montero to bolster their bullpen.
While it's understandable that the Astros are favored to repeat and appear to be the best team on paper, I can't recommend betting on them at +600 odds. It seems unlikely they can become the first team to repeat since 2000.
Braves
The Braves looked like they were ready to meet the Astros in the World Series again, a rematch of the 2021 matchup. They won 101 games but ran into a red-hot Phillies team that knocked them out in the NLDS.
The Braves were able to bring back talented rookies Michael Harris and Spencer Strider. Strider looks poised to take the next step as a pitcher, posting a 2.77 ERA along with an outrageous 13.8 strikeouts per nine across 20 starts.
The NL East has three World Series contenders, which will be a hurdle for the Braves to clear. They do have championship experience on their roster and familiarity with beating the Astros.
I would recommend betting on the Atlanta Braves to win the World Series.
Yankees
The Yankees have continued to remain in the mix as a World Series favorite due to their relentless approach to free agency. They were able to re-sign Aaron Judge and even added elite strikeout pitcher Carlos Rodon.
Although the Yankees traditionally win the offseason, it hasn't paid dividends for them in the postseason in over a decade. While they did make the ALCS last season they are also in a very difficult division. The Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, and Baltimore Orioles will be tough divisional opponents.
With the third-best odds on the board, I'd have to advise passing on betting the Yankees to win the World Series.
As soon as the previous MLB postseason ends, sportsbooks will post odds for the World Series. These odds change throughout the season depending on teams winning and losing and players getting injured or suspended.
Futures prop bets are when you're able to successfully predict the outcome of a sporting event. Our Futures betting guide explains everything you would need to know before placing a bet that you can root for all season long!
Let's see which contenders have the best shot at keeping the Astros from hosting another championship parade.
Contenders
Dodgers
The Dodgers have had one of the quieter offseasons in comparison to the rest of the contenders. They have to replace superstar shortstop Trea Turner, outfielder Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, and two pitchers. They're also going to miss Walker Buehler while he is sidelined following Tommy John Surgery.
They added outfielder J.D. Martinez and pitcher Noah Syndergaard to help offset the losses, but unless this team makes a midseason move, I can't see them moving past the other contenders in the NL.
I would advise against betting on the Dodgers to win the World Series at +800 odds.
Padres
The Padres have certainly spent a boatload of money putting together their roster. They traded for Juan Soto last season and even added Xander Bogaerts this off-season. Fernando Tatis Jr. is eligible to return in April after missing all of 2022 due to injury and then suspension.
They will be looking to build on last season's NLDS experience and believe they have the team to compete for a title. They have a top-5 payroll and have decided to go all in to try and win a championship.
The biggest weakness I see with the Padres is their pitching depth. After Blake Snell, Yu Darvish, and Joe Musgrove, the bullpen is pretty shallow. They added Michael Wacha, but I question if it will be enough to get them past other NL contenders.
With that being said, I would have to advise against betting on the Padres to win the World Series at +800 odds.
Mets
The New York Mets are another team that went on a spending spree in hopes to improve their chances of winning a World Series. Mets owner Steve Cohen decided to replace oft-injured Jacob DeGrom with workhorse Justin Verlander.
They also decided to add Jose Quintana to replace Chris Bassitt. The Mets also added Japanese pitcher Kodai Senga in their bid to go all in this season. A rotation that has Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander leading it sounds impressive.
However, I have concerns about the durability of both of these pitchers as they near 40 years of age. While they are talented and overpowering when healthy, I don't want to bet on old pitchers staying healthy.
While the Mets spent money to field a legitimate roster this season, I don't like their odds at +850 and would advise against betting on them.
Longshot
Mariners
The Mariners ended the longest active playoff drought across the four major North American professional sports last season. They even won a playoff series against Toronto before falling to the eventual-champion Astros.
They have a young team led by AL Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez. In addition to Rodriguez, they acquired ace Luis Castillo last season and were able to sign him to an extension.
Adding second baseman Kolten Wong along with former Blue Jays outfielder Teoscar Hernandez should only help this young team develop. While it does seem unlikely the Mariners can overtake Houston the value is too tempting to pass up.
I would recommend a small bet on the Mariners to win the 2023 World Series.
Best Bet
The best bet to win the 2023 World Series is the Atlanta Braves at +700. While they do have the second-best odds I like them to win it all for a couple of reasons.
First, they have the smartest front office in baseball, upgrading at catcher to Gold Glove winner Sean Murphy was just another masterful move by this front office.
Second, not only do they have championship experience on their roster but they are one of the few teams capable of actually defeating the Astros.
Make sure to check our top sportsbook reviews for the best odds on your favorite MLB prop bets before placing your bets.
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