MLB Futures Betting Odds
Friday, April 26 Fri Apr 26
Saturday, April 27 Sat Apr 27
World Series Futures
When it comes to MLB futures odds, World Series betting is the most common among baseball bettors. As soon as a team is crowned world champions, sportsbooks will open the next baseball futures odds market, and it will stay open until another MLB champion is determined the following year.
Evidence suggests waiting before placing World Series futures bets, but if you are keen on a pre-season wager, don't go with the chalk. In the last 10 seasons, only two pre-season favorites (the 2020 Dodgers and 2016 Cubs) have gone on to win the championship.
World Series Best Bet: Philadelphia Phillies
The Phils always seem to be in the thick of every World Series race. In 2023, Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber seemed destined to slug Philadelphia into the Fall Classic, until the Arizona Diamondbacks surged from behind to knock off Philly in a seven-game NLCS.
But like the Braves, the Phillies won't cough up too much in free agency and can freely run it back for the '24 season. Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola have returned to cap off a solid rotation, too.
What are MLB Championship Series futures?
A common MLB futures wager is pennant betting on both National and American League futures. This is when baseball bettors wager on the teams they think will represent the American League and National League in the World Series.
The odds for these markets are a little softer, as it's slightly easier to qualify for the Fall Classic than it is to win it all.
The AL/NL representation in the World Series is pretty even. No league (AL or NL) has won more than four World Series in a row since 1979-1982.
American League Pennant Odds
The current American League features three divisions, each containing five teams. Those divisions are the AL East, Central, and West.
The Astros, Yankees, and Orioles are currently favored to win the AL Pennant.
AL East
The AL East contains some of baseball’s biggest markets and most historic rivalries and franchises. The five current East members are the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, Tampa Bay Rays, and Baltimore Orioles.
AL Central
The American League Central is often seen as the weakest division in the sport, at least in recent years. The five current AL Central teams are the Minnesota Twins, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Kansas City Royals, and Detroit Tigers.
AL West
The AL West is made up of the Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics, Texas Rangers, Los Angeles Angels, and Seattle Mariners.
ALCS Pennant Best Bet: Baltimore Orioles
The O's put everyone on notice with a 101-win season in 2023.
The Dirty Birds returned to the drawing board and armed themselves with some added firepower for 2024. Former Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes now leads their rotation, while Craig Kimbrel will anchor the back end with Felix Bautista on the shelf due to injury.
ALCS Pennant Value Bet: Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays won the AL Pennant in 2020, and although sportsbooks aren't high on them in 2024, they nearly always overachieve.
Decimated with pitching injuries this year, Tampa Bay has an uphill battle, but its top-tier lineup gives them play. As far as deep-value picks go, it's hard to find better than the Rays.
Previous MLB American League Winners
Year | AL Champ |
---|---|
2023 | Texas Rangers |
2022 | Houston Astros |
2021 | Houston Astros |
2020 | Tampa Bay Rays |
2019 | Houston Astros |
2018 | Boston Red Sox |
2017 | Houston Astros |
2016 | Cleveland Guardians |
2015 | Kansas City Royals |
2014 | Kansas City Royals |
American League Betting Trends
What are MLB Championship Series futures?
A common MLB futures wager is pennant betting on both National and American League futures. This is when baseball bettors wager on the teams they think will represent the American League and National League in the World Series.
The odds for these markets are a little softer, as it's slightly easier to qualify for the Fall Classic than it is to win it all.
The AL/NL representation in the World Series is pretty even. No league (AL or NL) has won more than four World Series in a row since 1979-1982.
National League Pennant Odds
The National League is comprised of 15 teams split into three divisions. The current divisions are the National League East, Central, and West.
NL East
The National League East features five teams from up and down the east coast. Those teams include the Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves, and Washington Nationals.
NL Central
The National League Central contains five teams from the midwestern United States. The current member franchises are the St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs, Milwaukee Brewers, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Cincinnati Reds.
NL West
The National League West has been one of baseball’s most competitive divisions in recent seasons, with multiple teams reaching the 100-win mark. The five teams currently in the division are the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Colorado Rockies, Arizona Diamondbacks, and San Diego Padres.
NLCS Pennant Best Bet: Atlanta Braves
Atlanta is always a safe bet, even near the top of the NL Pennant odds board. The Braves are coming off consecutive 100-win seasons and added more talent to a roster that already features reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna and NL Cy Young favorite Spencer Strider.
NLCS Pennant Best Value Bet: Philadelphia Phillies
The Phils don't often win their division — the Braves do that — but they perform very well in the postseason. Armed with a deadly lineup featuring Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia won the NL Pennant in 2022 before falling to the Astros in the World Series.
With longer odds in 2024, the Phillies are a good value bet.
Past National League Pennant Winners
Year | NL Champ |
---|---|
2023 | Arizona Diamondbacks |
2022 | Philadelphia Phillies |
2021 | Atlanta Braves |
2020 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2019 | Washington Nationals |
2018 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2017 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2016 | Chicago Cubs |
2015 | New York Mets |
2014 | San Francisco Giants |
National League Betting Trends
What are MLB Division Futures?
MLB division futures are exactly as advertised: a futures bet on which team will win its respective division. These bets are smaller scale than World Series or Pennant betting, as you're only picking one club to win out of the five-team pool.
American League Central Odds
The American League Central is one of MLB's newest divisions, formed in 1994. It currently contains five teams: the Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Royals, and Minnesota Twins.
Chicago White Sox
The Chicago White Sox have been around since 1900. The franchise was originally called the Chicago White Stockings before changing to the current name of White Sox.
While the franchise has six AL pennants and three World Series titles, they are better known for baseball's biggest scandal. In 1919, eight members of the team were accused of throwing the World Series against the Reds in exchange for money.
All eight players, including Shoeless Joe Jackson, were banned from the league.
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians currently hold the longest World Series draught in MLB, last winning in 1948. The Guardians came close to snapping the streak in 2016, but fell in seven games in the final to the Cubs.
The Guardians have gone by seven different team names throughout franchise history, including the Napoleons (1903-1914) and Lake Shores (1900). The changed to the Guardians in 2022.
Detroit Tigers
The Tigers have played in three different divisions in franchise history, moving from the Western to het East in 1969 and then joining the AL Central in 1998.
While the Tigers were a dominant force in the early 2010s, featuring Miguel Cabrera in his prime, they haven't had much success in recent years. The Tigers last made the playoffs in 2014.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals were a founding member of the AL Central, joining the division in 1994 from the West. They've been one of MLB's least successful franchises. Through the 2022 season, they own an all-time .478 win percentage, have just two World Series titles, and have won the Central division just once. However, the only time Kansas City won the AL Central they went on to win the WS (2015).
Minnesota Twins
The Twins moved to Minnesota in 1961, taking the place of the former Washington Senators. While they have won the AL Central division eight times since 200, the Twins haven't made or won the World Series in the last 25 years.
AL Central Best Bet: Minnesota Twins
It's no fun to pick the chalk, but the Twins are still the best bet to repeat as AL Central champs in 2024. While Minny lost a few pieces in free agency, no other team stepped up with a big offseason.
The Twins' core is strong enough to hold things down for one more year, at least.
AL Central Value Bet: Detroit Tigers
Detroit has drowned in misery for the last eight years or so, but things are looking up in 2024. While there's no guarantee the Tigers crack .500 or even win the division, the club's upside is impressive.
Young studs like Tarik Skubal, Spencer Torkelson, and Riley Greene are all coming into their own at the right time. A big surge could make them MLB's dark horse.
Past AL Central Winners
Year | AL Central Champ |
---|---|
2023 | Minnesota Twins |
2022 | Cleveland Guardians |
2021 | Chicago White Sox |
2020 | Minnesota Twins |
2019 | Minnesota Twins |
2018 | Cleveland Guardians |
2017 | Cleveland Guardians |
2016 | Cleveland Guardians |
2015 | Kansas City Royals |
2014 | Detroit Tigers |
AL Central Betting Trends
What are MLB Division Futures?
MLB division futures are exactly as advertised: a futures bet on which team will win its respective division. These bets are smaller scale than World Series or Pennant betting, as you're only picking one club to win out of the five-team pool.
American League East Odds
The current American League is comprised of five teams, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, Baltimore Orioles, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays.
The division is entirely located in the Eastern time zone, with most of the teams located in or near the northeastern United States.
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles were one of the original American League teams and a founding member of the modern AL East division, joining the division in 1969. The Orioles were previously known as the Browns and Brewers, when they were in St. Louis (1902-1953) and Milwaukee (1894-1901), respectively.
While the Orioles have just three World Series titles to the franchise's name, they've housed several Hall of Famers, like Eddie Murray, Cal Ripken Jr., and Brooks Robinson.
Boston Red Sox
Another founding member of the AL East, the Red Sox are one of baseball's most historic franchises. Originally dubbed the Boston Americans in 1901, the team became the Red Sox in 1908 by then-team owner John I. Taylor. They play out of Fenway Park, which is the league’s oldest active ballpark and was built in 1912.
The Red Sox have nine World Series titles throughout their history. But they also suffered one of the longest title draughts in sports, not winning a title from 1918 until 2004.
New York Yankees
The final surviving founding member of the AL East, the Yankees are probably baseball's most iconic team. The franchise was founded in 1903, and after a few years of going by the nickname the New York Highlanders, they switched to the iconic Yankees name in 1913.
The pinstripe-clad Bronx Bombers have won 27 World Series titles and rostered some of MLB's most iconic players, including Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Joe DiMaggio, Mickey Mantle, and Yogi Berra.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are MLB's newest franchise, joining during league expansion in 1998 alongside the Arizona Diamondbacks. After a few years of mediocrity, the Rays have found success in a competitive AL East, appearing in the World Series for the first time in 2008 and winning the AL East four times since then.
The Rays have recently been at the forefront of analytics and innovative strategy in baseball, being one of the first MLB teams to utilize an opener pitcher and the first franchise to hire a uniformed analytics coach.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Blue Jays joined the AL East when the franchise joined MLB in 1977. The Jays found nearly immediate success after joining the league, winning the AL East five times from 1985 through 1995.
Toronto failed to crack the World Series until 1992, though, when they won the first of two consecutive titles. The Jays failed to make the playoffs for over 20 years after the 1993 title but returned to the playoffs again in 2015.
AL East Best Bet: Baltimore Orioles
Baltimore upgraded its pitching this offseason to complement an already excellent core of young sluggers. At second on the pre-season odds board, the O's are an easy best bet to win the AL East.
AL East Value Bet: Tampa Bay Rays
The Rays are undervalued this season. Tampa's pitching staff suffered significant injuries, but its entire batting order is still healthy, and the organization has a deep farm system. With manager Kevin Cash at the helm, anything is possible.
Past AL East Winners
Year | AL East Champ |
---|---|
2023 | Baltimore Orioles |
2022 | New York Yankees |
2021 | Tampa Bay Rays |
2020 | Tampa Bay Rays |
2019 | New York Yankees |
2018 | Boston Red Sox |
2017 | Boston Red Sox |
2016 | Boston Red Sox |
2015 | Toronto Blue Jays |
2014 | Baltimore Orioles |
AL East Betting Trends
What are MLB Division Futures?
MLB division futures are exactly as advertised: a futures bet on which team will win its respective division. These bets are smaller scale than World Series or Pennant betting, as you're only picking one club to win out of the five-team pool.
American League West Odds
The AL West was founded in 1969 and currently houses five teams. They are the Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Seattle Mariners, Oakland Athletics, and Los Angeles Angels.
Houston Astros
The Astros have run the AL West in recent years. After a decade of struggle, rebuilding, and high draft picks, the Astros have won the West five times since 2017. They've also appeared in four World Series and won the title twice in that time.
However, at least one Astros title is tainted due to a cheating scandal. In 2020, MLB disciplined the Astros for a sign stealing scandal that took place during the 2017 and 2017 seasons.
Texas Rangers
The Washington Senators moved to Texas in 1971 and became the Texas Rangers. The Rangers have appeared in two finals and won seven West divisions, but they're one of six MLB teams yet to win a World Series.
The closest Texas has come to a title was the 2011 World Series against the Cardinals, where they lost in seven games and were twice a strike away from victory.
Seattle Mariners
The Mariners are one of MLB's newer franchises, joining the league alongside the Blue Jays in 1977. They have won the AL West division three times and made the playoffs five times, overall. But, the Mariners are one of MLB's least successful franchises overall.
Seattle has a winning percentage under .475, has never even made a World Series, and failed to make the playoffs for over 20 years from 2001 to 2022.
Oakland Athletics
The Athletics have been around since 1901, moving from Philadelphia to Kansas City before ended up in Oakland. The Athletics nickname has stuck with the franchise the entire time, earning the name in association with the Philadelphia Athletic Club when the team was first an amateur squad in 1860.
Los Angeles Angels
The Angels first joined MLB in 1961 and have gone through a few small rebrands and relocations since then. The team has gone by the California Angels, Anaheim Angels, and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, as well.
The Halos have had some of baseball's best players in recent years, including Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout, and Albert Pujols, but have appeared in the playoffs just once since 2010.
AL West Best Bet: Texas Rangers
The reigning World Series champs are very low on pitching thanks to injuries to Max Scherzer and Jacob deGrom. Barring some additions on that front, Texas will be chasing Houston for the division title.
That said, the Rangers lineup rakes, and with the current odds, Texas is our best bet.
AL West Value Bet: Seattle Mariners
There's not much real value in the AL West, but the Mariners could surprise folks in 2024. The M's have easily the strongest rotation in the division, and their crafty lineup led by Julio Rodriguez will keep Seattle in the mix with Houston and Texas for most of the season.
Past AL West Winners
Year | AL West Champ |
---|---|
2023 | Houston Astros |
2022 | Houston Astros |
2021 | Houston Astros |
2020 | Oakland Athletics |
2019 | Houston Astros |
2018 | Houston Astros |
2017 | Houston Astros |
2016 | Texas Rangers |
2015 | Texas Rangers |
2014 | Los Angeles Angels |
2013 | Oakland Athletics |
AL West Betting Trends
What are MLB Division Futures?
MLB division futures are exactly as advertised: a futures bet on which team will win its respective division. These bets are smaller scale than World Series or Pennant betting, as you're only picking one club to win out of the five-team pool.
National league Central Odds
The National League Central is one of baseball's newest divisions, founded in 1994. It contains five teams, including the Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, Milwaukee Brewers, St. Louis Cardinals, and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Chicago Cubs
The Cubs are one of two Chicago-based teams and have won the NL Central six times in the 21st century. They snapped a century-long title drought with a World Series victory in 2016.
One of baseball's most iconic teams, the Cubs also play in one of the most picturesque ballparks in the league. Chicago's Wrigley Field contains iconic ivy along the outfield wall and has been around since 1916.
Cincinnati Reds
The Reds have been in the NL Central since the division's creation in 1994. They were formerly in the NL West, winning 10 division titles across the two divisions. Though Cincinnati hasn't won much in recent years, they were a dominant force in the 1970s. Those teams were known as the "Big Red Machine" and won titles in 1975 and 1976.
Milwaukee Brewers
The Brewers’ franchise was originally based in Seattle and known as the Pilots before moving to Milwaukee in 1970. They are one of six MLB franchises to never win a World Series, and have only appeared in the league's final once in franchise history.
Since joining the NL Central from the American League in 1997, the Brewers have earned three division titles and three wild card playoff berths.
St. Louis Cardinals
The Cardinals are one of baseball's winningest franchises. They've been around since 1882 and were first nicknamed the Cardinals in 1900. The Cards first won a World Series in 1926 and have earned 11 total titles since. They've also won a division-best 12 NL Central crowns.
Pittsburgh Pirates
The Pirates have been around since 1882 and have won five World Series titles in franchise history. The Bucs' last title came in 1979 and they have the sixth-longest championship drought in MLB, failing to win since. The Pirates are the only team in the Central Division yet to win a division title.
NL Central Best Bet: St. Louis Cardinals
The Cards are destined for a bounceback after a disastrous 2023. The club's aging core still has plenty to give. Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado, and Willson Contreras are quality hitters.
This division is wide open, but the Cards are poised to reclaim the NL Central crown.
NL Central Value Bet: Cincinnati Reds
Talk about the next wave of talent. Cincinnati is loaded with young studs like Elly De La Cruz, Matt McLain, Hunter Greene, and Graham Ashcraft. The Reds look even sharper after spending some dough in free agency, too.
Past NL Central Winners
Year | NL Central Champ |
---|---|
2023 | Milwaukee Brewers |
2022 | St. Louis Cardinals |
2021 | Milwaukee Brewers |
2020 | Chicago Cubs |
2019 | St. Louis Cardinals |
2018 | Milwaukee Brewers |
2017 | Chicago Cubs |
2016 | Chicago Cubs |
2015 | St. Louis Cardinals |
2014 | St. Louis Cardinals |
2013 | St. Louis Cardinals |
NL Central Betting Trends
What are MLB Division Futures?
MLB division futures are exactly as advertised: a futures bet on which team will win its respective division. These bets are smaller scale than World Series or Pennant betting, as you're only picking one club to win out of the five-team pool.
National League East Odds
The National League East division currently contains five teams: the Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies, and Washington Nationals.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves have been all over, moving from Boston to Milwaukee before ending up in Atlanta in 1966. Since moving to the Peach State, the Braves have been one of MLB’s most dominant franchises.
They’ve rostered elite players like Chipper Jones and Greg Maddux and appeared in six World Series in the last 40 years. The Braves have also won two titles since moving to Atlanta.
Miami Marlins
The Marlins joined the NL East in 1993 when they became one of MLB’s newest expansion teams. Success was almost immediate for the fish, as the Marlins won the World Series twice within the franchise’s first decade (1997 and 2003).
However, the Marlins have made the playoffs just once since then, sneaking into an expanded postseason field during the shortened 2020 season.
New York Mets
The Mets are a relatively new franchise, joining MLB in 1962. But they've already made their mark on the league's history. The Mets have won six NL East division titles, five NL pennants, and two World Series crowns since joining the league.
No Mets team is more iconic than the 1969 Miracle Mets. The Mets had never finished higher than ninth place in a 10-team division, but they went on a run in their first season in the newly created NL East. The '69 Mets won 100 games, won the NL East, and went on to win the franchise's first World Series.
Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are one of baseball's oldest franchises, founded in 1883, and have been located in Philadelphia the entire time. The Phillies have appeared in eight different World Series across six decades, winning the Commissioner's Trophy in 1980 and 2008.
Washington Nationals
The Washington Nationals are baseball's newest team, relocating from Montreal in 2005. While the Expos won just one NL East pennant during the team's history, the Nats have been far more successful. Since moving to Washington, the franchise has won four division crowns, made the playoffs five times, and won a World Series in 2019.
NL East Best Bet: Philadelphia Phillies
The Phillies are a perpetual wild card squad that finds tons of postseason success. That bodes well for World Series betting, but it's been a hot minute since the Phils won the NL East.
Philadelphia has the best chance to dethrone Atlanta in 2024, though the odds reflect that uphill battle.
NL East Value Bet: New York mets
Okay, what if? New York isn't expected to be much of a competitor in 2024, but the talented pieces are there. The Mets are one Pete Alonso MVP season away from at least threatening the Braves and Phils atop the NL East.
Past NL East Winners
Year | NL East Champ |
---|---|
2023 | Atlanta Braves |
2022 | Atlanta Braves |
2021 | Atlanta Braves |
2020 | Atlanta Braves |
2019 | Atlanta Braves |
2018 | Atlanta Braves |
2017 | Washington Nationals |
2016 | Washington Nationals |
2015 | New York Mets |
2014 | Washington Nationals |
2013 | Atlanta Braves |
NL East Betting Trends
What are MLB Division Futures?
MLB division futures are exactly as advertised: a futures bet on which team will win its respective division. These bets are smaller scale than World Series or Pennant betting, as you're only picking one club to win out of the five-team pool.
National League West Odds
The NL West was created in 1969 and currently houses the Arizona Diamondbacks, Los Angeles Dodgers, Colorado Rockies, San Diego Padres, and San Francisco Giants.
Arizona Diamondbacks
The Diamondbacks joined the NL West in 1998 as an expansion team. They joined MLB alongside the Tampa Bay Rays and found almost immediate success. The DBacks won the West three times in their first five seasons, even making it to and winning the World Series in 2001.
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers were founded in 1883 and were initially based out of Brooklyn. In 1958, the team relocated across the country to Los Angeles and have been one of baseball's most successful franchises since. The Dodgers have seven total World Series titles (six when based in LA), 24 NL Pennants, and 20 NL West division titles.
Colorado Rockies
The Colorado Rockies joined MLB in 1993 and immediately became a member of the NL West. Colorado has never won an NL West division title, but the Rockies have earned five wild-card playoff berths and even made it to the World Series as a wild-card team in 2007.
San Diego Padres
The San Diego Padres were established in 1969 as a founding member of the NL West division. The Padres are one of six MLB teams that have never won a World Series title. They've been to the finals twice (last in 1998) and have won five NL West titles, too.
San Francisco Giants
The San Francisco Giants were founded in 1883 and have been based in San Francisco since 1958. The Giants have rostered some of baseball's most iconic players, including Willie Mays and Barry Bonds. Despite regularly rostering stars, the Giants experienced a 56-year championship drought from 1954 until 2010. After snapping the streak in 2010, the Giants won three titles in five years.
NL West Best Bet: Los Angeles Dodgers
There's no denying Los Angeles' supremacy in the NL West. The Dodgers are unstoppable after adding Shohei Ohtani, the best player in the last decade, to a lineup featuring Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith.
NL West Value Bet: Arizona Diamondbacks
Help us, Arizona. You're our only hope!
The reigning National League champions will be hard-pressed to repeat their Cinderalla effort in 2024, but the pieces are still there. The Snakes have a young core and an ace in Zac Gallen.
Past NL West Winners
Year | NL West Champ |
---|---|
2023 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2022 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2021 | San Francisco Giants |
2020 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2019 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2018 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2017 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2016 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2015 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2014 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
2013 | Los Angeles Dodgers |
NL West Betting Trends
What Are MLB Futures?
An MLB futures wager is betting on a baseball event that will occur a little later in the year. This could range from an MLB division winner to end-of-season awards for individual players.
The most popular baseball futures bets include wagering on which team will win the World Series, who will win the American League and National League pennants, which pitcher will come away with the Cy Young Award, and who will be named the most valuable player.