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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 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. You can check out a complete breakdown of World Series futures on our dedicated World Series odds page.
World Series Best Bet: Philadelphia Phillies
The Phils always seem to be in the thick of every World Series race and this year seems no different. With Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, and Ranger Suarez heading arguably the best rotation in baseball, the Phillies have elite players on both sides of the ball.
If that rotation keeps firing, the big bats like Kyle Schwarber and Bryce Harper have the big-game power to lift Philadelphia to another deep playoff run in 2024.
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. Here are the current American League Pennant odds:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Yankees | +190 |
| Orioles | +450 |
| Mariners | +550 |
| Guardians | +900 |
| Twins | +900 |
| Astros | +1100 |
ALCS Pennant Best Bet: New York Yankees
The Yankees have defied expectations all season, doing so without their ace in Gerrit Cole. Now that the Yankees have Cole back, they look like a powerhouse.
The Yankees can afford some minor injuries, as long as Juan Soto, Aaron Judge, and Cole stay healthy. That big three should carry the Yankees to the best record in the American League and maybe all of baseball. Once it comes playoff time, these Yankees have the star power to take the pennant, too.
ALCS Pennant Value Bet: Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians are quietly having quite the season. Powered by the league's best bullpen and a duo of power hitters in Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor, the Guardians are the best team in the AL Central.
That's a soft division, though. So, we'll have to see how the Guardians fare against the rest of the American League come playoff time. However, with Emmanuel Clase and a bevy of elite relievers at the back of the bullpen, I think the Guardians have what it takes to upset some teams in October.
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 |
Winning a League pennant is a hard thing to do, but we've seen the Houston Astros come out on top more times than not recently. We haven't had a true baseball dynasty lately, but the Astros are as close as it gets.
American League Betting Trends
- The Houston Astros have won four of the last seven AL pennants.
- Only AL West teams have won consecutive AL pennants this century.
- The Seattle Mariners are the only team to never win an AL pennant.
- The Chicago White Sox have won the AL in 60% of their playoff appearances.
- The American League Championship Series has been a sweep just once in the last nine years.
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.
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. Here are the current NL Pennant odds:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Dodgers | +140 |
| Phillies | +270 |
| Braves | +450 |
| Brewers | +1200 |
| Padres | +2000 |
| Cubs | +3000 |
NLCS Pennant Best Bet: Philadelphia Phillies
With Ronald Acuna Jr.'s injury in Atlanta, the National League has opened right up for the Phillies. This is a team that's always performed very well in the postseason and now their biggest competition in Atlanta (Acuna) and Los Angeles (Yamamoto and Betts) have big injuries.
Armed with an elite rotation and deadly lineup featuring Bryce Harper, Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia can go on another NL Pennant run this year.
NLCS Pennant Best Value Bet: San Diego Padres
The Padres aren't playing spectacular baseball, but they're right in the mix of the National League's wild-card race. It's come on the back of a breakout batting performance from Jurickson Profar and solid play from Fernando Tatis Jr., Ha-Seong Kim, and others.
If the starting rotation and guys like Manny Machado and Luis Arraez can get really hot late in the season, this Padres team certainly has the talent to upset some top teams. They're the best value on the board.
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
- The National League has won three of the last five World Series.
- Current NL West teams have 52 total NL pennants, the most of any division.
- A wild-card team has won five of the last 12 NL pennants.
- The Dodgers have appeared in five of the last eight National League Championship Series.
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.
Here are the current AL Central odds:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Guardians | -130 |
| Twins | +220 |
| Royals | +370 |
| Tigers | +3100 |
| White Sox | +50000 |
AL Central Best Bet: Cleveland Guardians
Despite losing Shane Bieber for the season, Cleveland's pitching has still positioned the Guardians to take the AL Central this year.
It's in large part thanks to Emmanuel Clase and an elite bullpen, but steps up from guys like Triston McKenzie and Ben Lively in the rotation help, too. As long as Josh Naylor, Steven Kwan, and Jose Ramirez stay healthy, the Guardians should have enough offense to hold off the rest of the division.
AL Central Value Bet: Kansas City Royals
The Royals’ surprise run in 2024 doesn’t look like it’s slowing down any time soon. Bobby Witt Jr. is the heartbeat and best player on this team, by a lot. But, the pitching has been the biggest surprise to me.
If Seth Lugo, Brady Singer, and Seth Lugo can keep pitching at this level, the Royals rotation is sneakily one of the best in the league. I’m not sure the depth is there to surpass the Guardians, but this Royals team has already surprised me this year — so maybe there’s another surprise to come.
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
- The Royals have a 22-9 playoff record since 1985.
- All five AL Central teams have won the division in the last 10 years.
- The Cleveland Guardians have won four of the last eight AL Central crowns.
- An AL Central team hasn't played in the World Series since 2016.
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.
Here are the current AL East division odds:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Yankees | -350 |
| Orioles | +220 |
| Blue Jays | +27000 |
| Rays | +31000 |
| Red Sox | +31000 |
AL East Best Bet: New York Yankees
The Yankees are my best bet to win the World Series and the American League pennant, so why would they not also take the AL East? The Orioles are certainly a threat, but now that the Yankees have Gerrit Cole back, this is a team that's got an elite lineup, top rotation, and solid bullpen.
For the first time in a while, the Yankees also have the depth to win in the regular season and take the AL East.
AL East Value Bet: Baltimore Orioles
If there's one threat to the Yankees in the East, it's the Orioles. They may not have the rotation depth of New York, but this Baltimore lineup can bang. If the Yanks have a major injury to one of Juan Soto or Aaron Judge, I wouldn't be shocked if the Orioles snagged the division.
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
- The AL East is often cited as the toughest division in sports, deflating teams’ regular season wins due to internal competition.
- The AL East winner has made the World Series five times in the last 15 seasons.
- The New York Yankees lead all of baseball with 27 all-time World Series titles.
- All five AL East teams have won a division title in the last decade.
- The Baltimore Orioles have just two AL East titles in the 21st century.
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.
Here are the current AL West odds:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Mariners | -300 |
| Astros | +410 |
| Rangers | +650 |
| Athletics | +40000 |
| Angels | +400000 |
AL West Best Bet: Texas Rangers
The reigning World Series champs haven't been amazing yet this season, but they should get some big names back to help a late push. If Max Scherzer, Tyler Mahle, and Jacob deGrom return in form, Texas should make a push.
And, with a lineup that rakes and a division that seems wide open, I think the Rangers remain the best bet to take this AL West.
AL West Value Bet: Houston Astros
I do think the Rangers are the best value on this board, but if you're looking for another upset pick maybe the Astros can turn this ship around?
It will take a huge step up in pitching, though. The Astros lineup has actually been pretty solid, but injuries to Luis Garcia, Cristian Javier, and Jose Urquidy have put a big dent in Houston's rotation. They'll need some random guys to step up if the Astros are going to pull themselves out of this hole.
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
- The Astros have won the last six AL West titles in a full season.
- The Astros have appeared in four of the last seven World Series.
- The AL West champion has gone to the World Series six times since 2010 (winning four).
- The Seattle Mariners have not won the AL West since 2001.
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.
Here are current NL Central odds:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Brewers | -240 |
| Cardinals | +600 |
| Cubs | +650 |
| Reds | +1100 |
| Pirates | +2800 |
NL Central Best Bet: Milwaukee Brewers
Continued success from William Contreras has helped, but breakouts (or re-breakouts) from Brice Turang, Christian Yelich, and Willy Adames have made this the best batting order in the division. If the Brewers continue to get even average pitching, they should win the Central.
NL Central Value Bet: Chicago Cubs
I don’t think the Cubs are real threats in the Central right now. But, they have the farm system to really make a push.
The Cubs have arguably the best farm in baseball and if they’re committed to winning this year they can trade those future assets for help now. Maybe a new catcher and some bullpen help can push the Cubs up the standings quick.
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
- The St. Louis Cardinals have won twice as many division titles as every other team.
- The Cardinals have won as many division titles (12) as the four other current teams combined.
- An NL Central champion has just one World Series in the last 15 years.
- Wild-card teams from the Central have lost six straight playoff games.
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.
Here are current NL East odds:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Phillies | -330 |
| Braves | +240 |
| Mets | +11000 |
| Marlins | +50000 |
| Nationals | +50000 |
NL East Best Bet: Philadelphia Phillies
Like the Yankees in the AL, the Phillies are basically a perfect team in my eyes. They have a stacked lineup, a great rotation trio in Ranger Suarez, Zack Wheeler, and Aaron Nola, and some names to fear in the bullpen, too.
With Ronald Acuna Jr.'s injury in Atlanta, the NL East is there for Philly's taking.
NL East Value Bet: New York mets
Okay, what if? New York wasn't expected to be much of a competitor in 2024, but the talented pieces are still there.
The Mets are going to need a bit more across the board if they're gonna pull off an upset, though. Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso and Brandon Nimmo need to go from good seasons to MVP seasons. And, the Mets are going to need more than just Luis Severino to have a great season in the rotation.
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
- All five NL East teams have won a World Series.
- The Atlanta Braves have won the last six NL East titles.
- The Miami Marlins have never won the NL East.
- The Phillies haven’t won the NL East since 2011.
- The NL East champion has won at least one playoff game every season since 2007.
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.
Here are current NL West odds:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Dodgers | -6000 |
| Padres | +3200 |
| Diamondbacks | +4200 |
| Giants | +8000 |
| Rockies | +50000 |
NL West Best Bet: Los Angeles Dodgers
There's no denying Los Angeles' supremacy in the NL West and nobody is going to catch this year. Even after injuries to Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Mookie Betts, the Dodgers seem unstoppable. They've still got stars like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman and Will Smith to help them finish off this season as NL West champs, again.
NL West Value Bet: San Diego Padres
If you’re really looking for a team that can upset the Dodgers, I’ll give you the Padres.
On paper, they’ve got a stacked lineup and a good rotation, but it just hasn’t fully come together. They’re gonna need crazy second halves out of Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and others in the lineup. And, better (and healthier) pitching.
Maybe that talent on paper finally translates to the field, but I’m not entirely convinced any team has a chance of catching the Dodgers.
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
- The San Francisco Giants' last four World Series titles have come on even years (1954, 2010, 2012, 2014)
- The Colorado Rockies have never won an NL West title
- Wild-card teams from the NL West have won five straight WC series
- The Dodgers have won nine of the last 10 division titles
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.
