As spring training gets underway throughout camps in the Grapefruit and Cactus League, it’s never too early to look way ahead–as in October.
For Bovada Sportsbook, World Series odds and futures projections are, well, what they do.
Here are five takeaways after obtaining a copy of the most recent 2017 World Series odds from Bovada.
1. The Cleveland Indians, not Boston Red Sox, should be the American League favorite.
Two teams–Boston and the Chicago Cubs–are 9/2 to win the World Series. The all-Theo Epstein World Series is what Vegas projects as camp opens. While the story line and narrative is fun, a rematch from last year’s World Series should be the favorite.
Cleveland kept its roster intact, added Edwin Encarnacion and could have a healthy year from outfielder Michael Brantley. This team is the AL favorite.
Yankees’ Aaron Judge bats left-handed
2. Don’t sleep on the Yankees.
At least Vegas isn’t. At 25/1, the Yankees odds are higher than you might have guessed. Despite what looks like bridge years, the oddsmakers believe there’s enough to at least be in the American League playoff race.
In fact, the Yankees have the fifth-best odds of any American League team, trailing only the Red Sox, Indians, Astros and Blue Jays. Based on that, Bovada sees the Yankees as a playoff team.
3. Mets are good bet, but in top-heavy National League.
The Mets were also given the fifth-best odds to win the World Series among the teams in their league. The difference between the New York teams? The Mets are at 18/1. That means four National League teams (Cubs, Dodgers, Nationals, Giants) have even better odds.
4. Wait until next year, Phillies fans.
Six teams are tied for the worst odds (150/1) to win the World Series: Reds, Brewers, Twins, Athletics, Padres and Phillies. While there’s reason for optimism and a bright future at Citizens Bank Park, the idea of the Phillies winning it all in 2017 is nearly impossible to the oddsmakers.
Phils trading for star?
5. Best bets.
Looking for an under-the-radar team or two to take a chance on during a pre-Opening Day trip to Vegas? Here are two sneaky-good ones: Kansas City Royals (33/1) and Seattle Mariners (33/1).
Joe Giglio may be reached at jgiglio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JoeGiglioSports. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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