MLB Futures: Updating World Series Odds After an Exciting Trade Deadline

As we approach the final month of regular season baseball, the league looks far different after the trade deadline. Stars were dealt, which has shaken up the odds for this year's World Series Champion. That is why we are breaking down the new top four betting favorites, providing the best odds and insights to give you what you need to boost your World Series betting strategy.

Nobody has a more balanced team than the Atlanta Braves. They lead the league in batting average, home runs, RBIs, and pitching wins. They also are second in hits and fifth in strikeouts. Atlanta has used that balance to dominate the NL, and they now lead their division by double digits.

The Brave's only competition for the NL's top seed appears to be the Dodgers, but the Brave's balance has given them the edge. Atlanta also has two players that are in the running for the NL MVP, Ronald Acuna Jr and Matt Olson. Acuna is one pace for a historical offensive season, while Olson leads the league in home runs and RBIs. Those two alone will win you a lot of games, but add in the talent of the rest of this team, and you can see why bookmakers love the Braves.

Speaking of the Dodgers, they are considered the next top betting favorite at most sportsbooks. The biggest reason for that has been their lineup, which has more talent than any other team. The Dodgers also have a pair of MVP candidates in Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. They are paired with two of the league's top power hitters, JD Martinez and Max Muncy.

LA's pitching has been a different story, with poor play and injuries leading them to add multiple prospects to their rotation. Clayton Kershaw has been great, and rookie Bobby Miller is turning into a solid piece for the Dodgers, but they need at least one more starter to step up. Julio Urias could be that piece, as he has been far better over the last month. The Dodgers' World Series chances will be even better if he can keep his strong play going.

The Astros struggled with injuries out of the gate, but they again look like the team that won the World Series just one year ago. Kyle Tucker has become one of the most dangerous hitters in baseball, and the team now has Jose Altuve and Jordan Alvarez back in the lineup. Houston also addressed their need for starting pitching by trading for Justin Verlander at the break. The former Astro will pair with Framber Valdez to form a fantastic top-of-the-rotation ahead of the playoffs.

Unlike the Dodgers and Braves, the Astros have fierce competition in their own division, with the Rangers continuing to lead to NL West. They have just one series with Texas left and own the more difficult schedule, which could land them as a wildcard and make them a riskier bet to repeat as World Series champions.

The Rangers have been one of the most surprising teams of 2023. While many expected their lineup to perform, their pitching has far surpassed expectations. That success has come without ace Jacob deGrom, who has missed almost the entire season. The Rangers made their staff even better by adding Max Scherzer to the rotation at the trade deadline. He will take over as the team's ace, slotting in front of Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray to form a fantastic trio for the playoffs. 

Add the improved rotation to a lineup with Corey Seager, Adolis Garcia, and Marcus Semien, and you can see why the Rangers have dominated the AL for most of the season. Texas may need to reassess the back of their bullpen, but we still love this bet, given their combination of favorable odds and overall talent.