World Series Odds: Who Are the Favorites After the First Month of the MLB Season?

The first month of the 2023 MLB season is in the books and has been full of action. Several teams have surprised by opening the season strong, while other former favorites have shown cracks in their game early. Baseball betting sites have updated their MLB future odds accordingly, making now the perfect time to get your bets in.

Below we will cover which teams are on the rise, which are struggling, and who we will be betting on. We’ll also share the latest odds from FanDuel sportsbook to show how bookmakers believe the season will play out.

Texas Rangers (+3500 at FanDuel Sportsbook) 

The Rangers came into the season expecting to miss the playoffs again. Instead, they lead the AL West after one month and recently took an essential series against the rival Houston Astros. Texas’ success can be attributed to their play at the plate, as they are top five in the MLB in batting average and RBIs. What’s more impressive is that they have done it without their leading hitter, Corey Seager. The shortstop picked up an injury at the beginning of the season, but the Rangers haven’t missed him yet. If their pitching can remain solid, the Rangers’ World Series odds should continue to improve.

Milwaukee Brewers (+2000 at FanDuel Sportsbook) 

The Brew Crew were expected to compete for an NL Wild Card spot in 2023, but they now seem like the favorite to win the NL Central. Milwaukee has impressive series wins over the Mets, Padres, Mariners, and the Cardinals. We knew their pitching was elite, but their offense has surpassed expectations thanks to off-season additions like Brian Anderson. The Brewers also have two of their top prospects in the lineup daily, meaning they should only improve as the season goes on.

Tampa Bay Rays (+800 at FanDuel Sportsbook) 

We knew the Rays would be good, but nobody saw them being this good. They won their first 13 games of the season and has dropped just one series through the first month. The Rays’ balance overwhelms opponents, leading the MLB in batting average, home runs, RBIs, hits, ERA, and pitching wins. The start has built them a significant lead in the AL East while the Yankees and Blue Jays struggled out of the gate. Tampa’s roster is deep, so expect them to remain atop the AL for most of the 2023 season.

St. Louis Cardinals (+2200 at FanDuel Sportsbook) 

Many baseball fans and bettors considered the Cardinals the favorite to win the NL Central. The team features two MVP-caliber hitters in Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado and added another potent bat in Wilson Contreras. However, their pitching has struggled. St. Louis currently are in the bottom ten of the league in team ERA and quality starts, which is why they find themselves below the .500 mark to begin the season. No doubt they have the talent to turn things around, but the odds suggest US sportsbooks don’t believe it will be enough to earn another World Series title.

Philadelphia Phillies (+2800 at FanDuel Sportsbook)

The Phillies were expected to be a top-ten team in the league, but they’ve struggled in 2023. Their pitching, especially their bullpen, has been among the worst in the league in many categories. They have five key relievers (including closer Craig Kimbrel) with an ERA over 5.00, which is costing them games. Expect them to improve and add arms at the trade deadline, but don’t expect them to rejoin the top echelon of World Series Favorites. 

The Padres have started poorly, which has made their odds more appealing. They now have star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr back in their loaded lineup, meaning their offense is about to take off. He is not only a fantastic hitter but is also a clubhouse leader for this team. The Padres' odds won’t drop anymore, so we’re grabbing them at +1100 while we can.