MLB World Series Futures React To Winter Meetings

By Akiva Wienerkur   December 7, 2022 

MLB World Series Futures React To Winter Meetings

MLB World Series Futures React to Moves at Winter Meetings

Major League Baseball saw the hot stove heat up during the league’s Winter Meetings, which is being held in-person for the first time since 2019. This annual gathering of representatives from all 30 teams unofficially kicks off the baseball offseason, and moves made here often reshape the odds for MLB World Series futures across the board. 

As marquee free agents meet with potential suitors, MLB odds react to each seismic signing. So far, Jacob deGrom kicked things off with his surprising deal with the Texas Rangers. The two-time NL Cy Young award winner inked a five-year, $135 million deal with the Rangers, spurning New York in the process. The Mets, though, pivoted to another former Cy Young winner, Justin Verlander, signing him to a two-year, $86 million contract. The NL East also saw shortstop Trea Turner return to the division this week, as the two-time All-Star landed an 11-year, $300 million blockbuster deal with the Philadelphia Phillies.

These monster moves reshaped the free agent market for the league and shook up the MLB World Series future odds along the way. 

MLB World Series Futures: Favorites Following Start of Free Agency

The start of free agency always affects betting odds, especially when elite players take their talents to other teams. MLB futures will no doubt continue to shift in the coming days and weeks. While players like Aaron Judge, Carlos Correa, and Carlos Rodon, might land with other clubs and further muddle the odds boards, getting in on MLB World Series futures early might be the path to lock in the best odds. 

Favorite: Houston Astros (+550)

The Astros may have lost Verlander in free agency, but they’re banking on younger pitchers to take the place of their former ace who turns 40 in February. Houston continues to develop enviable pitching depth and stands near the top of most MLB World Series futures odds boards.

Favorite: Los Angeles Dodgers (+600)

The Dodgers opened the offseason with the shortest MLB World Series futures odds, but faded slightly in the wake of Turner signing with Philadelphia. Los Angeles posted a 111-win campaign last season before an upset loss to the San Diego Padres in the NLDS. The Dodgers re-signed Clayton Kershaw, but still have questions on the pitching staff. That said, deep pockets in LA will keep the Dodgers in the conversation for most high-end free agents on the market. 


Are the Dodgers still favorites without Trea Turner?
Are the Dodgers still favorites without Trea Turner?

Other Teams to Consider for MLB World Series Futures

While the favorites rightfully hold the shortest odds on the MLB World Series futures boards, several other teams provide value propositions for bettors heading into the 2023 baseball season. 

New York Mets (+850)

The Mets saw their ace leave in free agency, but quickly pivoted to another proven commodity to fill that role in their rotation. New York opened the offseason with +1000 odds to win the 2023 World Series, and those odds faded following the loss of deGrom to Texas. However, over at Caesars, the Mets saw their odds shorten to +850 after inking Verlander to his two-year deal. 

Are the Mets better off with Justin Verlander than with Jacob deGrom?

The Philadelphia Phillies made a big splash in free agency at the Winter Meetings by signing Trea Turner to a massive $300 million deal. The two-time shortstop reunites with his former Washington Nationals teammate, Bryce Harper, and brings another World Series tested veteran to the fray in Philly. Following Turner’s signing, the Phillies saw their World Series odds shorten from +1600 to +1200 at BetMGM. 

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