World Series Odds Favorites of 2015

It might still be a bit early to start throwing predictions for the World Series, but if there’s something MLB betting fans should keep in mind is that now is the perfect time to pick a few early candidates to keep an eye on during the regular season. Now, getting favorable World Series odds doesn’t necessarily mean that they have an easier road to take the top prize in October.The World Series winners since 2010 were all at least 20-to-1 long shots in the offseason but no worse than 30-to-1 (2010 San Francisco Giants, 25-to-1, 2011 St Louis Cardinals, 20-to-1, 2012 San Francisco Giants, 20-to-1, 2013 Boston Red Sox, 28-to-1, 2014 San Francisco Giants, 20-to-1.)Since 2009, just one team won the championship after being installed as the preseason favorite: the 2009 New York Yankees. The following year the Yankees were again installed as the favorite (plus-325 on Feb. 15), but they lost in the AL Championship Series to the Texas Rangers.In 2011 the Phillies got the best odds, but they couldn’t make it past the eventual champion –the St. Louis Cardinals– in the NL Divisional Series. In 2012 the Phillies were again the preseason favorites but missed the playoffs completely, finishing in 3rd place of the NL East.In 2013, the Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Angels and Detroit Tigers were all preseason favorites, but the Red Sox beat all predictions, beating the Cardinals in six games to become the second team to win the World Series one year after finishing last in their division — the first was the 1991 Minnesota Twins. History repeated itself last season when the Dodgers, the overall favorite to win the World Series, lost the NLDS in four games to the St. Louis Cardinals.Despite the stats and recent history, it may be possible to pick a few favorites based on their recent performance, offseason moves, latest acquisitions and team preparation. So let’s go over the list of favorites according to the latest MLB odds, starting with the most likely going down.

Taking a Look at the World Series Odds Favorites of 2015

1. Washington Nationals

World Series Odds: +250

Many will agree that Washington is so far the best team on paper. Throughout the NL, the Nats’ have proved that they have the nuts to conquer the toughest rivals and achieved stability in their team with very few notable weaknesses, which makes them the top favorite to win the 2015 World Series according to the MLB odds.

Washington Nationals 2015 Season Preview: Not saying #WSOB, but… http://t.co/CVVXCyogWb— Nationals Daily (@NationalsDaily) March 16, 2015

The strength of the Washington Nationals lies in its superb rotation, which features an array of both young energetic players and the experienced lot who have seen just about anything in the league. Players such as Doug Fister, Tanner Roark, Jordan Zimmermann, Gio Gonzalez, Stephen Strasburg, and Scherzer provide unrivalled depth. In addition to their rotation, the Nats’ are playing in a division with too many weak points thanks to rebuilding teams, a situation that is likely to help them earn the wins needed to get to the postseason.

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

World Series Odds: +600

It’s no surprise to see the Dodgers amongst the early favorites to win the 2015 World Series. Their performance during both their NL West title wins remains the strongest indicator to consider them for this year’s World Series odds. It’s true the team had some serious problems with its bullpen, but any sensible coach will check on that before embarking on the next title chase.Notably, the Dodgers have tried to improve on their rotation by acquiring talents such as Howie Kendrick and Jimmy Rollins and doing away with players who proved to be a liability last season. This will offer the team an impressive lineup comprising the best of veterans and upcoming talents, however, there are some serious question marks surrounding the team. In addition to all of the above, the bullpen, which caused all sorts of issues last season, remains a weak point they need to address heading to this season.While they may look like an easy pick, the march to October will not come easy for the Dodgers. They have to overcome opponents such as the Cardinals and the Padres, who have in the past given them a headache.  Come October, it will be interesting to see how this team uses its depth to win the matches and move up to the crown of the series.

3. St. Louis Cardinals

World Series Odds: +1200

For the past four seasons, the Cardinals have proved they have the pedigree to make it big. They have in all four previous occasions moved up to the NL championship series. This is despite playing in a tough division with big teams to compete against.What makes the Cardinals a favorite is the quality of its rotation, they have great players such as Matt Carpenter, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright which will give the team the vital footing they need to beat World Series odds. It is not clear if Tommy John and Michael Wacha have overcome their injuries, and of course, we’ll have to wait at least a few games to see how the team recovers from the loss of Oscar Taveras, who died in a car accident in the Dominican Republic following the playoffs.The honors lie with the cards to push up their recent good form to a higher limit. They may not have the best in terms of resources and players, but John Mozeliak has shown in the past the ability to rise despite the odds.

4. Los Angeles Angels

World Series Odds: +750

The Angels had a remarkable performance in last year’s regular season, going 98-64 and closing the regular season action as West Division champs. They entered the postseason as one of the top candidates to win the World Series, but against all odds, the team was swept by the Kansas City Royals in the American League Division Series.Despite the disappointment, the Angels once again are projected to be the division winners in the AL West. The team has what it takes to make it to October, including recent news about the team’s rising star Garrett Richards, who is recovering rapidly from a serious left knee injury he sustained last August.The team also has an impressive lineup comprising of dependable players such as Mike Trout, C.J. Cron, and Albert Pujols, and recently acquired the services of a talented lad, Matt Joyce, who can make the difference in the competitive AL West. Although, the Angels have to do with a serious injury concern that pits great players such as Josh Hamilton. If the team’s roster is fully recovered by the beginning of the season, then the Angels would increase their chances on the World Series.

5. Detroit Tigers

World Series Odds: +900

The Tigers close the list of the top five, but that does not mean they are the weakest. They have made it to the playoffs the last four seasons, and based on what oddsmakers are predicting for this coming season, Detroit is likely to return to the playoffs for the fifth year in a row and try to win its first title since 1984.Despite stiff challenges from the Indians, Royals, and White Sox, the Tigers are more promising than their competitors. The key to their success rests on the ability of Miguel Cabrera to recover from his ankle injury. The team also looks up to the recovery of other key players such as Victor Martinez and Justin Verlander.