2023 MLB World Series Futures Prediction, Odds & Picks: Braves Chop Contenders, Yankees & Astros Lead AL

The Houston Astros shined brightest in 2022. Skipper Dusty Baker guided an opportunistic unit to the future Hall of Famer’s first World Series ring in 25 managerial seasons. 

Will history repeat itself? Will a new team create enough October buzz to drag the Astros back to Earth? OddsJam swings at 2023 World Series odds.

2023 World Series NL Betting Odds

The Braves are the favorites to win the 2023 World Series — they top both the National League board and MLB at +500.

The Mets and Dodgers aren’t too far behind to round out the top three in the NL.

2023 World Series AL Betting Odds

The Yankees and Astros own the shortest odds in the American League to win the 2023 World Series at +800.

The Rays round out the top three.

2023 World Series Futures Bets

World Series Favorites Pick: Atlanta Braves | +800 at DraftKings

The Atlanta Braves chop down plenty of opponents with the combined power of NL MVP favorite Ronald Acuna Jr. and NL Cy Young favorite Spencer Stryder.

A powerful top of the lineup and equally strong top of the rotation offers far more facets that strike fear into the hearts of World Series hopefuls.

No NL team boasts a better record to start the season.

World Series Defending Champions Pick: Houston Astros | +800 at DraftKings

Houston has a problem! Age-defying ace Justin Verlander left to christen an amazing New York Mets rotation. His metronome steadiness as the league’s highest-performing veteran, reigning Cy Young winner, and leader of an increasingly young locker room seems impossible to replace. 

Fielding fixture Jose Altuve’s multi-month recovery from thumb surgery deepens the clubhouse cut. Losing seven-year first baseman Yuli Gurriel’s award-winning glove and consistent bat fails to ease the production pain. Free agent replacement Jose Abreu plateaued several seasons ago and has been on the decline since. 

Few worries surround star slugger Yordan Alvarez. He resumes his MVP-contending campaign from last year by leading the AL in RBIs, coupled with elite power. Furthermore, Baker’s vast experience tends to carry clubs with acceptable ability into postseason contention. 

Regardless, the target on the Astros’ controversial backs outsizes the chances of repeating when a number of top contenders look markedly better in the sour face of the champions losing crucial value.

World Series Co-Favorites Pick: New York Yankees | +800 at DraftKings

A new year projects the dominant Yankees of old. This season marks the first in over a decade World Series win No. 28 has a “ring” to it!

The ring of Aaron Judge’s swings reverberates from the short porches through the upper seats stained by stale popcorn and oftentimes a piece of the landing baseball.

He hit the most home runs by an AL player in a single season last year with 62. He’s joined by the familiar pack of premium powerhouses, including former MVP Giancarlo Stanton and Anthony Rizzo. 

Proud pitching starts with the dynamic duo of Nestor Cortes and Gerrit Cole. The former’s eccentric deliveries and precision to throw off timing gels with the latter’s electricity that zaps bats for serious Cy Young contention.

The third spot charmed Luis Severino last year, who strikes out essentially 10 batters per 9 innings himself and eats innings in the process. All-Star Carlos Rodon awaits his New York debut.

The Yankees call upon thus far the best bullpen in baseball when relief is rarely needed. The unit boasts the highest strikeout rate, total, and lowest combined ERA. 

The only entity consistently beating the Yankees is the team itself. Injury rears its woozy head again, as evidenced by Stanton’s frequent trips to the IL. Rodon faces back issues and elite fielder Harrison Bader is on the mend rather than the highlight reel.

World Series Value Pick: Chicago Cubs | +10000 at DraftKings

Pop quiz: which team ranks second in batting average, ties for fourth in runs, lands fifth in team ERA, and has one of the highest bullpen strikeout rates in baseball? 

The Chicago Cubs raise a paw to purists’ awe. The team survived nine games between the Dodgers, Mariners and Brewers to amass an 11-7 record.

A well-balanced collection of contact and power fills an underrated lineup. All-Stars Darby Swanson and future All-Star Nico Hoerner form arguably the best defensive infield tandem in the league. Can starting pitching sustain?

2023 World Series Winner Prediction: New York Yankees | +800 at DraftKings

I’m backing New York to get No. 28 this season. Lock it in now.