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With the 2021 MLB season approaching, the Detroit Tigers may not be favored for a World Series win. However, Michigan sports bettors can still discover promising opportunities elsewhere on the board.
During the offseason, numerous teams experienced significant changes in their fortunes by acquiring prominent players for their lineup and bullpen.
In 2021, let’s take a closer look at a few captivating teams worth considering for a championship bet.
MLB World Series odds: A Dodgers repeat?
The online betting sites in Michigan are currently offering odds on the Los Angeles Dodgers to successfully defend their World Series championship in 2021.
Check out the full World Series odds at DraftKings Sportsbook.
The Dodgers are listed as the top favorite with +350 odds on both DraftKings and FanDuel Sportsbook. The New York Yankees follow at +550. Meanwhile, the San Diego Padres are positioned at +800, and the Chicago White Sox are slightly behind at +850.
According to BetMGM Sportsbook, the Dodgers are considered the frontrunners with odds of +350, while the Yankees follow closely behind at +600. The Atlanta Braves and Padres, on the other hand, are both listed at +900.
It is unsurprising that the Detroit Tigers have long odds to win it all, with odds of +10000 on DK & FD and +8000 on MGM.
Los Angeles adds to already strong roster in 2021
There is a valid reason why the Dodgers are considered the favorite.
Despite the shortened 2020 season due to COVID-19, the Dodgers emerged victorious in the World Series. Moving forward to 2021, they retain a significant amount of talent and firepower.
Last season, the Dodgers boasted a formidable starting rotation consisting of Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Julio Urias, contributing to their league-leading team ERA of 3.02.
The Dodgers have recently acquired Trevor Bauer, signing him to a three-year contract worth $102 million. Bauer, who has been a subject of controversy, had an impressive performance in 2020 with the Cincinnati Reds, finishing with a 5-4 record and a remarkable 1.73 ERA.
Last season, the Los Angeles Dodgers dominated at the plate, scoring the highest number of runs (349) in MLB. Additionally, they crushed the competition with the most impressive tally of home runs (118).
Last season, Mookie Betts, A.J. Pollock, Corey Seager, Max Muncy, and Cody Bellinger each hit more than 10 home runs. This season, they are all returning, alongside Justin Turner, who recently signed a new contract during the offseason.
In essence, the Dodgers are considered the team that holds the highest chance of winning. However, as previously mentioned, the offseason has introduced a couple of unexpected contenders in the World Series odds.
1. San Diego Padres making a push toward a title
Fernando Tatis Jr. has been secured by the Padres for more than ten years, making it the most significant offseason signing for any team.
Last week, the Padres secured an impressive 14-year contract extension worth $340 million with Tatis, a talented 22-year-old shortstop.
San Diego has a formidable lineup of power hitters, including Manny Machado and Wil Myers. Adding to their strength, Tatis has already showcased his talent with 39 home runs, 98 RBI, and a .301 batting average in just 143 games for the team.
In addition to addressing its pitching staff in the offseason, San Diego made significant moves to secure their rotation for the future. The Padres successfully acquired Yu Darvish, Blake Snell, and Joe Musgrove, ensuring stability for years to come. Moreover, Drew Pomeranz, a reliable relief choice in 2020, has returned for the 2021 season.
Last season, the Padres ended up trailing the Los Angeles Dodgers by a margin of six games in the NL West. Unfortunately, their journey in the NLDS was cut short as they were swept by the Dodgers.
2. Chicago White Sox can capitalize in a weak division
Although the Chicago White Sox may not appear to have exceptional talent on paper, they made shrewd moves during the offseason and are positioned in the weaker AL Central Division.
The Tigers and Kansas City Royals found themselves in a difficult position, while the Cleveland Indians and Minnesota Twins made no significant moves to improve during the offseason. In reality, it is highly probable that they even took a step back.
During that time, Chicago made significant acquisitions by adding top reliever Liam Hendriks and starting pitcher Lance Lynn, thereby strengthening their pitching staff. This addition will further enhance the Chicago team, which already held the sixth position in baseball last season with a team ERA of 3.81.
Chicago boasts a formidable batting order at the plate, which delivered an impressive tally of 96 home runs during the 2020 season. Comprised of Jose Abreu, Eloy Jimenez, Tim Anderson, Luis Robert, and Yasmani Grandal, this lineup poses a daunting challenge for pitchers on the opposing team.
Last season, Chicago narrowly missed being in the top spot of the AL Central by just one game. However, their hopes were dashed as they lost to the Oakland Athletics in three games during the Wild Card Series.
The Chicago team enters this season as the undisputed frontrunner in their division, which could potentially serve as a catalyst for a championship if the White Sox manage to secure home-field advantage.
According to DraftKings, the odds favor the Sox at -143 to win the division, while the Twins are listed at +175.
3. Mets, Cardinals, Rays all dark horse options, too
If you’re not interested in Chicago and San Diego, there are a few teams with lower chances that you may want to think about. All three teams mentioned below have made noteworthy moves during the offseason and showcased promising performances in 2020, making them worth considering.
- The New York Mets had an eventful offseason, acquiring notable players such as Francisco Lindor, Carlos Carrasco, James McCann, and several others. Their strong efforts have positioned them between +1000 and +1200 in most books when it comes to betting odds.
- The St. Louis Cardinals have strengthened their lineup by acquiring Nolan Arenado, a five-time All-Star third baseman. Known for their consistent playoff appearances, the Cardinals are currently listed with odds ranging from +2200 to +2500.
- Despite Tampa Bay’s reluctance to make big offseason moves or spend heavily, they consistently find themselves in contention. The Tampa Bay Rays, who emerged as the champions of the 2020 ALCS, have odds of +2500 at various sportsbooks.
In a lengthy and unpredictable baseball season, all three options hold potential. The dynamics of the baseball season can experience a dramatic shift with the emergence of powerful hitters or the unfortunate occurrence of injuries.
Can you please rewrite the following sentence? <br><br>”The cat is sleeping on the mat.”
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