Source: Full Sport Press, via Twitter
On November 1, 2017, the Houston Astros won Texas’ very first World Series. It took the Astros 55 long years to make their way to that fateful Game 7 at Dodger Stadium, which the traveling team won 5-1 on the night. Now, with Spring Training on the horizon, all attention turns to the 2018 season. Well, we started to think about the potential 2018 winner the moment that Carlos Correa hoisted the Commissioner’s Trophy. In any case, we’ve seen a turbulent winter take place, hosting a remarkably slow free agency, but the most dominant teams have managed to stay on top of their game.
Will there be a World Series repeat?
As is often the case this soon after the World Series, the two finalists are the favorites to go all the way again. But, as well all know, this very rarely occurs. The path through the grueling MLB season brings up many toils and torments, mainly injuries and the trade deadline, so teams need to have strength in depth to make it through to the playoffs. That’s why the Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers remain the top teams in the league.
After his best season to date, the Astros managed to tie up George Springer to a two-year deal which was huge for the team to keep their elite-level status, what with Springer winning the World Series MVP Award last year. Keeping Dallas Keuchel for another season should also prove to be fruitful whether he’s in an Astros jersey or traded at the deadline for more depth.
Overall, the Houston Astros team is filled with depth, and the Dodgers’ strongest asset is their immense depth. So there’s no wonder why the Astros and Dodgers are at +550 and +600, respectively, in the MLB betting to win the 2018 World Series.
Yankees contending but need a little boost
Source: Post Sumo, via Twitter
In the MLB betting, the New York Yankees are on level pegging with the Los Angeles Dodgers at +600 to win the World Series, but with the right moves over the summer, they could well strengthen their claim. In fact, the current predicament of the MLB free agency could allow a team like the Yankees to make some major improvements.
The lack of free agent signings has disgruntled agents and players alike, even those with girthy contracts that have years remaining. But, the firm standoff that’s seemingly in place by MLB teams and players alike will eventually crack – at which point teams like the Yankees will be able to pounce and pick up exactly what they need. The Yankees have a good selection of starting pitchers but, if they can add an impact starter to improve the team’s depth, they’d be able to become a real force. Poaching someone like Yu Darvish from the free agency would certainly better their claim, possibly enough to separate them from the Boston Red Sox in the AL East.
When the season commences, it seems very likely that the Houston Astros will be able to separate themselves from the rest of the AL West in a huge way once again, which will only shrink their odds of going all the way again. In all fairness, given the strength of their team and the amount of talent all over, the Astros deserve to be the leading contender for the 2018 World Series.
