With a surprising win in the 2021 World Series, the Atlanta Braves are among the favorites to win it all in 2022. It’s never too early to take a look at the betting board.
The names at and near the top are familiar as they were a year ago. Remember, last August Atlanta had a one percent chance of winning the World Series when they were below .500 at the time.
Who will it be in 2022? Here’s a look at the 2022 MLB World Series futures odds and picks. (What Is a Futures Bet?)
The Boys in Blue
The Los Angeles Dodgers have the deepest roster in baseball. The pitching rotation features a collection of Cy Young winners. If they along with Corey Seager, Mookie Betts, and the rest of the lineup stay healthy, the Dodgers could live up to their favorite status.
L.A., listed at +550 to win, is the overall betting favorite to win the World Series for the fourth year in a row.
Over the Hump
The Houston Astros have been to the ALCS five straight years. They won last year beating Boston in six games. It was their second trip to the World Series in three seasons, but the Astros ran into the super- hot Braves and lost 4-2.
There is no doubt Houston can score. They led MLB in runs per game and have a lineup with a number of MVP candidates. The Astros (+750) are one of two teams listed at better than +1000 odds.
Yankees Year?
The New York Yankees were among the top five favorites to win it all in 2021. They suffered some injuries and never could really put it all together.
New York ended up losing in the wild card game to Boston. There is no question the roster is built for a championship run, which is why the Yankees are listed at +1000.
The Next Tier
In their first season under manager Tony LaRussa, the Chicago White Sox won the AL Central going away. They have one of the best young lineups in baseball with Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert along with a pitching staff on the rise. The White Sox are listed at +1600 to win it all in 2022.
A Braves repeat is entirely possible. Atlanta won the World Series this year without its best player – Ronald Acuna Jr. – who suffered a knee injury before the All-Star break. The core of the team will be back and if they can re-sign World Series MVP Jorge Soler the Braves make for an interesting bet at +1100.
The best young slugger in baseball is in Toronto – Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – who tied for the MLB lead in home runs with 48. He is one of the reasons why the Blue Jays are listed at +1600. That’s also where Tampa Bay is listed. The Rays won the AL East with a lineup devoid of stars though rookie Randy Arozarena did win the AL Rookie of the Year this season.
Contenders
No one expected it, but the San Francisco Giants were the best team in baseball in 2021 for most of the regular season. The Giants lineup won’t change much which is why they are a contender at +1800.
Their NL West Division rival San Diego (+1400) is right there with them. Fernando Tatis Jr. is one of the best young players in the game. Don’t forget Boston (+1800) with its outstanding offense and a healthy Chris Sale will make a huge difference pitching an entire season.
2022 MLB World Series Prediction
You surely have to be able to score to win baseball games, but come playoff time it’s pitching that takes over. There is simply no other pitching staff – starters and relievers – that rivals the Dodgers. Injuries will be key, but if L.A. can stay healthy, the Dodgers will win it all in 2022.
PREDICTION: DODGERS +550
2022 MLB World Series Betting Lines
Los Angeles Dodgers +550
Houston Astros +750
New York Yankees +1000
Atlanta Braves +1100
San Diego Padres +1400
Tampa Bay Rays +1400
Chicago White Sox +1600
Toronto Blue Jays +1600
Boston Red Sox +1800
Milwaukee Brewers +1800
New York Mets +1800
San Francisco Giants +1800
Los Angeles Angels +2200
St. Louis Cardinals +2200
Philadelphia Phillies +2800
Cincinnati Reds +3300
Detroit Tigers +3300
Seattle Mariners +3300
Oakland Athletics +4000
Cleveland Guardians +5000
Washington Nationals +6600
Chicago Cubs +7500
Colorado Rockies +7500
Minnesota Twins +7500
Miami Marlins +8000
Kansas City Royals +8000
Arizona Diamondbacks +20000
Baltimore Orioles +20000
Pittsburgh Pirates +20000
Texas Rangers +20000