The MLB offseason wears on through the winter months in anticipation of opening day games on Thursday, April 1 with all 30 teams in action. Hope spring eternal this time of the year as far as winning the 2021 World Series.
In reality, there are probably only a handful of teams in each league capable of making a legitimate run to a world title. Taking a closer look at the top teams in the National League, the futures odds to represent the NL in the Fall Classic have been posted on most online sportsbook betting boards.
Will the Dodgers Win the NL Again?
The consensus at the top of the list is that the Los Angeles Dodgers should win their fourth NL Pennant in five seasons as the reigning World Series Champions. Their betting odds to get it done are set at +250 as clear favorites.
Given last season’s shortened run to a MLB title, Los Angeles should benefit from a return to the regular schedule this season. There is always a chance of a letdown coming off a title run. Going back over the past 10 seasons, only two World Series champs went on to win their division the following year.
The Dodgers are likely to be an exception. The roster remains stacked with talent both at the plate and in the field. The pitching staff is solid from the starting rotation right through the bullpen. This should add up to a ninth-straight division title in the NL West to provide a clear path back to the World Series.
MLB Picks By Expert Handicappers
Is This the Padres Year?
The biggest competition to back-to-back MLB titles could come from within the division with the San Diego Padres set as +425 second-favorites to win the 2021 NL Pennant.
This squad won 37 of 60 games last season which was just six less than Los Angeles. Padres GM AJ Preller has already earned the reputation for putting the right pieces in place to make this team a legitimate contender. You get the feeling he still has a few tricks up his sleeve to improve upon the current roster.
San Diego will need quite a few things to fall its way over the course of the season to get past the Dodgers in the NL West standings. However, many MLB insiders see the Padres as the second-best team in the NL.
Braves Are 2021 NL Contenders
Third on the futures list to win the NL title this season is the Atlanta Braves at +500 betting odds along with the New York Mets. Since both of these team’s reside in the NL East, this should be another interesting division title race.
The Braves have the inside track due to the team’s recent success. They will be gunning for their fourth-straight NL East title. New York was nine games off the pace last season, so there is some ground to make up.
However, the Mets have been moving in the right direction. This organization is not afraid to spend money to fill its most pressing needs.
The lone team from the NL Central in the Top 5 is the Cincinnati Reds at +1600 odds. They are a reach at best. Yet, winning the division would put the Reds on the fast track for a deep playoff run.
Read Our 2021 MLB American League Futures Betting Preview
Here is the complete list of betting odds to win the 2021 NL Pennant.
Los Angeles Dodgers +250
San Diego Padres +425
Atlanta Braves +500
New York Mets +500
Cincinnati Reds +1600
Washington Nationals +2000
Chicago Cubs +2200
Philadelphia Phillies +2500
St. Louis Cardinals +2500
Miami Marlins +3300
Milwaukee Brewers +3300
Arizona Diamondbacks +5000
San Francisco Giants +5000
Colorado Rockies +6600
Pittsburgh Pirates +10000
Check out our pay per head rankings and sports handicappers rankings.
