Manager Dave Roberts and the Los Angeles Dodgers are the odds favorites to make the World Series according to the oddsmakers (AP file photo)

Odds to Win the World Series

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi Gonzalez

Players can get into big trouble if they bet on baseball games, particularly active players. Tucupita Marcano (one of my old-time favorite baseball names), a former infielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, was banned from attending Major League Baseball games, including those with the Pirates while he was on their roster.

Marcano placed bets totaling more than $150,000 on baseball games. including 25 bets on Pirates games while he was on the team’s injured list. Legal sports betting, including baseball games, is permitted in a growing number of U.S. jurisdictions following the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to overturn the federal ban.

The specific regulations and availability of online vs. retail betting vary significantly from place to place. With some 45 games left this season for most teams, below are the teams that have the best odds to win this World Series come October.

I have taken an average of all oddsmakers as of today. According to most oddsmakers, these are the Top Twelve with the best chances of winning this next October Classic. From the best at the top, to the last in number ten.

Any of these 12 could end the postseason with the World Series trophy. 1-Los Angeles Dodgers 2-Philadelphia Phillies 3-Detroit Tigers 4-New York Mets 5-New York Yankees 6-Houston Astros 7-San Diego Padres 8-Seattle Mariners 9-Chicago Cubs 10-Milwaukee Brewers 11-Toronto Blue Jays 12-Boston Red Sox. These are the 12 best; the other 18 teams will have to wait until next year.

On a personal note: I condone gambling. Gambling can be highly addictive, impacting lives similarly to substance use disorders.

Quote: Jackie Robinson’s “Baseball resembles a game of poker. Nobody wants to give up while they are losing, and nobody wants to give up when they are winning”, can be applied to the mindset of a bettor.