Free Agent Signings Move Betting Odds to Win 2021 World Series
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The MLB offseason is coming to an end. There is still a lot of uncertainty surrounding spring training report dates and the 2021 season as a whole.
However, this hasn’t stopped sportsbooks from promoting World Series future bets, which have been moving a bit of late.
Springer to the Jays
George Springer is one of the best all-around outfielders in the game of baseball. In 2019, Springer batted .292 with 39 homers and 96 RBI. Springer also scored 96 runs in his 122 appearances, and his WAR was 6.4.
His WAR rating positioned him in the top 10 of the American League in 2019. Last season, Springer’s statistics were slightly down, but he still hit 14 home runs in 51 games.
On Wednesday, the Blue Jays entered the World Series contenders conversation after inking Springer. Springer signed a six-year, $150 million deal.
In addition to this, the Jays signed Kirby Yates this week. Yates led the National League in saves in 2019.
The Odds Have Shifted
The Blue Jays are now the 12th-most likely team to win the 2021 World Series. They’ll have to beat a lot of good teams in 2021, but signing Springer and Yates caused their odds to drop significantly.
Prior to Wednesday, the Blue Jays had an average of +2667 among oddsmakers to win the Fall Classic in 2021. After the team acquired Springer and Yates, the odds dropped to +2200.
With these two signings, it’s not crazy to think that the Blue Jays could be making a postseason run.
This has caused many bettors to take a risk on the Jays to win the World Series. They’ll still have to take down three good teams in the AL East, but Springer adds a new dimension to the Jays lineup.
Yates will help the Jays finish games in the late innings, which could propel them to an AL East title.
Within the AL East, the Yankees and Rays have lower odds to win the 2021 World Series. New York is +450, and the Rays are +1400.
These odds are much lower than the Jays because Toronto still has a lot to prove. The Rays aren’t as scary as the Yankees this coming season in my mind.
The Yankees rotation is dangerous, but the Blue Jays have a young lineup that’s also very dangerous. Springer will join Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, Lourdes Gurriel Jr, and Cavan Biggio in the Toronto batting order.
This lineup has the potential to torment New York aces Gerrit Cole and Corey Kluber.
2021 Futures
The Los Angeles Dodgers are the team that oddsmakers think is most likely to win the title in 2021. Los Angeles is +450 to win this year’s World Series.
The Dodgers will be tough to beat this season. Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, and Dustin May will be pitching staples in Los Angeles.
When it comes to lineups, nobody is stronger than the Dodgers. The Yankees sit behind the Dodgers at +550.
San Diego is in third at +800. San Diego added Blake Snell and Yu Darvish this offseason to combat Los Angeles’ potent offense.
These futures will continue to change but keep an eye on Toronto. The Jays should continue to rise on the list if they look strong when camp opens next month.
