Top World Series Matchups, Odds & Value Plays To Consider

By Bill Speros

Mar 14th, 2024 7:22 AM EDT

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Two months remain on the MLB schedule. But it’s not too early to seek value in potential World Series matchups across MLB betting markets.

There are dozens of World Series showdowns available in MLB futures markets. Most are ridiculous long shots fetching +1000000 odds. But there is some legitimate value in this largely untapped market.

Here are the seven best World Series matchups to consider, with an emphasis on value (over +2500) and probability. The market is limited to only a few top sportsbooks and betting sites.

Here are the latest odds available at BetMGM sportsbook:

Top 2021 World Series Matchup Value Plays

Odds via BetMGM , and current as of publication. Check out our BetMGM sportsbook review.

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Breaking Down Potential World Series Matchups

Boston Red Sox vs. San Francisco Giants

Odds: +4000

The Giants remain undervalued across futures betting markets. Their MLB odds to win the World Series are +1400 at DraftKings sportsbook , despite having the most wins in baseball heading into Wednesday play.

The Red Sox have the most wins in the American League entering their double-header against the Blue Jays on Wednesday. They, too, remain undervalued on the broader futures markets, and are +1200 to win the World Series at FanDuel sportsbook .

This remains our top value World Series matchup, and it was as high as +5000 just a month ago. MLB history buffs will note that these teams met in the 1912 World Series. That was an eight-game affair won by Boston, 4-3. Game 2 ended in a tie. Also, seeing Mike Yastrzemski play for the visiting team in a World Series at Fenway Park will be mind-blowing for those of us over 40.

Boston Red Sox vs. Milwaukee Brewers

Odds: +4000

The Brewers enjoy a seven game cushion in the NL Central and hold the third-best record in the league. Milwaukee is +1200 to win the World Series at DraftKings and +525 to win the NL at the same site . Milwaukee has done it with mirrors, pitching and a stellar 30-18 road record.

Milwaukee’s pitching staff leads the majors with 1,019 strikeouts, and is third with a 3.31 team ERA. The Brewers have the second-worst team batting average in baseball at .225, but are 14th in overall runs at 448. That sort of sorcery is tough to ignore. Look for the Brew Crew to try and pick up a big bat or two at the trade deadline.

Tampa Bay Rays vs. New York Mets

Odds: +3500

The Amazins hold a 3.5-game lead in the NL East, but only have a +4 run differential. That’s not a recipe for a deep postseason run. The Mets absorbed a ton of money this offseason in futures markets. Thus, they remain +1000 to win the World Series at FanDuel .

The Mets are 22-29 on the road and would not have home-field advantage in any playoff matchup against the Brewers or Giants if the season ended today. But we figured they were worth a mention here.

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Tampa Bay Rays vs. San Francisco Giants

Odds: +3000

When it comes to postseason futures betting, the Red Sox and Rays are the perfect hedge against each other when there is value. This is the case here.

The Rays won the AL last year, and are +625 to repeat as league champs this year at DraftKings . The teams meet six times in the next two weeks, and are currently separated by all of two games in the loss column.

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Chicago White Sox vs. San Francisco Giants

Odds: +2800

The White Sox have the deepest rotation of any team in the American League that would qualify for the postseason if the season ended today. Unless the Red Sox manage to swipe Max Scherzer, that will hold true after the trade deadline.

The South Siders were built for a playoff run this year and have yet to disappoint. Chicago holds a 9.5-game lead in the AL Central and boasts the second-best run differential in the AL with +116.

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Chicago White Sox vs Milwaukee Brewers

Odds: +2800

We love this potential matchup just because of the collective strengths of the pitching staffs involved and the geography. No MLB team from Chicago has ever faced an MLB team from Milwaukee in the postseason. Ever. Not the Cubs, Braves, Brewers or White Sox.

We’re allowed to have fun once in a while. And this match-up would be one helluva World Series.

Oakland Athletics vs. Los Angeles Dodgers

Odds: +3000

There isn’t much value in any matchups featuring the Dodgers. We believe the Dodgers, (+380 to repeat as World Series champs at DraftKings ), have been overvalued all season. Injuries and other issues have ravaged the Dodgers rotation and sidelined the likes of Mookie Betts.

The A’s, however, are +2500 on most betting apps. Oakland owns the second wild card and should reach the playoffs. This gives you a good price on a World Series matchup featuring the prohibitive favorite Dodgers.

For those wondering, the Houston Astros (+625 to win the World Series and +260 to win the American League at FanDuel sportsbook ) are absent here because their best value plays are +2000 – against the Brewers and Giants. Both are solid wagers. But they don’t quite rise to the level of a straight value play, especially when you’re looking for a hedge or two.

About the Author

Bill Speros

More About Bill

Bill Speros is an award-winning journalist and editor whose career includes stops at USA Today Sports Network / Golfweek, Cox Media, ESPN, Orlando Sentinel and Denver Post.

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