One of the teams that’s usually the most aggressive at the trade deadline decided to sit it out in 2019. As a result, their MLB betting odds to win the World Series have dropped.

The New York Yankees stood pat at the trade deadline, making no major moves. With many other contenders strengthening their case – especially the Houston Astros, who acquired ace Zack Greinke – the general consensus is that the Yankees’ path to a World Series ring just got a lot tougher.

New York Yankees Odds Tumble

Before the trade deadline, the Yankees futures odds to win the World Series were at +333 at BetStarsNJ and +350 at FanDuel. They’ve now dipped to +500 at both sportsbooks.

The issue is not only that the Yankees biggest rival for the American League pennant made a huge move, it’s compounded by the fact that New York nothing. The Yankees’ chief concern was starting pitching and they didn’t address it. They didn’t want to sign Dallas Keuchel when he was a free agent, they missed out on Marcus Stroman and they could not pry away Noah Syndergaard or Madison Bumgarner.

As a result, the Yankees rotation could look quite frail come playoff time. They don’t have a single starter with an ERA better than 4.70 on the staff. Maybe Luis Severino and Dellin Betances – both of whom haven’t pitched this season – will come back and give this staff a boost. If not, the Yankees will have a tough time winning a World Series with a shaky starting rotation that’s 18th in the majors in ERA.

Astros Now World Series Co-Favorites

The Astros and Yankees were neck-in-neck in terms of the odds to win the World Series prior to the trade deadline. However, the Astros pulled ahead significantly when they traded with the Arizona Diamondbacks for Greinke. That now gives the Astros four starting pitchers among the Top 18 in terms of WHIP and four of the Top 13 in ERA.

The Astros, who are either just ahead of or just behind the Dodgers in World Series betting depending on which sportsbook you look at – they’re close enough to be considered co-favorites – also bolstered their bullpen by getting Aaron Sanchez and Joe Biagini.

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Dodgers Don’t Address Bullpen Issues

While a lot of teams improved – the Atlanta Braves and Washington Nationals both bolstered their bullpens – the Los Angeles Dodgers didn’t do much. The oddsmakers aren’t punishing them as they’re still between +270 and +290 to win the World Series, but their lack of additions could hurt.

Remember, this bullpen has blown five games in the past two World Series. The team had a chance to get Felipe Vazquez but balked at the price tag. The bullpen has held opponents to a .206 batting average since June 1 – the best in the majors – so maybe that’s why the front office didn’t do anything more than add left-handed specialist Adam Kolarek.

However, closer Kenley Jansen has already blown four saves this season after blowing just four all of last year and just one in 2017. He had an ERA of 5.63 in July and Dodgers fans have to be nervous. According to ESPN, the team has called up top prospect Dustin May in the hopes that he can give the bullpen a boost. However, the Dodgers might regret not addressing this need seriously come October.