Post-deadline MLB futures: where value lies for the World Series and division bets

With the trade deadline behind us, the columnist advises bettors to re-evaluate baseball futures. The Los Angeles Dodgers continue as the clear World Series frontrunner at +160, but the odds no longer provide upside. The Chicago Cubs, now 15:1, could pull an upset, especially after adding Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes to their staff.

The San Diego Padres, despite recent offensive struggles, have upgraded their rotation with Robbie Ray and Casey Mize, making their +7500 price attractive. In the AL, the Seattle Mariners (+2200) and Tampa Bay Rays (+1300) boast strong pitching corps, while the Los Angeles Angels are a bargain at +145 for the fewest wins after shedding many players. Division predictions favor the Rays for the AL East, the Cleveland Guardians for the AL Central, and the Mariners for the AL West, with the author also backing the Cubs for the championship. These adjustments reflect teams that may begin to tank as the season winds down.