THE Houston Astros won their second World Series title in six years in dominating fashion, but they’re not favored to repeat in 2023.
The distinction goes to the Los Angeles Dodgers, who were installed as the opening favorites to win next year’s Fall Classic at most sportsbooks.
That includes BetMGM and FanDuel, with the Dodgers being offered at +500 at both despite failing to make it out of the divisional round of the playoffs this season. They were bounced in five games by rival San Diego after winning a franchise-record 111 games during the regular season.
Los Angeles’ roster could undergo significant changes with shortstop Trea Turner one of 10 pending free agents along with pitchers Clayton Kershaw, Tyler Anderson, and Andrew Heaney. Justin Turner is also among 12 players eligible for salary arbitration.
The Astros don’t have quite as many offseason hurdles to overcome and appear poised to be the class of the American League again in 2023.
Houston has the second-shortest World Series odds at BetMGM (+700) and FanDuel (+600), ahead of the Atlanta Braves (+800, +600) and New York Yankees (+900 at both).
The Astros had six players declared free agents on Sunday (Monday in Manila): Michael Brantley, Jason Castro, Aledmys Diaz, Yuli Gurriel, Rafael Montero and Christian Vazquez. Other pending free agents include 39-year-old ace Justin Verlander, catcher Martin Maldonado, first baseman Trey Mancini and right-hander Will Smith.
