As we embark on the second half of the 2021 MLB season, the oddsmakers are making serious adjustments in their future markets. Focusing on one favorite or spotting a longshot who offers long-term value remains the best way to attack futures betting.
Let’s take a deeper look into the risers and fallers in each respective offering at the Westgate Superbook in Las Vegas.
ON THE MOVE
The Los Angeles Dodgers remain overwhelming favorites in the eyes of the oddsmakers to win the 2021 World Series. Jockeying behind the Dodgers this week on the overall odds board are the Astros, Padres, and White Sox. Philadelphia is one team in the World Series market that has witnessed a noticeable shift in their odds before the All-Star break. The Phillies, who have closed to within 2.5 games of the Mets in the NL East, have seen their 80-1 odds drop back to their original offering of 30-1 posted last October.
Another noticeable move belongs to the Milwaukee Brewers, who, after winning four of seven games in a home-in-home against their NL Central rival Cincinnati, have seen their 40-1 opening odds sliced to only 12-1 this week after opening up a 7.5 game lead on the Reds.
The sportsbooks have immense respect for the Houston Astros, who lead the American League in run differential at +130. The oddsmakers at the Westgate Superbook believe Houston is easily the biggest threat to emerge from the American League and, correspondingly, are now listing the Astros as the only team with single-digit odds (6-1) besides the Dodgers (+250).
LOSING RESPECT
The Cleveland Indians, who have won just five of their last 15 games, see their odds move significantly, doubling from 40-1 to 80-1. The Indians, who trail the White Sox by 8.5 games in the AL Central, now witness their highest odds after opening at odds of 20-1.
In addition, the Chicago Cubs, who are just 4-15 over their last 19 games dating back to June 25, are a team that could be out of the NL Pennant chase by the end of the month. The oddsmakers were off the mark as they opened the Cubs at odds of 30-1 only to adjust to an offering of 60-1 two weeks ago. This week bettors now see massive odds of 200-1.