Article courtesy OddsShark (@OddsShark)
They just met in the American League Championship Series for the second time in three years, and both teams return an abundance of talent heading into next season. That is one of the main reasons why the Houston Astros and New York Yankees are listed as +600 co-favorites (bet $100 to win $600) on the 2020 World Series odds at sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark.com.
Another is they each have money to spend. Houston’s main priority is re-signing one of the team’s two aces in Gerrit Cole (20-5, 2.50 ERA), who is a free agent. Justin Verlander (21-6, 2.58 ERA) is the other, but he is under contract through 2021.
Cole will most likely entertain at least a few big offers from others, especially those in his native Southern California, including the Los Angeles Angels and Dodgers. After the Astros fell short of winning their second World Series in three years, it is imperative that they continue to put together a quality starting rotation to complement what will still be one of the best offensive lineups next season.
The Yankees are in a similar boat offensively with outstanding young talent, so improving the pitching staff is extremely important. Future Hall of Famer CC Sabathia has finally retired, so replacing him with a better and younger arm is at the top of their list.
Remember, regular-season wins leader Domingo German (18-4, 4.03 ERA) was not on the playoff roster due to a suspension under the domestic violence policy. German’s future with the team is uncertain, which means New York could have two holes to fill.
Of course, the Los Angeles Dodgers always seem to be in the mix to win the World Series as well, although this offseason will have a much different feel. Instead of appearing in their third straight World Series as many expected, the Dodgers were upset by the Washington Nationals in the National League Division Series on their way to winning it all.
Regardless, Los Angeles is the +800 third choice at online betting sites to win the World Series in 2020 followed by the Atlanta Braves (+1200), Boston Red Sox (+1200), Cleveland Indians (+1500) and Nationals (+1500). The Dodgers do not have to make many changes to the roster, they simply need better production from their stars in the postseason.
Washington and Boston are intriguing possibilities as the last two World Series champs. The Nationals hope to re-sign a couple of their own free agents in third baseman Anthony Rendon and pitcher Stephen Strasburg, who were critical to their success.
The Red Sox have a team built to contend again too if ace Chris Sale (6-11, 4.40 ERA) can put a career-worst year behind him, and their other pitchers can step up like they did in 2018.
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