The Houston Astros behind their series win against the Chicago White Sox now top the MLB Futures even ahead of the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants. Is Houston our favourite now?
The Major League Baseball playoffs have revealed some surprises and new wrinkles along the way. With the Tampa Bay Rays eliminated, the Boston Red Sox have jumped to third in the MLB Futures while the Houston Astros now are the current, albeit slight favorite.
2021 MLB Futures – October World Series Predictions Update
It has been that kind of postseason and the World Series outright picks reflect that. Even the Los Angeles Dodgers have been on the ropes. It just goes to show that the 2021 playoffs have been different, to say the least.
Some odds have shifted and there are value possibilities at this very juncture. The World Series comes down to just several teams left in contention. Most pundits still believe that the winner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants series will win the MLB crown.
Our table below features the latest odds as the middle of the month rapidly approaches.
| 2021 MLB Futures — World Series Odds 10/13 | Spin Palace Sports | 10Bet |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Astros | 2.90 | 2.90 |
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 3.90 | 3.90 |
| Boston Red Sox | 4.75 | 4.75 |
| Atlanta Braves | 5.25 | 5.25 |
| San Francisco Giants | 5.50 | 5.50 |
Baseball odds just have kept shifting all postseason long. It has gotten to the point where daily, the numbers change. No one wants to admit this but slowly the favored teams are taking shape. The 2021 MLB Futures are starting to become a little more clear.
The Houston Astros and Los Angeles Dodgers still lead the way but do any of the other teams left carry some value? Let’s take a closer look.
Houston Astros Top MLB World Series Futures
After the Houston Astros easily defeated the Chicago White Sox in four games during the American League Division Series, they became the favourite in the MLB World Series Futures. When it comes to the World Series odds, Houston has shortened from 9.00 down to 2.90. That is quite a drop and a slightly unexpected one.
Some forgot that Houston did win 95 games this year and held off Seattle and Oakland to win the AL West Division. Their Pythagorean record was 101-61. That -6 differential illustrated how unlucky they were at times this season. Houston scored quite a few runs and their balance was evident. They had five batters with 80 or more RBI’s.
The Astros are one of those teams that seem built for the postseason. Some think the Boston Red Sox has a fighting chance in the ALCS but Houston’s balanced offence expects to create too many matchup problems.
Houston’s Pitching May Be the Real Difference Maker
Again, the starting pitching does not have one outstanding, dominant starter. However, they did enjoy four pitchers who won 11 or more games. Lance McCullers Jr. had been one of those difference makers during the second half. He cemented that status with a 6 2/3 inning pitched gem during Game 1 of the ALDS. In that start, McCullers Jr. gave up just four hits and struck out seven in the win.
It helped set the tone in that series as Houston was able to win with mostly ease. Even in Game 4, Houston’s pitching proved dominant once more as they allowed just one run to the Chicago White Sox.
Dusty Baker had set it over and over again. “There is a reason why this team has made the ALCS five straight times. They are that good”.
With their balance, Houston’s offence and pitching have become that much more intimidating this postseason. They expect to be this deep in the postseason. it just seems with players like Jose Altuve and Zach Greinke, Houston cannot lose.
It is hard to believe that Houston struggled over the last 2+ months of the regular season (31-26 record). That feels like a distant memory as the Astros have climbed to the top of the World Series Futures.
Can The Los Angeles Dodgers Find Their Way In Time?
The series against the San Francisco Giants were always going to be a soul-searching experience and a nightmare. With October soldiering on, the Los Angeles Dodgers are tied in their NLDS battle against the Giants.
If Los Angeles can get past San Francisco in a winner-take-all Game 5, the matchup against Atlanta is not all that automatic. Max Muncy may not return even in the next round. Also, Los Angeles is 4-2 against Atlanta but three of those victories were by two runs or less. Every one of those games was close heading into the late innings.
Atlanta did all this without Ronald Acuna and has found ways to win behind the surge of pitches like Max Fried. Few expected the Braves to get this far let alone defeat the Milwaukee Brewers, who had been one of the league’s hottest teams in the second half.
Los Angeles still has plenty of work to do just to make the World Series. It is mainly that reason alone why the Los Angeles Dodgers are not the favourite anymore in the MLB World Series Futures.
2021 MLB Futures — Is it the Houston Astros or Los Angeles Dodgers?
With the two teams one and two in the 2021 MLB Futures, what is a bettor supposed to do? It is difficult to switch picks. However, there is a lot to consider and the Houston Astros are the healthier squad. Their value has passed, to be honest though. Their odds could shorten even more from 2.90 at this juncture. That may even offer a little bit of value especially if Los Angeles cannot get past San Francisco.
It is not an easy bet but Spin Palace Sports helps us here.
Our pick is taking the Houston Astros at 2.90 to win the World Series this 2021 MLB season.
