The 2023 MLB season truly feels like it’s entered the second half now over a week past the All-Star break, with several trends developing as teams look to prove themselves as true contenders.
The first half saw teams such as the Baltimore Orioles and Arizona Diamondbacks shock the world by outperforming preseason favorites in the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers, but history has shown that a strong first half guarantees nothing when it comes to postseason success.
It’s important to be playing well heading into the postseason, so let’s take a look at which teams are trending up and which teams aren’t when evaluating World Series futures odds.
TRENDING UP
Baltimore Orioles (+1800 to win World Series)
The Orioles are showing that their first half performance was no fluke, as they now find themselves sitting atop the AL East, the most competitive division in MLB. The Rays are still the division favorites, but the Orioles taking three-of-four games from them over the weekend was a statement.
Minnesota Twins (+2800 to win World Series)
The Twins are the only team with a record above .500 in the weak AL Central, but they’ve been winning consistently lately even against teams outside of the division. They should be able to cruise to the division title and could be a postseason sleeper considering their pitching has remained strong.
Cincinnati Reds (+6000 to win World Series)
The Reds continue to prove the doubters wrong now having won five games in a row and would reach the postseason if the regular season ended today. While the NL playoff race is extremely tight, the Reds aren’t going away as they look to keep their winning streak going against the NL Central-leading Brewers.
TRENDING DOWN
Tampa Bay Rays (+600 to win World Series)
Injuries might finally be catching up to the current AL favorite Rays, as they’ve been struggling since the All-Star break and now find themselves trailing the Orioles in the AL East. A division title is still well within reach, but their lineup will need to return to its early season form.
Arizona Diamondbacks (+2800 to win World Series)
The Diamondbacks have been one of MLB’s feel-good stories, but they appear to be running out of gas after a promising start. Zac Gallen and Corbin Carroll have kept their great seasons going, but the question is can their supporting cast get back to how they were performing early on.
Miami Marlins (+5000 to win World Series)
The Marlins haven’t had much go their way since the All-Star break, but they were finally able to get back in the win column yesterday as they look to stay in the NL Wild Card conversation. They’re likely a year away from being a serious contender, but their pitching could keep them afloat.
WORLD SERIES FAVORITES
odds as of Sunday, July 23
Atlanta Braves (+330)
Los Angeles Dodgers (+550)
Tampa Bay Rays (+600)
Houston Astros (+700)
Texas Rangers (+900)
Toronto Blue Jays (+1800)
Baltimore Orioles (+1800)
New York Yankees (+2000)
Philadelphia Phillies (+2500)
Arizona Diamondbacks (+2800)
Minnesota Twins (+2800)
San Francisco Giants (+2800)
