MLB futures: Here's how Ohtani, Soto moves impacted odds for teams other than their own
It's been hard over the last week to dodge the sports-betting spotlight on the Dodgers and Yankees and their favorable betting odds to win the next World Series. Los Angeles is now the +550 (11-2) favorite at DraftKings after signing Shohei Ohtani to a colossal 10-year deal, while the Bronx Bombers improved to +900 (9-1) odds since acquiring slugger Juan Soto in a massive trade with the San Diego Padres. With additions like that, it's no surprise that the odds for these two teams have shortened over the last week.
But what about the teams around them?
The Dodgers and Yankees weren't the only teams vying to sign these big-name stars, and those other squads have seen their odds of winning the Commissioner's Trophy change as well.
Here's a look at where they stand.
Of course, Ohtani's decision to sign with L.A. impacted the odds for the suitors he didn't sign with, most notably the Toronto Blue Jays. The Canadian squad was listed at +1000 (10-1) to win the Fall Classic while they were in the running to land the Japanese phenom, but those odds lengthened to +1500 (15-1) after a chaotic few days of rumors ended with Toronto no longer being a potential destination.
One of Ohtani's former suitors, the San Francisco Giants, is also lingering with long odds after not signing the superstar. The Orange and Black haven't been successful in recent years when it comes to signing big-name players, missing out on both Aaron Judge and Carlos Correa in recent history. Without Ohtani to potentially boost their odds, San Francisco is listed as a 35-1 long shot to win any postseason hardware.
Another team listed at 35-1 is the same Padres team who just bid farewell to Soto. San Diego added some pitching depth in the trade but will need to keep making moves if they want to have a shot at making a World Series run. Soto was a major asset in San Diego's outfield and the Padres are further depleted since two-time Gold Glove winner Trent Grisham was also sent to New York. It's worth it to keep an eye on San Diego's odds since it's likely they could shorten if the team adds outfield help to its roster.
There is one team that still has favorable odds to win the World Series despite not previously being in the running for Ohtani or Soto: the Atlanta Braves. Sure, the Dodgers leapfrogged the Braves in the listed odds. But the 2021 World Series winners are still listed quite favorably at 7-1 and are expected to be very competitive when the season finally opens up next spring.
Other teams holding on with favorable odds following the Ohtani and Soto moves include the Houston Astros (10-1), reigning World Series champion Texas Rangers (11-1) and the Philadelphia Phillies (11-1).
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