Following their second consecutive World Series victory, the Los Angeles Dodgers have strengthened their roster by signing coveted free agents. Edwin Diaz, a three-time Reliever of the Year, joined in December, followed by outfielder Kyle Tucker in January. These acquisitions have solidified the Dodgers’ position as firm favourites for the World Series.
Dodgers’ Odds Shorten After Key Signings
The Dodgers’ odds have shortened from +375 to +250 and then to +230 after the Tucker signing, according to DraftKings lines. Should these odds hold until Opening Day, they would be the shortest for a World Series favourite since the 2003 New York Yankees (+200). The 2025 Dodgers (+240) previously held that distinction.
The Impact on Sportsbooks
Despite the potential for fatigue among fans, the Dodgers’ dominance continues to attract significant betting interest. Caesars Sportsbook’s baseball lead, Eric Biggio, acknowledged a degree of cynicism surrounding the Dodgers’ acquisitions. However, he also noted the benefits of a major-market team performing well, including increased handle and ratings.
Biggio added that the 2024 Dodgers-Yankees World Series generated huge numbers. Last year’s Dodgers’ victory over the Toronto Blue Jays also produced fantastic action.
Betting Trends Favour Los Angeles
Despite the Dodgers’ short odds, bettors are heavily backing them to win a third consecutive title. BetMGM reports that Los Angeles has attracted the most tickets (14.0%) and handle (31.9%) for the World Series. The Dodgers also lead in handle to win the National League (33.4%).
- Los Angeles has attracted the most tickets (14.0%) for the World Series at BetMGM.
- The Dodgers also lead in handle to win the National League (33.4%).
- The Dodgers have attracted the most handle (31.9%) for the World Series.
DraftKings Sportsbook director Johnny Avello noted that the Dodgers’ championship win is not guaranteed, highlighting their close series against Toronto last October. Avello mentioned that many bettors at DraftKings saw value in the Dodgers early on, adding, “I think we’ve kind of shut the door there at +230 because [the bettors] were thinking that +350 was a great price, and we did take quite a bit of money on them.”
Long Shots and Liabilities
According to Avello, Los Angeles’ short pricing is unlikely to cause significant issues for sportsbooks, even if they achieve a three-peat. Some long shots such as the Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates are BetMGM’s largest liabilities. Avello also notes some outsized action on the New York Mets from the NL as well.
The Dodgers winning MLB’s championship is not a given and that the team came very close to losing to Toronto last October.