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2023 World Series Betting Guide: Predictions, Odds, and Expert Picks

by Joey House - 5/22/2023

World Series predictions Clayton Kershaw Los Angeles Dodgers

The importance of wagering on the World Series

The World Series is the pinnacle of the longest-running professional sports league in the United States. Fans can be rewarded forever if the team they are following has a magical run and wins the coveted World Series championship.

With the spread of legalized gambling in the U.S., a new layer of excitement can be added to this venerable sport. While responsible gambling needs to be practiced, wagering in any sport, but specifically a championship event like the World Series, enables the bettor to become "invested" and attached to the outcome of the game, enhancing the overall experience for the fan.

As the 2023 MLB season reaches its quarter mark, fans and bettors alike are gaining valuable insights to gauge the teams' performances. With early trends taking shape, anticipation builds among bettors and analysts, eagerly awaiting the emergence of contenders, dark horses, and surprising teams in the intense race toward the playoffs and the coveted World Series.

Doc’s Sports offers MLB expert picks for every game on our baseball predictions page.

Who Are The Favorites To Win The 2023 World Series?

While the order of the favorites might be a little altered since the beginning of the season, very little has changed in the make-up of the front runners except for one team: the Tampa Bay Rays. Using their scintillating 13-0 winning streak to start the season, the Rays have gone from being the 12th favorite at +3000 to being 3rd on the board at +650. Interestingly enough, even though Baltimore currently possesses the second-best record in baseball at 29-16, their odds are still rather high at +4500. Evidently, the oddsmakers are not buying their hot start.

Los Angeles Dodgers: 29-19 1st in NL West +450

Why They Will:

In a season that's had more than its fair share of surprises, the Dodgers have provided a ship of stability in a sea of uncertainty. They're doing it with brute force, leading the National League in runs, triples, home runs, and walks. However, they're also susceptible to good pitching, in second to last place in average and strikeouts.

Their pitching has been solid, but not spectacular. Except for leading the National League in walks issued, they are ranked 4th to 8th in every pitching category.

Combining that with the long-ball style of hitting that they're currently playing has served them well so far and should continue to do so.

Why They Won't:

Despite their formidable roster and strong performances in recent years, their overreliance on the long ball may hinder their chances of success. Startling statistics reveal that the Dodgers have struggled when they fail to hit home runs, recording a disappointing 3-7 record through 47 games in such situations. This indicates a vulnerability in their offensive strategy, as their success seems heavily contingent on the ability to hit the ball out of the park. To prevail in the postseason, the Dodgers will need to diversify their offensive approach and find alternative ways to manufacture runs, as relying too heavily on the long ball may prove to be a detrimental factor in their World Series aspirations.

Atlanta Braves: 29-17 1st in NL East +500

Why they will:

Atlanta has perhaps the most complete team in baseball this season. They boast a pitching staff that leads the National League in six different statistical categories, including ERA (3.52), least amount of home runs allowed (38), and strikeouts thrown (432). To complement their stout pitching, the Braves' bats have been almost as stellar, leading the NL in home runs hit (76), slugging percentage (.463), OPS (.799), and caught stealing (5). The off-season acquisition of catcher Sean Murphy has paid marvelous dividends, with a solid .274 batting average, with nine home runs and 34 RBIs, fifth in the NL.

Why they won't:

While the Atlanta Braves seem relatively strong, potential challenges may arise as the season unfolds. Injuries and a lack of depth could pose significant obstacles, as key players have already been sidelined, leading to reliance on inexperienced replacements. With a thin bench and limited minor-league options, maintaining their competitive edge could prove challenging for the Braves. Addressing these depth issues will be crucial for their sustained success throughout the season.

Tampa Bay Rays: 34-14 First in AL East +650

Why they will:

Easily the biggest surprise of this year's baseball season has been the domination of the Tampa Bay Rays. To put their historic 13-game winning streak to begin the season in perspective, only the 1982 Atlanta Braves and 1987 Milwaukee Brewers matched what the Rays did this year. They're winning with both offense and defense, proving that they didn't just get in a little groove and luck their way into wins. They lead the AL in 9 different offensive categories, including runs (286), hits (436), stolen bases (49), batting average (.273), and even being hit by pitch (29). Pitching is equally impressive, as they are either first or second in seven different areas. Through 48 games, there has been no better overall team than Tampa Bay.

Why they won't:

The average age of the Rays' roster is 27.8 years old. In the past 10 years, the youngest roster of a World Series-winning team was the 2018 Boston Red Sox at 28.3 years of age. Tampa's roster is quite young, with very little playoff experience. It will be quite interesting to see how this youthful group handles the rigors and pressure of a pennant race or playoff push.

The Longshots to win the 2023 World Series

Philadelphia Phillies: 22-24 4th in NL East +2500

Why they will:

Runners-up last year to the Houston Astros in the Fall Classic, Philadelphia obtained a major upgrade in their off-season acquisition of shortstop Trea Turner. They now have a two through five lineup that can be stacked up against anyone, as evidenced by their ranking of third in batting average. While Bryce Harper missed the first two months of the season, they managed to keep playing well. And just like any good stalking horse, remain well within shooting distance from the NL East-leading Braves.

Why they won't:

Their pitching has been the epitome of inconsistency. Their off-season signing of Taijuan Walker was meant to bolster an already stout starting rotation, but it's been the exact opposite. Staff ace Aaron Nola has seen all of his measurable statistics take a significant step back from his previous season, when he finished 4th in the Cy Young voting. Turner looks like he might be suffering from having played in the WBC, as his numbers have been anything but that of an All-Star.

Baltimore Orioles: 31-16 Second in AL East +4500

Why they will:

I am still trying to wrap my head around a team that has the second-best record in baseball yet sees their World Series future odds grow longer.

In one of the most obvious statements of all time, you can't win the World Series without making it to the playoffs. The Orioles are two and a half games behind the Rays, yet are still +4500 to win the World Series, actually increasing from +3400, and are behind teams that are sub .500. If you want value, look no further than here. Their hitting has been consistent and solid, as has the starting pitching. It's been their bullpen that has dazzled, with Yennier Cano throwing 21 2/3 scoreless frames. This team finished just three games out of the playoffs last season, so their presence among the best teams in baseball doesn't rate a 45-1 chance to win the World Series.

Why they won't:

While the Orioles are sporting a fantastic record with impressive statistics, their competition has left a little to be desired. The O's have a scintillating 18-4 mark against teams below .500, but only 13-12 against teams with a winning record. This kind of record becomes even more frightening when you look at the AL East and see NO ONE has a losing record. While good teams are supposed to beat the poor ones, as the O's are doing, if they're truly good, then they should be able to beat the winning teams a little more than just half the time.

FAQ:

When is the 2023 World Series?

The 2023 Major League Baseball playoffs start on Tuesday, October 3rd with the Wild Card round. Every other leg of the playoffs is scheduled on the outcome of those. The World Series is scheduled to begin on October 27th, and a potential Game 7 would be played no later than Saturday, November 4th. They will be televised by FOX.

What type of bets can I make on the World Series?

Many different types of wagers can be placed on the World Series. The first is a series bet on who will win the WS after both of the teams have been set. For each game, you can place the standard money line wager, Over/Under (or totals) wager, or a run line bet where your team either wins by more than 1.5 runs or loses by less than 1.5 runs. In addition, you can place how many games each team will win. Finally, there are hundreds of different prop bets to be made, from the traditional player home run total to O/U on balks, etc.

What's the difference between a Futures WS Bet vs the traditional WS Bet?

A futures bet is placed before the two opponents are known, resulting in much higher odds but increasing the level of difficulty immensely. The traditional World Series winner wager is made after the two teams have won their way into the Fall Classic.

Can you make a run-line wager on the World Series?

Yes, you can make a run-line wager on any specific game of the World Series. The lines are typically set at either plus or minus 1.5 runs because so many games are decided by one run. The reason that bettors make run-line wagers are the odds are increased because of the spread.

For example, if a bettor made a wager Philadelphia -1.5 +160 against the Astros for $100, and the Phillies won 6-4, the bettor would collect $260 ($160 for the profit, $100 for the initial stake).

What team has won the most World Series Championships?

The New York Yankees have the most World Series Championships by a wide margin, winning 27 of the 40 World Series they have appeared in. Both wins and appearances are the most of any professional sports leagues in North America. The St. Louis Cardinals are second with 11 championships. The Seattle Mariners are the only team to have never played in the Fall Classic.

Are series wagers available for the World Series?

Yes, once the two teams are determined, you can wager how many games each team will win. This type of bet is commonly known as a "series correct score". For example, if the Dodgers are playing the Yankees, a wager on the Dodgers could look like this:

Dodgers to win 4-0: +1200

Dodgers to win 4-1: +900

Dodgers to win 4-2: +650

Dodgers to win 4-3: +300

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