MLB Playoffs Picks, Predictions, Odds
Our MLB Playoffs Picks coverage has come to a close with the Texas Rangers capturing the 2023 MLB World Series.
Be sure to recap our Picks, Predictions, Betting Market Analysis, Futures Prices, Series Odds Updates for all the 2023 MLB Playoffs below.
See you for the 2024 season!
2023 MLB Playoffs Predictions
Kevin Rogers (@VIROGERS) will be giving out series picks for each round of the MLB playoffs, continuing with the League Championship Series.
World Series
Arizona vs. Texas
The World Series matchup between the Texas Rangers and Arizona Diamondbacks isn't exactly one that was predicted by many people or any people heading into the postseason.
But both the Rangers and Diamondbacks, a pair of Wild Card teams, each won Games 6 and 7 on the road in their respective championship series to advance to the Fall Classic.
The Rangers are in an unfamiliar spot by starting a postseason series at home after beginning the first three series on the road. Texas owns a perfect 8-0 away record in the playoffs, compared to a 1-3 mark at Globe Life Field.
Arizona is used to being a road warrior in these playoffs, as the D-backs won twice at Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and Philadelphia. Also, their pitching stepped up in the NLCS after allowing 15 runs in the first two games, the D-backs yielded 16 runs in the final five games.
You would think Arizona has the advantage because both these teams have been better on the road than at home. But the Rangers' lineup has slightly more pop than the D-backs as Texas should be able to pull out its first ever World Series title.
Prediction: Texas 4-2
LCS
Texas vs. Houston
We've never seen the Rangers and Astros battle it out in the playoffs as the two Lone Star State rivals will meet for the American League pennant.
The Rangers have been extremely dominant in the first two rounds by knocking out the Rays and Orioles in five straight victories. Texas has scored 7 runs or more in three of those wins, but even more impressive is their pitching staff, which has allowed 2 runs or less in four victories.
Houston was the only team with a bye to advance out of the LDS as the Astros defeated the Twins in four games. The defending champions are in the ALCS for the 7th consecutive season, as Dusty Baker's squad posted an impressive 9-4 record against Texas in 2023.
The Rangers hope to get ace Max Scherzer back at some point in this series after being sidelined for the last month. Texas lost six of seven home matchups with Houston this season, but those two series came at points in the season when the Rangers were really struggling.
This is not only a big opportunity for Texas to win its first pennant since 2011, but for the Rangers to slay the dragon in their state.
Prediction: Texas 4-3
Philadelphia vs. Arizona
The Phillies are back in the NLCS for the second consecutive season as they hook up with an NL West foe again. Last season, Philadelphia knocked out San Diego in this round, now the Phillies take on upstart Arizona.
The Diamondbacks own a perfect 5-0 record in the playoffs, capped off by a sweep of division rival Los Angeles in the NLDS. Arizona went 3-4 against Philadelphia in the regular season, although the D-backs lost to the Phillies three times at home.
Arizona's Zac Gallen is the top starting pitcher in this series, but Philadelphia owns the next two arms in Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler.
The D-backs took advantage of the Dodgers' lack of starting pitching and were able to hold down some of L.A.'s biggest bats practically hitless in the series.
Beating Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park in the playoffs will be a tall task as the Phillies are 10-2 at home since 2022. Arizona may be able to steal a game in Philly, but the Phillies are a more balanced team than the D-backs have seen in the first two rounds.
Prediction: Philadelphia 4-2
Divisional Round
Philadelphia vs. Atlanta
The Braves posted a league-best 947 runs this season on their way to their sixth straight NL East title. Atlanta was knocked out of the NLDS last season by Philadelphia in four games, which included two blowout wins by the Phillies at home.
Philadelphia cruised past Miami in the Wild Card round and is looking for another run to the World Series. The Phillies lost eight of 13 meetings with the Braves this season, including two of three starts made by ace Zack Wheeler.
As long as Atlanta's offense continues to produce runs and receive solid pitching outings from its staff, the Braves should be able to grab revenge against their division rivals and advance to the NLCS.
Prediction: Atlanta 3-1
Arizona vs. Los Angeles
The Diamondbacks trailed by multiple runs in each of their two victories at Milwaukee in the Wild Card round. However, Arizona's prize is getting its divisional nemesis Los Angeles, who was eliminated in the 2022 NLDS by San Diego.
The Dodgers are coming off their 10th NL West title in the last 11 seasons and their 3rd straight 100-win season. L.A. doesn't have the pitching staff from years prior but still own the second-best offense behind Atlanta.
This season, the Dodgers captured eight of 13 meetings from the D-backs, but won the final five matchups.
Milwaukee's offense went ice-cold after fast starts in the Wild Card series, but it will be tough to see the same story unfold with Los Angeles.
Prediction: Los Angeles 3-0
Texas vs. Baltimore
The Rangers put together a dominating effort in their Wild Card sweep of Tampa Bay by outscoring the Rays, 11-1 in the two road wins.
Texas battles another AL East squad in the ALDS, this time the division champion Orioles. Baltimore surprised the entire league by winning 101 games after not making the postseason in the previous six years.
The O's have a solid pitching staff and plenty of productive young hitters in their lineup as they split six meetings with the Rangers this season.
Texas pretty much led the AL West for most of the season before Houston snuck up and grabbed the title on the final day. The Rangers are hoping mid-season acquisition Max Scherzer can return in the playoffs to boost their rotation.
Prediction: Texas 3-2
Minnesota vs. Houston
The Twins' pitching staff shut down a powerful Blue Jays' lineup in a two-game Wild Card sweep to advance in the playoffs for the first time since 2002.
The defending champion Astros picked up Justin Verlander at the trade deadline to help out their rotation as Houston is primed for a 7th straight trip to the ALCS.
These teams haven't met since late May as Minnesota won four of six matchups. Twins' right-hander Sonny Gray defeated the Astros twice, but Minnesota never faced Verlander or left-hander Framber Valdez.
When it's all said and done, we may end up having a Lone Star State battle in the ALCS.
Prediction: Houston 3-1
Wild Card Round
Arizona vs. Milwaukee
The Diamondbacks may be a sneaky team to pull off an upset in the Wild Card round. Arizona captured four of six regular season meetings against Milwaukee, while the Brewers were dealt a major blow with right-hander Brandon Woodruff being sidelined due to a shoulder injury.
If Arizona can win Games 1 or 3, the D-backs have a great opportunity to advance. The D-backs saved ace Zac Gallen for Game 2, as he shut down Milwaukee twice this season.
Prediction: Arizona 2-0
Miami vs. Philadelphia
The Marlins were one of the big surprises this season as they are back in the playoffs for the second time in four seasons. However, Miami draws the defending NL champion Phillies, who overcame a slow start to the season to grab the top Wild Card spot.
Zack Wheeler had an up and down September for Philadelphia, while allowing six runs in three starts against Miami this season. The Phillies turn to Wheeler and Aaron Nola in the first two games and boast the better lineup in this series.
Prediction: Philadelphia 2-0
Texas vs. Tampa Bay
Back in 2010 and 2011, the Rangers eliminated the Rays in the ALDS and ended up winning the AL pennant each time. Texas hopes history repeats itself in 2023 as the Rangers head to Tropicana Field after failing to win the AL West title.
The Rays were bounced in the Wild Card round at Cleveland last season as Tampa Bay hasn't won a playoff series since advancing to the World Series in 2020. Without the likes of Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer to turn to in the rotation, it will be tough for Texas to advance past a sound Tampa Bay squad.
Prediction: Tampa Bay 2-1
Toronto vs. Minnesota
One of the most amazing trends in playoff history is the struggles of the Minnesota Twins, who have dropped 18 straight postseason contests since 2004.
Obviously, that doesn't tie in to the 2023 Twins, who captured the AL Central title, but there isn't much postseason success with this franchise. Toronto melted down at home in its Wild Card series against Seattle last season, so going on the road this time isn't the worst thing.
The teams split six meetings this season and this series will likely come down to a third game, but Toronto will find a way to advance to the ALDS.
Prediction: Toronto 2-1
MLB Payoff Pitch Podcast - Listen Up!
MLB World Series Odds
5 Rangers -174 vs. 6 Diamondbacks +148
To view all the odds, updates and betting trends on the series, check out the link below:
World Series Betting Results
- Straight Up (SU)
- Run-Line (RL)
- Over-Under (OU)
Favorites-Underdogs (SU): 3-2
Favorites-Underdogs (RL): 2-3
Home-Away (SU): 1-4
Home-Away (ATS): 0-5
Over-Under: 3-2
MLB Championship Series Odds
National League
4 Phillies -178 vs. 6 Diamondbacks +150
American League
2 Astros -148 vs. 5 Rangers +126
To view all the odds, updates and betting trends on the series, check out the link below:
LCS Betting Results
- Straight Up (SU)
- Run-Line (RL)
- Over-Under (OU)
Favorites-Underdogs (SU): 4-10
Favorites-Underdogs (RL): 4-10
Home-Away (SU): 4-10
Home-Away (ATS): 3-11
Over-Under: 8-5-1
MLB Divisional Series Odds
National League
1 Braves -184 vs. 4 Phillies +148
2 Dodgers -200 vs. 6 Diamondbacks +160
American League
1 Orioles -110 vs. 5 Rangers -110
2 Astros -150 vs. 3 Twins +122
To view all the odds, updates and betting trends on the series, check out the link below:
Divisional Betting Results
- Straight Up (SU)
- Run-Line (RL)
- Over-Under (OU)
Favorites-Underdogs (SU): 5-9
Favorites-Underdogs (RL): 3-11
Home-Away (SU): 6-8
Home-Away (ATS): 5-9
Over-Under: 7-7
MLB Wild Card Series Odds
National League
3 Brewers -192 vs. 6 Diamondbacks (2-0) +154
4 Phillies (2-0) -200 vs. 5 Marlins +160
American League
3 Twins (2-0) -130 vs. 6 Blue Jays +106
4 Rays -164 vs. 5 Rangers (2-0) +134
To view all the odds, updates and betting trends on the series, check out the link below:
Odds Provided by FanDuel - Subject to Change
Wild Card Betting Results
- Straight Up (SU)
- Run-Line (RL)
- Over-Under (OU)
Favorites-Underdogs (SU): 4-4
Favorites-Underdogs (RL): 4-4
Home-Away (SU): 4-4
Home-Away (ATS): 4-4
Over-Under: 1-5-2
MLB Finals Betting Trends & Action Report
The MLB Playoffs begin on Tuesday October 3, 20223 and the futures betting market has seen plenty of action all season.
VegasInsider Senior Sports Betting Reporter Patrick Everson provides his latest update on where the money is going and what the bookmakers will need to profit this fall.
Odds to win 2023 MLB World Series
Listed below are the opening odds to win the 2023 World Series prior to the Wild Card round, which begins on Tuesday October 3, 2023.
Atlanta Braves +260
L.A. Dodgers +400
Houston Astros +525
Baltimore Orioles +600
Tampa Bay Rays +1100
Philadelphia Phillies +1200
Texas Rangers +1300
Toronto Blue Jays +1500
Minnesota Twins +1500
Milwaukee Brewers +1800
Miami Marlins +3500
Arizona Diamondbacks +4000
Odds to win 2023 National League Pennant
Listed below are the opening odds to win the 2023 National League prior to the Wild Card round, which begins on Tuesday October 3, 2023.
Atlanta Braves +125
L.A. Dodgers +200
Philadelphia Phillies +600
Milwaukee Brewers +900
Miami Marlins +1700
Arizona Diamondbacks +1800
National League Odds Comparison
Odds to win 2023 American League Pennant
Listed below are the opening odds to win the 2023 American League prior to the Wild Card round, which begins on Tuesday October 3, 2023.
Houston Astros +220
Baltimore Orioles +260
Tampa Bay Rays +500
Texas Rangers +700
Toronto Blue Jays +700
Minnesota Twins +700
American League Odds Comparison
MLB Playoffs Matchups
Wild Card Round
National League
3 Milwaukee Brewers vs. Arizona Diamondbacks
4 Philadelphia Phillies vs. 5 Miami Marlins
American League
3 Minnesota Twins vs. 6 Toronto Blue Jays
4 Tampa Bay Rays vs. 5 Texas Rangers
MLB POSTSEASON HISTORY
The Houston Astros defeated the Philadelphia Phillies in six games of the 2022 World Series.
Popular MLB Futures Betting Markets
Listed below are the top five betting choices for the MLB Futures Odds for five of the most popular betting favorites.
MLB POSTSEASON SCOREBOARD
The MLB Scoreboard not only provides the scores for the MLB Postseason, but so much more.
MLB POSTSEASON BETTING TYPES
- Money-line: The money line is the price offered on which team ultimately wins the game. It really is as simple as that, and in a money line sport like baseball, it's predominantly the way to bet outcomes on the side. Prices are always relevant to the implied probability a certain team has in a particular matchup, and it's up to the bettor to decide whether or not they agree with that offering with their MLB bets.
- Run-line: This bet really is just a point spread of 1.5 for the game. The baseball team that's listed as the money line favorite is always going to have the -1.5 attached to their side and usually with a plus-money price tag attached, although it's all relative to the money line price that's set. Underdogs at +1.5 will be the “favorite” in terms of price on the run-line as that bet cashes if said team wins the game outright, or loses by just a single run.
- Run Totals: Total bets (or Over-Under bets) are the same in baseball as they are in any other sport. They are put up as a number of what oddsmakers believe is a fair combined score for a particular game and bettors decide whether to go above (over) or below (under) that posted number. A total of 9.5 for a baseball game would need to see 10 combined runs scored for an 'over' bet to hit, while 9 or fewer total runs would connect on the 'under'.
- Props: MLB Prop bets in wagering are vast and extensive, as there are many prop wagers offered for a particular game. Baseball bettors that have more of a fantasy baseball background where things like hits, steals, strikeouts, etc. matter, will find themselves liking baseball prop bets as those are known as player props and can be bet on as well. For example, for every L.A. Angels game there will be odds on how many hits outfielder Mike Trout will get in an over/under fashion, how many bases he'll get with his hits (over/under), as well as how many strikeouts the respective starting pitchers might accumulate during their time on the mound. The amount of MLB prop bets are endless.
- Live Betting: This is a discipline that does take some getting used to, but with the nature of baseball in general being that bettors can visually see how an inning or a game is shaping up – say runners on 1st and 2nd with nobody out – wagering on what happens next can be quite exciting and profitable all at the same time. For example, say the Pittsburgh Pirates hold a two-run lead as the visitors after the Top of the 7th inning. They were underdogs in the pre-game market and come into the game with the league's worst bullpen. This scenario presents a great situational spot to bet on their opponent on the money line because that team was favored to begin with, and now they get to have three innings of at-bats against a very bad bullpen. Live odds fluctuate constantly and as a number's game, if you know your MLB stats, you have a huge advantage betting live odds.
- Futures: Future wagers are exactly as they sound, in that they are wagers that aren't going to be paid off until sometime down the road. In MLB betting, that could mean taking a team to win the World Series months before the playoffs even start, backing a squad to win their respective division or their respective pennant. Future wagers even exist for the individual with things like Rookie of the Year and Cy Young awards among others.
- Parlays: Going the parlay route in baseball betting is basically the same as any other sport, as bettors have to combine at least two betting selections and go from there. Most sportsbooks will allow bettors to parlay multiple money lines or totals together, or any combination of those two options. Parlays offer a bigger payday for bettors that feel confident in multiple selections, but again, all selections must win for a parlay to pay out. Should only one game lose on the parlay, the entire ticket gets ripped up.
BETTING ON WORLD SERIES ODDS
WHERE CAN I BET ON THE WORLD SERIES?
There are several legal sportsbook options in the United States. Visit our sportsbook directory to find online sportsbooks where you can bet on the MLB season.
WHO ARE THE EXPERTS PICKING TO WIN?
Our experts offer picks on many MLB games where they see a gambling edge. Check out our preview content or pick packages for the most up to date MLB predictions.
WHAT TYPE OF BETS CAN I MAKE ON MLB?
In addition to betting on who will win the World Series and the AL and NL Pennants, there are multiple angles you can bet on individual games. Check out our MLB odds page for the odds on each game.
WHERE CAN I LEARN HOW TO BET ON BASEBALL?
To learn more about betting on baseball, check out our baseball betting tutorial.
MLB POSTSEASON PICKS MEMBERSHIPS
VegasInsider.com is offering great opportunities to see a variety of MLB Postseason predictions from all of our pro baseball experts.