World Series Odds Report, Trends: Dodgers Still On Top, Despite Ohtani Issues

Patrick Everson Sports Betting Expert

7 minute read

World Series odds for 2024 are starting to draw a little more attention, now that the season is underway. No surprise, the team that made the biggest offseason splash remains the favorite in odds to win the World Series.

However, the subject of that splash – Shohei Ohtani – is now overshadowed by a sports betting scandal allegedly involving his interpreter. So far, the Los Angeles Dodgers remain the favorite in World Series futures odds.

Here's everything you need to know about 2024 World Series odds: action, line movement and betting trends. Check back regularly for updates. And if you're a baseball bettor in North Carolina, registration is now available, as all the top North Carolina sportsbooks are live.

2024 World Series Odds

Shohei Shocker

On March 20, right in the midst of March Madness, news broke that Ohtani fired his interpreter, Ippei Mizuhara. As the story developed, it was alleged that Ohtani was the victim in the theft of $4.5 million by Mizuhara, to pay off gambling debts.

On March 25, Ohtani met with the media to read a prepared statement. He denied involvement in placing sports wagers or making payments to a bookmaker on behalf of Mizuhara.

So far, the news hasn't impacted the Los Angeles Dodgers' World Series odds. Los Angeles remains the +350 favorite at BetMGM. And the Dodgers are still No. 1 in ticket count and money at BetMGM.

"The Ohtani news didn’t cause any movement at this time. Unless we hear some news from reputable sources, we’re trading as if he’ll be there," BetMGM trader Hal Egeland said. "Like everyone else, we’ll be monitoring the situation quite closely, but at this time, it’s all speculation.

"With or without Shohei, the Dodgers are legitimate contenders. They’ll remain close to the top of the odds, regardless of what happens."

In November, BetMGM opened the Dodgers +800, behind +650 chalk Atlanta. Now, the Braves are the +450 second choice.

Along with Ohtani, Los Angeles added starters Yoshinobu Yamamoto – who left Japan to join the Dodgers – and Tyler Glasnow in the offseason.

"The health of Tyler Glasnow and Walker Buehler are the main concerns for the Dodgers," Egeland said, noting Buehler missed the entire 2023 season after Tommy John surgery. "But the Dodgers have some promising young pitchers in Bobby Miller and Emmet Sheehan, who should solidify that group.

"I don’t think I need to say much about their lineup. Mookie Betts, Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman – MVP, MVP, MVP."

Trending Teams

Not much has changed since early March, when Egeland last provided insights on World Series futures odds. Bettors are continuing to pursue the same handful of teams.

"In recent weeks, it’s been the usual suspects from bettors. The Dodgers, Orioles, Braves, Phillies and Yankees are the top five in bets placed," Egeland said. "We had a lot of interest in the Orioles last year, and that hasn’t slowed down much this year."

Baltimore had a surprisingly stellar 2023 campaign, going 101-61 in the regular season. But the Orioles got swept 3-0 by the Texas Rangers in an AL Divisional Series.

The Orioles are the +1300 fifth choice at BetMGM, after opening +1600. Philadelphia has slipped a bit, from +1100 to +1500. On the flip side, New York gained ground, with the Pinstripes shortening from a +1600 opener to the +900 fourth choice.

Honorable Mentions

Egeland pointed to three more notable teams as the regular season begins.

"The Padres and Giants have garnered attention. They both made significant improvements to their roster, so it should come as no surprise," Egeland said. "The Diamondbacks aren’t far behind, and with the addition of Jordan Montgomery, I’d expect a similar reaction from bettors.

"I’m personally a believer in all of these teams. If you can spot the best of these three, I think it’s a very a good bet. That’s easier said than done, though."

San Diego and San Francisco are both +4500 in BetMGM's odds to win the World Series. The Padres are well off their opening price of +1600, while the Giants are just slightly off their +4000 opener. Arizona, which lost to the Texas Rangers in the World Series, opened +3000 and is now +4000.

As Egeland noted, he likes all three organizations.

"I think I’ve changed my opinion 10 times already on these teams. The night before Opening Day, I like the Giants. But that could change in two weeks time," Egeland said.

Not Messing With Texas

The Texas Rangers won the 2023 World Series, taking out Arizona in five games. But the defending champs aren't particularly popular in the 2024 World Series odds market.

Texas opened as the +900 co-third choice, along with perennial contender Houston. The Rangers are now the +1400 fifth choice at BetMGM. Nine other teams have taken more tickets than Texas so far, and nine other teams have more money, as well.

"The public hasn’t liked the chances for the Rangers to go back-to-back. There are some question marks around their pitching, which may open up a spot for [prospect] Jack Leiter," Egeland said. "But that lineup is just as good as any team in the league. They have their known big guns in Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Adolis Garcia. But their young guys should also have a significant impact again this year.

"Evan Carter and Josh Jung proved to be studs, and Wyatt Langford has a decent chance to make the Opening Day roster."

But again, bettors aren't flocking to the current champs, making a repeat title fine with Egeland.

"From the legitimate contenders, we’re in a good position on the Blue Jays, Rays, Rangers and Astros. We’d be very happy with an ALCS rematch, should things remain the same," he said.

That would mean Texas facing Houston, which is currently the +800 third choice in BetMGM's World Series odds market. As Opening Day arrives, Egeland also provided BetMGM's liability diagnosis.

"The Dodgers, Giants and Padres are all losers for us. The Orioles won’t be good for us, either," he said. "If I were to guess, one of the Giants and Padres will [shorten] a bit. And on the Yankees, currently a small winner for us, liability will creep up should they perform up to expectations."

Flying Under the Radar

If you're looking for a little better payout at the betting window, Egeland has two suggestions: The Cincinnati Reds and Seattle Mariners.

"It seems like in sports, just about every year, a young team makes a jump a year or two before they’re expected. This year, I think it could be the Reds," Egeland said.

And he said that while recognizing that Matt McLain's shoulder injury could keep him out all season, and Noelvi Marte's PED suspension will see him miss 80 games.

"But the Reds seem to have an endless supply of young, quality infielders," Egeland said. "Elly De La Cruz could make a jump. I fully expect Spencer Steer to continue what he did with the bat last year. Christian Encarnacion-Strand may show the type of power he had shown in the minors.

"They also have some starters that can really spin it. I wouldn’t expect their numbers to look great playing in Great American Ballpark half of the year, but the Reds may be able to surprise people, as well. It would take a lot of things to click, but they did show flashes last year in the second half."

The Reds are +4000 in BetMGM's odds to win the World Series, matching their opening number. Meanwhile, Seattle is the +2000 co-eighth choice, just off its +1800 opening odds. Egeland is a big believer in the Mariners' starting rotation.

"If the Mariners can find a way to make the playoffs in that stacked AL West, then their pitching could carry them in October," he said. "I personally think they have the best staff, with three pitchers with Cy Young potential in Luis Castillo, George Kirby and Logan Gilbert.

"Pair that with [outfielder] Julio Rodriguez, who I envision in the MVP race, and you have a pretty decent recipe for success."

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Patrick Everson

Patrick Everson is a senior reporter for VegasInsider. Based in Las Vegas since 1994, he's worked in the sports betting journalism/content space for more than a decade. He's most known for his deep roster of contacts behind sportsbook counters, providing readers and viewers with the ins-and-outs of how events are being bet. He's also a thought leader in the sports betting space, often appearing on or moderating panels at national conferences. More from Patrick Everson