The Dodgers, the World Series favorites, improved their chances of winning with a series of moves ahead of Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline.
Los Angeles remains atop the odds board at DraftKings Sportsbook, lowering their odds of winning the World Series in 2024 from +330 to +300 after acquiring Jack Flaherty, Tommy Edman, Michael Kopech, Amed Rosario and Kevin Kiermaier.
The Dodgers opted to add depth to their star-studded roster rather than adding another big name to add to Shohei Ohtani, Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman.
Flaherty, who had a 2.95 ERA in 18 starts for the Tigers before the trade, will provide some much-needed innings for an injury-plagued Dodgers starting lineup.
Edman and Rosario are expected to fill out an infield that is also plagued by injuries for the Dodgers, and potentially even start at shortstop depending on Betts’ future.
Hard-throwing relief pitcher Kopech and defensive-minded outfielder Kiermaier could help fill out the team’s roster heading into the final stretch.
The Phillies (+500) remain the second favorite to win the championship.
Philadelphia has also been aggressive this week, bringing in relievers Carlos Estevez and Tanner Banks to bolster a shaky bullpen.
The Yankees, who have the third-best odds (+550) to win the World Series, acquired right-handed relief pitcher Mark Leiter Jr. in a trade with the Cubs for two prospects after acquiring Jazz Chisholm Jr. over the weekend.
The Orioles (+750), the Bronx Bombers’ biggest rival in the American League, bolstered their starting pitching staff with the acquisition of Zach Eflin last weekend and Trevor Rogers on Tuesday in a trade.
There were no big-name transfers at this year’s deadline, but many players chose to maintain the status quo rather than change teams.
Everything you need to know about MLB betting
White Sox ace Garrett Crochette and Tigers forward Tarik Skubal have been in trade rumors all summer, but both have remained in their respective cities.
If both pitchers are traded, it would create a shakeup on the odds board that hasn’t happened with any trades this season.
