But before we get to that, let’s take a gander at the current odds to win the World Series. We’ve scoured the best online sportsbooks and across the board, the below teams are favored the most to claim the championship per oddsmakers:
| Team |  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles Dodgers | +500 | +500 |
| Houston Astros | +1000 | +1000 |
| New York Yankees | +1000 | +1000 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | +1000 | +1000 |
| New York Mets | +1100 | +1100 |
| Chicago White Sox | +1100 | +1100 |
| Atlanta Braves | +1200 | +1200 |
| San Diego Padres | +1200 | +1200 |
| Boston Red Sox | +1800 | +1800 |
| Seattle Mariners | +3000 | +3000 |
2022 World Series Betting Picks
Alright, we’ve listed our own World Series betting picks in order of most confident to least. Personally, we’re placing wagers on all three. However, if your betting philosophy is different or on just a tight bankroll, consider throwing money at this next team only:
Houston Astros
There’s consistency, then there’s the Astros. This team has a knack for winning, especially in October. In 2021, they made their third trip to the World Series in five years, ultimately coming up short against the Braves. The team also won 95 games last year, extending its streak of seasons with at least 94 victories to four. We expect both trends to continue in 2022 — and this time, with an actual World Series title to show for it.
Our optimism stems from the old MLB adage, “pitching wins games” and Houston has an abundance of arms, especially at starters. There’s the proven Lance McCullers Jr., coming off a career year that included a 3.16 ERA and 185 strikeouts. Then there are three young pitchers — Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidi, and Framber Valdez — poised to improve in 2022. But the biggest variable? Justin Verlander. The first-ballot Hall of Famer is finally back after a nearly two-year absence from Tommy John surgery, but it remains to be seen in what form.
Even beyond the mound, we love how well-rounded the Astros are. In 2021, the club finished top MLB-wide in batting average and on-base percentage. Yes, that offense is now minus Carlos Correa (who remains a free agent), but two of its key players — 24-year-old Yordan Alvarez and 25-year-old Kyle Tucker — should make up for that production, if not more. Throw in an experienced manager in Dusty Baker and it’s hard to find fault with Houston, hence our high betting confidence here.
Los Angeles Dodgers
As usual, the top baseball betting sites have pegged Los Angeles as the runaway World Series favorites — its line is a whole +500 better than the next-best team. Hell, even the freshly-contract-extended manager Dave Roberts guaranteed his Dodgers will be the last team standing in October. Those aren’t easy expectations to live up to, but if there’s an MLB club that can, it’s the “Boys in the Blue.”
One thing is for sure: LA’s lineup is likely second-to-none this season. Despite a rash of injuries in 2021, the offense finished fourth MLB-wide in runs scored. The majority of that lineup is back, sans Corey Seager (who is now a Ranger). However, to fill that void, LA did what it does best — threw wads of money ($162 million) at Freddie Freeman. With Freeman, the Dodgers projected starting nine includes eight All-Stars, including the likes of Mookie Betts, Cody Bellinger, Trea Turner, among others.
But the reason we’ve slotted the Dodgers as our second most-confident futures wager — and not first — is because of its more questionable pitching staff. During the offseason, they lost Max Scherzer and longtime closer Kenley Jansen. The franchise did resign Clayton Kershaw to a one-year deal, but given his age and recent injury history, it’s far from a guarantee they’ll be getting the Kershaw of old. Our concern with LA’s throwing staff is depth. They’re top-heavy with Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, and perhaps Kershaw, but after that? The drop-off is steep. If injuries pop up, which they almost surely will, the Dodgers could be in a tough spot.
So yes, we’re betting on Los Angeles, but our betting sum won’t be as high as Houston. The difference-maker is pitching and right now, the Astros give us more confidence in that department than the Dodgers.
Seattle Mariners
Alright, this last pick is a rather larger risk. One because they play in the same division as Houston — our favorite betting pick (a division that also includes an improved Angels team). Two because here’s a franchise that’s never won a World Series and heck, haven’t even advanced to the postseason since 2001. But we’re gamblers and if there’s a team to roll the dice on it’s the Mariners.
As 90-game winners, Seattle was one of 2021’s biggest surprises. Instead of just hoping for internal improvement in 2022, the front office went out and made moves. The first was inking reigning Cy Young winner Robbie Ray, who led the league in ERA and strikeouts last season. The second was trading for All-Star outfielder Jesse Winker. The Mariners are clearly in win-now mode, which is the perfect recipe for an under-the-radar World Series play.
How To Bet On 2022 MLB Futures?
Besides who will win the World Series, other 2022 MLB futures you can bet on right now include AL and NL pennant winners, MVP, home run leader, and an array of others. To get all those bets in one place, check out one of the sportsbooks listed below! While you're at it, look into their free-play sign-up bonus so your first few bets could be "on the house."
