- The Atlanta Braves are now the odds-on favorites to win the 2023 World Series amid a red-hot pace in June.
- The Braves opened the season with +750 odds to win the MLB title in 2023. As of June 28, the Braves are favored to win the World Series at +375.
- According to Bovada, the Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. has the best odds to win the National League MVP.
The Atlanta Braves have established themselves as the team to beat in Major League Baseball. As we approach the mid-way mark of the 2023 season, the Braves’ betting odds have skyrocketed up the board at Bovada . Currently, the Braves are +375 to win the World Series after opening the season at +750.
On Wednesday afternoon, the 2021 World Series champs extended their winning streak with a 3-0 win over the Minnesota Twins. They have won five games in a row, while winning 13 of their previous 14 games in June. The Braves own an overall record of 53-27 and have a seven-game lead over the Miami Marlins in the NL East.
The surprisingly dangerous Tampa Bay Rays had the best odds to win the World Series as of June 1. Despite losing the top spot at Bovada, the Rays have been the biggest odds movers in 2023.
The Rays were an afterthought going into this season. They had +2000 odds to win the World Series before the first pitch was thrown. In late June, the Rays own the second-best World Series odds at +450.
Best winning percentage in baseball.
⭐️: https://t.co/JvIFAJZhMR pic.twitter.com/SOrGHV4Mon
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 28, 2023
Braves Overtake Preseason World Series Favorites
There was only one team with better World Series odds than the Braves entering the 2023 campaign. On March 28, the Houston Astros were favored to win the World Series at +700. Currently, the Astros are +1100 to win the World Series in October.
The Braves were not alone at +750, as the New York Yankees had the same odds to win the World Series in 2023. The Yankees will attract money from the public regardless of their real chances.
Inflated odds are typically the case with big-market teams in every sport. The Bronx Bombers have slipped to +1500 after entering the season tied with the Braves at +750.
It is going to be difficult for the Yankees to repeat in the AL East. With a record of 43-36, the Yankees trail the Rays by 9.5 games in the division. There is still plenty of time to stage a comeback, but the AL East is much tougher with the Baltimore Orioles and Rays playing better baseball.
Currently, the Rays have -700 odds as opposed to +1500 for the Yankees. In the AL West, the Astros are underdogs to win the division behind the Texas Rangers. However, at +175 odds, the Astros are within striking distance.
Braves Are Clearly The Best In The AL East
The Braves are heavy favorites to finish the season strong and win the NL East title. According to oddsmakers at Bovada, the Braves are in the clear and it won’t be close in September.
The Miami Marlins are trying to make things interesting, but 46-34 isn’t enough to keep pace with the red-hot Braves. Despite having the second-best record in the NL East, the Marlins are +1500 to win the division.
That leaves the Braves as huge favorites at -2800 to win the NL East. We haven’t even reached the All-Star break yet, and the Braves are a massive betting favorite to win the division.
However, the National League winner odds are still wide-open. The Braves are favored at +150, but the LA Dodgers are attracting money at Bovada. Currently, the Dodgers have +300 odds to win the National League in 2023.
How did the Braves get here? Well, it isn’t one specific driving force. Sure, Ronald Acuna Jr. has been incredible, but the Braves aren’t favored to win the World Series without other help.
The sweep life 🧹
⭐️: https://t.co/JvIFAJZhMR pic.twitter.com/FzGRjMRxOX
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) June 28, 2023
Spencer Strider is among the front runners to win the 2023 NL Cy Young. Strider’s Cy Young odds have recently taken a dive, but he is still in the mix.
Zac Gallen is favored at +165, while Strider has the third-best odds at +700. Strider was the favorite to win the NL Cy Young entering the season with +600 odds.
In early June, Strider owned a 2.97 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. Now, the 24-year-old owns an ERA of 3.73 and a 1.11 WHIP. Nevertheless, the Braves have managed to win 13 of 14 games while Strider has been in a funk.
This is a testament to the depth on the Braves roster. Players like Matt Olson and Bryce Edler need more recognition for the Braves’ success this season. Olson leads the Braves with 26 home runs.
Meanwhile, Strider doesn’t even have the best numbers of this pitching staff. That belongs to Elder, who has an ERA of 2.44 and a 1.13 WHIP. However, Elder is well behind in the Cy Young race at +7000.
Acuna Jr. Taking Command of NL MVP Race
Opening NL MVP odds had Acuna Jr. as the favorite at +300. Acuna Jr. is still the favorite, but he is putting a fairly wide wedge between him and the field. Currently, Acuna Jr. has -140 odds to win the 2023 NL MVP.
The closest competition for Acuna Jr. is rookie Corbin Caroll. The 22-year-old member of the Arizona Diamondbacks is +650 to win the MVP. He may not win, but it is awfully impressive to see a rookie involved in the MVP discussion.
Acuna Jr. is just doing everything better than his competition in the National League. It was said before the season started that if Acuna Jr. stays healthy, he’d be the clear frontrunner to win the NL MVP. There is a lot of time left this season, but he’s passed the health test so far.
Ronald Acuña Jr. reached 50 RBI this season with his HR in the 1st inning.
He joins Joe Morgan (1975) as the only players with 50 RBI & 35 SB before July since RBI became official in 1920. pic.twitter.com/OWcpQ3Txk8
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 27, 2023
The 25-year-old native of La Guaira, Venezuela, is hitting .331 with an impressive OBP of .408 and .993 OPS. Additionally, Acuna Jr. has hit 19 home runs and compiled 51 RBIs. That’s not all, as Acuna Jr. has stolen 36 bases and his arm is a threat in right field.
If the Braves are going to win the World Series, they will need Acuna Jr. to continue playing at an MVP level. A lot can change between July and October, but he is showing no signs of regressing. The Braves look like they are in a strong position to win their second World Series in three years.
