Braves and Blue Jays Headline the 5 MLB Futures Bets You Need to Place After the All-Star Break
The MLB All-Star break was a fruitful one for us here at Sportscasting. Not only did we hit the under in the All-Star Game by a comfortable margin, but we also nailed Juan Soto to win the Home Run Derby at +500 odds.
Now, it’s time to roll those profits over to some futures bets as the MLB season gets back underway on Thursday. So, let’s check out the five futures I’m eyeing for the second half of the season.
3 World Series futures bets to place after the All-Star break
Atlanta Braves 10/1
No team has won back-to-back World Series titles since the New York Yankees in 1999 and 2000, but I think the Braves have a great chance to do just that in 2022.
Despite losing Freddie Freeman to the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta is still humming along at 56-38 through the All-Star break. Matt Olson has filled in nicely with 17 home runs and 60 RBIs, while Austin Riley is having a breakout season with 27 homers and a team-leading 61 RBIs.
The Braves rank third in the MLB in runs this season, and the pitching staff ranks first in strikeouts. There aren’t many teams in the league more well-balanced than the Braves, so 10/1 seems like a juicy price to jump on right now.
Blue Jays 25/1
The Blue Jays have fallen well short of expectations so far this season, but they still have one of the most talented rosters in the MLB. There’s no reason they shouldn’t be able to find a groove by the time the postseason swings around.
This 25/1 number is a major discount from Toronto’s 13/1 preseason World Series price, so I’ll take a stab on this star-studded roster to reach its sky-high ceiling at the right time.
Tampa Bay Rays 30/1
Kevin Cash and the Rays have shown they have what it takes to make a deep run in the playoffs. With Randy Arozarena and Wander Franco pacing the offense, combined with the Big 3 of Shane McClanahan, Corey Kluber, and Drew Rasmussen on the bump, I love getting this proven team at 30/1 odds.
2 MLB division futures to bet right now
Atlanta Braves +150 to win NL East
I already outlined above why I like the Braves to reach the World Series for the second straight year, so it would make sense that I also like them to make up a 2.5-game deficit to catch the New York Mets and win the NL East.
Ozzie Albies should be back in the lineup for the last month of the regular season. As long as they stay within striking distance, the Braves should be able to make a late run and catch the Mets in the end.
Cleveland Guardians +450 to win AL Central
The Guardians didn’t enter the season with postseason expectations, but they’re right in the thick of the AL Central race through the All-Star break. I haven’t been especially impressed with the Minnesota Twins or the Chicago White Sox, so with only two games to make up down the stretch of the season, +450 is more than a fair price on Cleveland to win the division.
All betting odds courtesy of FanDuel as of 7/21.
Like Sportscasting on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter @sportscasting19.
How to get help: In the U.S., contact the National Council on Problem Gambling helpline at 1-800-522-4700.
