Dodgers: World Series Odds After Acquiring Machado

The Dodgers made the most impactful move in all of baseball in 2018 with their acquisition of shortstop Manny Machado. Adding the four-time all-star not only propelled the Dodgers as the best team in their division, but it also pushed them as the possible favorites in the National League.

Prior to the Machade Trade

Even before adding Machado to their lineup, the Dodgers were on the rise with their recent success. Since May 17, they are 37-17 and have moved from fourth place to the top of the standings in the NL West. They have won more games than any other National League team since the start of June.

Despite their summer run, the Dodgers trailed the Cubs as the favorite to win the league pennant, according to OddsSharks.

National League Pennant odds (@BovadaOfficial)

Cubs+333
Dodgers+400
Braves+650
Phillies+650
Brewers+700
Nationals+700
Diamondbacks+850
Giants+1800
Cardinals+1800
Rockies+2800
Mets+25000
Pirates+30000
Reds+45000
Padres+50000
Marlins+80000

— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) July 17, 2018

Bleacher Report also favored the Cubs with 12 percent World Series odds, compared to 8 percent for the Dodgers. Adding to the consistent theme, FiveThirtyEight gave the Cubs the edge in their projections last week. The Cubs held a 10 percent chance compared to the Dodgers 9 percent to win the World Series.

FiveThirtyEight World Series Odds: June 12

After the Machado Trade

Bringing in one of the game’s best shortstops convinced OddsSharks that the Dodgers are the team to beat in the National League.

World Series odds (@5Dimes):

HOU +410
BOS +465
NYY +535
LAD +850
CHC +950
CLE +1300
PHI +1625
ARZ +2000
ATL/MIL +2150
WSH +2250
SEA +2500
SF +4000
STL +5000
OAK +8000
COL +8500
LAA +30000
MIN/PIT +50000
TB +70000
TOR/NYM/CIN +250000
SD +300000
TEX +500000
CWS/BAL/KC/DET +999999

— Odds Shark (@OddsShark) July 19, 2018

Surprisingly, FiveThirtyEight gave the Cubs higher odds this week to win the World Series. Their prediction now gives Chicago a 13 percent chance to win it all, compared to 11 percent for the Dodgers.

Part of the advantage for the Cubs is their 2.5 game division lead over the second place Brewers. The Brewers remain the only viable threat to the Cubs in the NL Central. The Brewers took a step back this week with their inability to add Machado and have not yet filled their hole at shortstop.

FiveThirtyEight World Series Odds: June 19

Analysis

The race in the National League remains between the Cubs and the Dodgers. Even after the Dodgers added Machado, the debate continues over which team is the true favorite in the National League. Neither team is done making moves to bolster their roster but with the way that this season is shaping, we may see another Cubs-Dodgers NLCS in October.