The 2024 MLB regular season has come to a close, and now it’s time for the magic of October baseball! With 12 teams left standing, the Los Angeles Dodgers lead the charge as favorites, but there are some other serious contenders (and value bets!) to keep an eye on. Buckle up, because we’re diving into the numbers, trends, and top picks to guide you through this year’s World Series betting action.

2024 MLB World Series Odds (via FanDuel Sportsbook):

• Los Angeles Dodgers: +350
• Philadelphia Phillies: +380
• New York Yankees: +450
• Houston Astros: +850
• Cleveland Guardians: +1100
• San Diego Padres: +1100
• Baltimore Orioles: +1300
• Milwaukee Brewers: +2000
• New York Mets: +2300
• Atlanta Braves: +2300
• Kansas City Royals: +3000
• Detroit Tigers: +3000

Don’t forget to shop around for the best odds. For example, you can grab the Phillies at +475 on DraftKings!

2024 MLB Postseason: The Key Numbers You Need

Los Angeles Dodgers (+350)
It’s no surprise the Dodgers are favorites—they’ve been dominant all season, racking up 104 wins! Their offense is a powerhouse, leading the MLB with 902 runs, thanks to Shohei Ohtani’s 54 homers and Freddie Freeman’s .411 OBP. But here’s the catch: their rotation? Not so hot. The Dodgers had a team ERA of 4.57 in September, and with Bobby Miller and Lance Lynn both struggling, they’re leaning hard on their bats. Will it be enough in October? That’s the big question.

Philadelphia Phillies (+380)
The Phillies are a postseason force. With Zack Wheeler (1.62 ERA in August, 2.23 ERA in September) and Aaron Nola leading a stellar rotation, they’re built for October. Wheeler’s 2.94 FIP shows he’s dominating beyond the numbers, and Nola’s postseason history (2.35 ERA in 2023) makes him a reliable arm in big games. Don’t sleep on Cristopher Sanchez, either—he had a breakout season with a 3.32 ERA and is lights out at home with a 2.21 ERA at Citizens Bank Park.

Offensively, the Phillies rank 4th in batting average (.265) and 5th in OPS (.788), with Kyle Schwarber belting 49 homers. And here’s the kicker: they’re nearly unbeatable at home (50-31), where Citizens Bank Park provides one of the best home-field advantages in the league.

San Diego Padres (+1200)
Looking for a sneaky good longshot? The Padres might just be the team. At +1200, there’s great value for a squad that’s got one of the deepest rotations in the playoffs. Michael King (2.85 ERA in the second half), Dylan Cease (3.73 ERA), and Joe Musgrove (3.44 ERA) make for a dangerous 1-2-3 punch, and that’s just the beginning. San Diego’s bullpen? It’s elite, ranking 2nd in ERA (3.11) and anchored by Yuki Matsui and Robert Suarez.

At the plate, the Padres have everything from power to contact. Fernando Tatis Jr. leads the team with 36 home runs, and Luis Arraez is a hitting machine, winning the batting title with a .345 average. If you’re hunting for value, the Padres’ mix of talent and upside makes them a team to watch.

Best Bet: Philadelphia Phillies (+475)

The Phillies are the total package. They closed the season with a +207 run differential, good for 3rd in MLB, and averaged 5.05 runs per game (4th overall). Their pitching staff, led by Wheeler and Nola, gives them an edge, and with one of the most balanced lineups in baseball, they’ve got everything you need to go all the way.

Key Stat: Zack Wheeler’s 1.89 ERA over his last 10 starts means he’s in peak form heading into the postseason. When he takes the mound, the Phillies are 16-7 this year—making them a tough team to beat.

Longshot Pick: San Diego Padres (+1200)

At +1200, the Padres are a longshot with major upside. Their bullpen posted an 84.2% save rate—the best in the postseason—and their lineup has a lethal mix of power and contact. With a top-notch rotation and an elite bullpen, they’re built to grind out wins in October.

Key Stat: San Diego’s bullpen WAR of 8.3 is the highest of any playoff team, giving them a huge advantage in close games.

Bottom Line

The numbers don’t lie: the Philadelphia Phillies are the best bet to win it all, with a perfect mix of elite pitching, a dangerous lineup, and a tough home field. But if you’re looking for value, the San Diego Padres offer great odds and a real shot at a deep run. Stay locked in with Bet Fanatics for more predictions and analysis throughout the postseason!