As the 2024 MLB season gears up, all eyes are on the potential champions, especially following the Texas Rangers' historic win last year. The Lone Star State side clinched their first-ever World Series title last term, ending a 63-year championship drought in the process in a campaign that has been described as nothing short of a fairy tale.
They headed into 2023 as rank outsiders and only just squeezed into the playoffs as the Atlantic League's fifth seed. But once they were there, they proved that they were genuine contenders. They first defeated the Tampa Bay Rays, before sweeping a top-seeded Baltimore Orioles side that had picked up a mighty 101 wins throughout the course of the regular season in stunning fashion after that came the heavy-hitting Houston Astros who were defeated in a thrilling seven-game series, before finally defeating an Arizona Diamondbacks side in the midst of a Cinderella story of their own.
Their victory was a result of strategic rebuilds, key player performances, and a postseason that will be remembered for years. However, with the 2024 season upon us, the reigning championships are considered one of the front runners to retain their crown. The latest baseball betting odds have made them the +1100 sixth favorites this term, with five teams ahead of them in the odds list.
The action is due to get underway on March 28th with a blockbuster card. On the opening weekend, the Philadelphia Phillies will face off against the Atlanta Braves while the Houston Astros will take on the New York Yankees in two heavyweight encounters that are sure to bring in the new year with a bang. But who are the frontrunners for glory this term, and who could end up walking away with the World Series this September?
Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers have consistently been a powerhouse in MLB, and they enter 2024 as the +325 favorites. Last term, they fell short in the playoffs in a shocker, losing to the eventual beaten finalist Diamondbacks in the NLDS. They will be aiming to put that right this term and making it all the way for the second time in four years.
The NorCal side boasts both offensive firepower and pitching prowess in the form of Mookie Betts and Walker Buehler, while key trades in the offseason saw them bolster their bullpen. Their opener against the St. Louis Cardinals is already being billed as a must-watch, and setting the tone with an authoritative victory should see them start what promises to be an exhilarating campaign on the front foot.
Atlanta Braves
The Braves' ability to blend experienced stars with young talent has kept them in contention year after year, and this time around is no different. Ronald Acuña Jr. continues to be a pivotal figure both at the plate and in the field, while the addition of a proven pitcher in the form of Chris Sale – who arrived on a two-year, $38 million contract from the Boston Red Sox – enhances a rotation that was already among the league's best in ERA.
Atlanta’s front office has been particularly adept at mid-season adjustments, and fans can expect the Braves to be aggressive in bolstering their roster as the playoff race heats up. Key matchups against division rivals, the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets will be critical in their quest for the division title and beyond. Both sides have been stronger than ever in recent years and the Georgia side will have to be at its very best if they are to live up to expectations this term.
New York Yankees
The Yankees are never far from the conversation when it comes to championship contention. The 2022 campaign saw them make a deep playoff run, powered by Aaron Judge’s home runs and Gerrit Cole’s strikeouts. They were ultimately downed by the Astros in the Championship series however it looked like another chapter in their storied legacy was being written.
Unfortunately, things didn't pan out as expected last term, and they were plagued by inconsistency, which saw them miss out on the playoffs altogether. Now, they will be aiming to emerge as a contender once again and their series against their archrival Boston Red Sox in June is pivotal to any success they may have. Contests between the two are always must-watch affairs and this year stands out as a potential decider in the race for the AL East crown.
Houston Astros
The Astros somehow continue to keep themselves in the hunt each year. Last season, they overcame injuries to key players and still managed to make a significant playoff push, a push that was ultimately ended by the eventual champion Rangers. José Altuve and Alex Bregman continue to be the heartbeat of the team and if those two are at their very best, the rest of the league could be in big trouble.
Their rivalry with the Oakland Athletics will once again be a highlight of the regular season. This year will mark one of the final times that the contest will take place before their rivals head off to Las Vegas, and who knows whether the rivalry will remain as strong as it is today thereafter. Enjoy it while you can.
