MLB throws first pitch on April 7. One of the most popular prop bets to make before the baseball season is on World Series matchups. World Series matchup odds often provide overlays that are difficult to find in other prop bets. Keep reading for a MLB World Series Betting strategy that should help you determine which World Series matchup wagers to make. Then, read about the likeliest Fall Classic matchups.
Possible World Series Betting Matchups | MLB Odds
2022 MLB World Series
- When: October – November
- TV/Streaming: FOX / Fox Sports
Key Team World Series Matchup Strategy Explained
The World Series matchup strategy revolves around a key team. Once you choose your key team, think about the teams you want to match in the World Series.
The Los Angeles Dodgers recently signed Freddie Freeman away from the Atlanta Braves. With Freeman on board, LAD looks like a lock to win the National League. So the Dodgers are the key team for our likely World Series matchups.
When choosing underdog Fall Classic matchups, it makes sense to go with a team in the same division as your key team. The reason is if your key team falters, you have a backup that offers a much better price. See below for the likeliest World Series matchups for the 2022 MLB Season.
Most Likely Matchup – Dodgers vs Astros
Like we wrote above, the Freeman addition turns the Dodgers into a big time chalk to win the National League. The team most likely to take it to LAD in the World Series are the Houston Astros.
There are a couple of reasons why the Stros are the best AL pick. The main reason is because they play in a bad division. So Houston is close to a lock to make it to the postseason. If Justin Verlander returns and throws his best, the Stros will be difficult to beat in the playoffs.
Second Most Likely Matchup – Dodgers vs White Sox
Minnesota has made enough moves to give the White Sox a challenge. But, really, Chicago should have no trouble winning the AL Central.
The White Sox have developed a very good starting rotation. Lance Lynn is as consistent as any starter in the league. Dallas Kuechel can still dominate at times, Dylan Cease posted a sub-4.00 ERA and Lucas Giolito is a Cy Young contender.
Third Most Likely Matchup – Dodgers vs Rays
4-of-5 teams in the deep AL East can win the division. But based on past performance, the Tampa Bay Rays are the best play.
Why the Rays over the Yankees, Blue Jays, and Red Sox? The Rays played well last season and their best starter, Tyler Glasnow, was out for almost all of 2021.
If Glasnow returns and throws heat the way many expect he will, Tampa should be back to dominating their AL East opponents. The bad news for the Rays is that Glasnow just had ankle surgery.
So he will miss the first week of regular season action. Then, he’ll require a week or so to get back into shape before hitting the diamond. But the Rays can lean on Corey Kluber, who should have a great season after his better than expected 2021, and Shane McClanahan, their ace from last year.
Under Dog Key Team – Philadelphia Phillies
The best underdog play to beat the Dodgers and win the National League Pennant are the Philadelphia Phillies.
When it comes to the Phillies, two things must happen. First, Didi Gregorious must hit .250 or better and second someone must step up in the rotation, either Kyle Gibson, or Aaron Nola, or Ranger Suarez, and support ace Zach Wheeler.
If those two things happen, the Phillies will be a strong squad. Bryce Harper is great. JT Realmuto is the best catcher in baseball, Jean Segura bats for average and will hit at least 14 home runs, and Kyle Schwarber is one of the NL’s top designated hitters.
Give Philadelphia a better than their odds indicate shot to win the NL and consider them the best underdog MLB key team in World Series matchups.
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