The National League could be the wild, wild West this year, with many teams trying to make a push for the World Series. Coming off a year that the National League won the World Series and a league that has many possible contenders. Coming into the season, we all assumed that the Los Angeles Dodgers would dominate, but many teams are throwing their name in the hat.
Let’s take a look at the current MLB NL Division Odds favorites and a team that could be a dark horse to make a playoff run for the National League Pennant.
National League Pennant Odds to Win After Week 2 | MLB Betting
Los Angeles Dodgers +235
The Dodgers are currently a half-game behind the San Francisco Giants in the NL West, but the team is playing great baseball with a 12-6 record. They were the favorites coming into the season after signing Freddie Freeman to a long-term contract, even as they did lose Max Scherzer.
Trea Turner being on the roster has helped this team, and then by adding another big left-handed bat to the lineup makes the Dodgers that much harder to beat. The offense is as good as anyone could draw up, but they have to be clicking simultaneously. Freeman is currently playing well, but Mookie Betts has struggled to start.
A big part of the Dodger’s success will come from the pitching. Walker Buehler is by far their best pitcher, and he will be for a long time to come. The two southpaws of Julio Urias and Clayton Kershaw could be aces in many other teams’ rotations. The back end of the rotation is where questions could come up down the road.
New York Mets +400
After a hot start to the season, the New York Mets have shot their way up the betting boards, with the second-best odds coming into the season. The most impressive part for the Mets is how they have managed without Jacob deGrom. I would have suspected the pitching of struggling for the Mets without deGrom.
Not only are the Mets increasing their betting odds, but they are endearing the hearts of many, unless you’re a St. Louis Cardinals fan, by being relevant again. It is a long road ahead for the Mets, as they would hate to fall apart down the stretch again like they did a season ago.
By the looks of it, the Mets could be the team to challenge the Dodgers at some point in this season. Will we see the Dodgers and the Mets meet in the NLCS?
Atlanta Braves +650
The Atlanta Braves are most definitely fighting the World Series hangover as of right now. Currently three games under the .500 mark, the Braves are 5.5 back early in the season. They receive reinforcements back with the return of Ronald Acuna Jr. this evening.
While the Braves did make the trade for Matt Olson, they dearly miss Freddie Freeman. A long-time member of the team and Freeman helped bring a championship to the city of Atlanta last season. Unfortunately, business is business as the Braves optioned for a younger player.
This is a team I would advise staying away from this season. They lost both stars and role players from the team last season and have yet to fill that void.
Dark Horses
The St. Louis Cardinals could be the biggest dark horse in the National League. The Cardinals as of now do not have the best odds in their own division, but they have been able to manage their way towards the top of the NL Central with pitching issues.
Not having Jack Flaherty hurts this team, but his return could be soon. Nolan Arenado is off to a hot start this season and is making a case for MVP in the National League. Do not be surprised to see the St. Louis Cardinals as the last team standing in the National League.
MLB Betting Center
Odds and Lines
Latest MLB News:
