MLB Postseason (Risky) Futures Bets
Sports Opinion by Ethan Irish
There are less than 20 days left of the 2022 MLB regular season and a lot can change between now and then. Looking at the board I can see a couple bets that I like for the final push towards us seeing the playoff picture and from there, this seasons World Series Champion.
Bet #1: Atlanta Braves NL East Winner +175 (Caesars Sportsbook)
This line will probably change day by day until the season is over but right now I see value to more than double your money on a short term future. The Braves are currently one game back from the Mets in the division and many sportsbooks have the Mets heavily favored over them. It is easy to see why when you look at the schedules and see the Mets get to go to Oakland for a three game set later this week. That said, the Mets still have to go on the road to Atlanta for a three game set in which I think will ultimately decide the division. Atlanta has a win percentage of 67.1% at home so if the Mets manage to lose a couple of the easy games remaining on their schedule Atlanta could steal 2 from them.
The defending World Champions, the Atlanta Braves, are looking for to defend their title and getting a bye for the first round of the playoffs can help tremendously. Winning the division would get them this bye so I do not expect them to slow down even with already clinched playoff birth.
Bet #2: St. Louis Cardinals NL Pennant Winner +900 (Caesars Sportsbook) [RISKY]
I believe that a lot of people are writing off this Cardinals team who is very dangerous offensively and can do more than just hold their own on defense. I honestly just think this team is very underrated in terms of what it is capable of. They currently rank 4th in runs per game, are top ten in every hitting statistic with the exception of BABIP, and win more than 60% of the time with equal rest. The last statistic bodes well for them in the playoffs. Also, maybe they can go on a postseason run for Albert Pujols' final season in the big leagues, who doesn't love a narrative?
The obvious disadvantage for the Cardinals is they more than likely will not have a chance to secure a first round bye in the postseason. Another disadvantage is if the regular season were to end today they would get the Phillies in the Wild Card round who they went 3-4 against in the regular season.
Bet #3: Blue Jays WS Winner +1600 (Caesars Sportsbook) [RISKY]
This bet for me is more of a risk only because I believe a lot of it will depend on seeding. This does not mean I do not think it will happen, however. The Blue Jays are extremely talented in every area of the game and if they turn out to be the top Wild Card (4 seed), win thar quick series and face the Astros I think they could go on a run. Currently the Blue Jays score the second most runs per game in the American league and that is after a sluggish start to the season. They also haven't played Houston since May and they went 4-2 against them then.
Yes, of course Toronto might not win the World Series but I do think this line gives a lot of value to a team that could get on a hot streak at any moment and easily beat any team in the league. I also think we this number being so high right now gives the chance for a cash out option later on, especially as we get closer and closer to the postseason.