World Series 2019 Odds: Orioles Attracting Bets Despite 2000-1 Dark-Horse Lines
March 27, 2019
There is no longer shot to win the 2019 World Series than the Baltimore Orioles, but that isn't stopping some bettors from putting their money on a team coming off a 115-loss season.
According to ESPN.com's David Purdum, the O's have odds as long as 2000-1 to win the World Series at some sportsbooks, yet they are attracting wagers due to the huge potential payoff if they manage to shock the world.
The Orioles have received more bets to win the World Series than 10 other teams at William Hill sportsbooks in Nevada, New Jersey and West Virginia, and there was even a $500 wager placed on Baltimore at 1000-1 odds.
Purdum noted that The Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas has taken 32 bets on the Orioles to win the World Series, as well as a $25 bet on the O's to win the most games in 2019, which carries 2000-1 odds.
SuperBook oddsmaker Randy Blum said, "People will always bet the super long shots."
The 2018 Orioles were among the worst teams in Major League Baseball history, as they posted the fourth-most losses in a season since 1900.
That was even with Manny Machado on the team for 96 games before being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and closer Zack Britton making 16 appearances before being dealt to the New York Yankees.
Entering 2019, the Orioles have major question marks across the board in their lineup, starting rotation and bullpen.
First baseman Chris Davis figures to be a significant part of the batting order after hitting just .168 over 470 at-bats last season. Dylan Bundy is the staff ace but posted a 5.45 ERA in 2018. Closer Mychal Givens has just nine career saves.
Also, starting pitcher Alex Cobb, designated hitter Mark Trumbo and outfielder Austin Hays are all in line to begin the 2019 season on the injured list.
Betting on the Orioles to win their first World Series since 1983 appears to be nothing more than a shot in the dark, but the brave souls who took a chance on Baltimore will get their first chance to see the O's during the regular season when they face the World Series favorite New York Yankees in a road game Thursday on Opening Day.