MLB Playoff Schedule: World Series Odds for Every Matchup
The World Series is nearly a month away, but it’s not too early to start predicting which teams will meet to fight over baseball’s biggest prize.
Could the Yankees and Phillies meet again? Or could the upstart Rangers ride hot bats although to the Fall Classic against Bobby Cox’s Braves?
Here’s a look at all 16 potential match-ups, the odds they will happen and the predicted winners of each series.
No. 16: Cincinnati vs. Texas
1 of 16
Odds: 50-1
The Reds and the Rangers aren’t the sexiest teams in the postseason, and both teams have plenty of questions that could keep them from sneaking into the World Series. If they get there, the Rangers’ bats, speed and strong bullpen figure to carry them to a fairly easy win.
Prediction: Texas wins in five games.
No. 15: Cincinnati Vs. Minnesota
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Odds: 50-1
One of the unlikeliest World Series in history would feature two teams with inconsistent hitting. The top three starters are fairly even, but the Reds have a big advantage in the bullpen with Arthur Rhodes, Aroldis Chapman and a host of solid arms.
Prediction: The Reds win in six games in a series filled with blown saves on both sides.
No. 14: Atlanta vs. Texas
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Odds: 50-1
The Braves have been World Series favorites several times and lost, so it might be fitting they make one of the most surprising runs in National League history in Bobby Cox’s final season in the dugout. The Braves simply don’t have the bats to hang with the Rangers.
Prediction: Texas wins in five games.
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No. 13: Atlanta vs. Minnesota
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Odds: 50-1
It almost certainly won’t happen, but a series featuring two of the games youngest stars to be very entertaining to say the least. Jason Heyward is a blossoming superstar, and if the Braves make it to the World Series it will be on his broad shoulders. The Twins are capable of manufacturing runs and have a slight edge offensively.
Prediction: Minnesota wins in seven games.
No. 12: San Francisco Vs. Minnesota
5 of 16
Odds: 45-1
Minnesota will be fighting an uphill battle to make it out of the deep American League, but the Twins would have a good chance against the Giants. The solid starting rotation would give the Giants an big advantage. Buster Posey and Aubrey Huff deliver timely hits and Brian Wilson closes the door.
Prediction: San Francisco wins in six games.
No. 11: Cincinnati vs. Tampa Bay
6 of 16
Odds: 45-1
Both teams have very inconsistent bats, but Joey Votto could end up being the difference in a series dominated by starting pitching. The Rays get more attention than the Reds, but Bronson Arroyo has big-game experience and has a solid season, and Edison Volquez and Johnny Cueto are very solid starters.
Prediction: In the end, the Rays are the better team and win in seven games.
No. 10: Atlanta vs. Tampa Bay
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Odds: 45-1
Tampa Bay and Atlanta would present an interesting--albeit unlikely—World Series match-up. The Rays can rarely string together a rally, but they have an edge in power against the Braves and better starting pitching.
Prediction: Tampa wins in six games.
No. 9: Atlanta vs. New York
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Odds: 45-1
The Braves don’t have a clear advantage anywhere against the Yankees, and would need a heroic performance from a number of players including Tommy Hanson, Troy Glaus and Omar Infante to have a chance to dethrone the Yankees.
Prediction: New York wins in five games.
No. 8: Cincinnati vs. New York
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Odds: 30-1
The Reds will be riding momentum if they manage to survive against the National League, but the Yankees should be able to simply out-slug Cincinnati to claim a 28th World Series win.
Prediction: The Yankees win in five games.
No. 7: Philadelphia Vs. Minnesota
10 of 16
Odds: 20-1
The Phillies are finally healthy, and the Twins still aren’t. Without Jason Morneau in the lineup, the Twinkies won’t have enough bats to conquer the Philadelphia’s starting rotation or compete with Ryan Howard, Jimmy Rollins and the rest of the National League’s most versatile offense.
Prediction: The Phillies win in five games.
No. 6: Philadelphia vs. Texas
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Odds: 10-1
The Phillies and Rangers are very similar teams, featuring a nice mix of speed and power offensively. Roy Halladay, Roy Oswalt and the resurgent Cole Hamels give the reigning National League champs the edge.
Prediction: Philly wins in six games.
No. 5: San Francisco vs. Texas
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Odds: 10-1
The Giants boast arguably the best starting rotation in the postseason, and have a solid bullpen anchored by Brian Wilson and his frightening beard. Buster Posey and the Giants would be able to generate just enough runs to compete with the Rangers’ offense.
Prediction: San Francisco wins in seven games.
No. 4: Philadelphia Vs. Tampa Bay
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Odds: 5-1
The Phillies and Rays meet for the second time in three years in another series tarnished by weather delays. The match-up would provide fantastic theater, but the young Rays would struggle to put together quality at-bats on a consistent basis.
Prediction: The Phillies win in six games.
No. 3: San Francisco vs. Tampa Bay
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Odds: 5-1
Don’t expect many runs to be scored if these two teams meet in the Fall Classic. The Rays could benefit from playing at AT&T Park, using their speed to manufacture runs. Meanwhile, Brian Wilson and Rafael Soriano would be counted on to protect leads in close games.
Prediction: San Francisco wins in a thrilling seven game series.
No. 2: San Francisco vs. New York
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Odds: 3-1
Two teams with opposite strengths and weaknesses meet in what would be arguably the most appealing fall classic outside of Phillies-Yankees. The Giants’ would need young starters Tim Lincecum and Jonathan Sanchez to not get overwhelmed by the moment in order to have a chance.
Prediction: New York rides its powerful bats to a win in six games.
No. 1: Philadelphia Vs. New York
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Odds: 3-1
The World Series rematch is a long, long way from happening but could become a reality if the Yankees get even the slightest lift from Andy Pettitte or Phil Hughes. Philadelphia would have an edge this time around thanks to Oswalt and Hamels having a big advantage.
Prediction: The Phillies win in six games.
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