Major League Baseball Predictions For 2016

VEGAS ODDS

If the talent pool and photo didn’t give it away, the Cubs are your current favorite to win the 2016 World Series. Coming up short in an NLCS showdown with the New York Mets, the Cubs return essentially everyone — and have added Dexter Fowler. They return a Cy Young winner in Jake Arrieta, signed a big deal to keep Jason Heyward out of St. Louis, and have arguably one of the best players coaches in Joe Maddon.

What isn’t there to like about the Cubs?

They do have some company though, especially in the even year wonders that are the San Francisco Giants. In 2010, 2012, and 2014, the Giants brought World Series titles to the city of San Francisco. With that kind of success and fun, who wouldn’t like to see an odd, but exciting “Even Year” team? Most would not be surprised if had somehow been programmed in their brains. But the Even Year myth has to bug them as they want to compete every year. However, injuries were the story of their 2015.

How about the perfection of a franchise such as the St. Louis Cardinals?

In any sport, they define the word — consistency. Stan Musial, Curt Flood, Bob Gibson, Steve Carlton, Ozzie Smith, Albert Pujols, Chris Carpenter, Adam Wainwright, and Tony LaRussa are just some of the products this franchise has flashed over the years. Not to mention their stellar minor league system that always finds ways to replenish and reload without having to take off years.

Every year, the playoffs are a second home to the Cardinals and Mike Matheny has continued the success in the post LaRussa era.

While the Cubs, Giants, and Cardinals are highly favored to win it all in 2016, here is the list of World Series odds according to the vegasinsider.com future rankings:

(Last updates March 28, 2016)

1. Chicago Cubs                                               9-2                     16. Detroit Tigers                               30-1
2. San Francisco Giants                                 9-1                      17. Los Angeles Angels                     30-1
3. New York Mets                                           10-1                    18. Seattle Mariners                          32-1
4. Boston Red Sox                                          12-1                     19. Chicago White Sox                     40-1
5. Kansas City Royals                                    14-1                     20. Baltimore Orioles                      45-1
6. Houston Astros                                          15-1                     21. Miami Marlins                            50-1
7. Los Angeles Dodgers                                 15-1                    22. Minnesota Twins                        60-1
8. Pittsburgh Pirates                                      15-1                     23. Tampa Bay Rays                        60-1
9. St. Louis Cardinals                                     16-1                    24. Oakland Athletics                      80-1
10. Toronto Blue Jays                                      18-1                     25. San Diego Padres                    100-1
11. Washington Nationals                              18-1                     26. Milwaukie Brewers                 120-1
12. New York Yankees                                     20-1                    27. Atlanta Braves                          140-1
13. Texas Rangers                                             20-1                    28. Cincinnati Reds                       150-1
14. Arizona Diamondbacks                             25-1                    29. Colorado Rockies                    200-1
15. Cleveland Indians                                       30-1                    30. Philadelphia Phillies              250-1

Baseball is a long 162 game process, and a trade deadline deal or prospects from the minors could shake up things. But what remains consistent and untouched are the bottom of the odds. Those teams are likely stuck in baseball limbo and rebuilds are more than needed the next few years.

The odds are very generous to the teams from last year’s playoffs, and all could make another appearance in the postseason. But don’t let the odds fool you.

Next: American League East