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Dodgers move to World Series favorite after landing Shohei Ohtani

frank schwab
Senior writer
·2 min read
138

The Los Angeles Dodgers spent a staggering amount of money to sign superstar Shohei Ohtani. The World Series odds say it might be worth it.

Following the 10-year, $700 million deal that Ohtani and the Dodgers reportedly agreed to, there was a predictable shift in the World Series odds at BetMGM, and the Dodgers are the new championship favorites.

The Dodgers aren't an overwhelming favorite, though. They moved from +700 to +600 (meaning a bettor who wagers $100 on the Dodgers to win the World Series would win $600).

Shohei Ohtani is coming off another MVP season for the Los Angeles Angels. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
Shohei Ohtani is coming off another MVP season for the Los Angeles Angels. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)

Here are the World Series odds right after the news that Ohtani is joining the Dodgers:

  • Dodgers +600

  • Atlanta Braves +650

  • New York Yankees +900

  • Houston Astros +1000

  • Texas Rangers +1000

While the Dodgers' moving to the front of the line in the World Series odds is notable, there was not a massive shakeup with the championship odds — at least, not the change you might expect after a $700 million splash.

Here were the odds before the Ohtani signing:

There was speculation that Ohtani would sign with the Blue Jays on Friday, and that caused the odds to shift to +1100 for Toronto to win the World Series. That happened before any news was announced. Then the Dodgers swooped in with a record contract.

Ohtani's impact will come only as a hitter in 2024. He had elbow surgery in September, which is expected to keep him from pitching until 2025.

He still contributes plenty as a hitter. Despite playing in just 135 games in 2023, he led the American League with 44 home runs. He also led the AL with a .412 on-base percentage and .654 slugging percentage. He hit .304, which is rare in today's game for an elite power hitter. He might've still won AL MVP even if he hadn't pitched an inning last season.

The Dodgers with Ohtani will be tough to beat. They went 100-62 last season, but then, like many of MLB's best teams, were upset early in the playoffs. Even so, they have a lineup that features Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman and now Ohtani.

If the Dodgers win the World Series, as the odds believe they can, the cost for Ohtani will be worth it.