Shohei Ohtani to Dodgers: How to Bet on the New World Series Favorites

Shohei Ohtani has signed with the Dodgers, who are now the favorites to win the World Series at +550 after his announcement on Instagram Saturday. His 10-year $700 million deal is the largest guaranteed contract ever in any sport.

The Dodgers had the second-shortest odds to win it all prior to the news. Now, at DraftKings, they've usurped the Braves (+700) as the most likely World Series team. Here's a look at the full list of 2024 World Series odds.

2024 World Series Odds

Odds via DraftKings and as of Dec. 9. Maximize your MLB action with our DraftKings promo code.

It's a stark difference from Friday, when rumors swirled that Ohtani was close to signing with the Blue Jays in what turned out to be a red herring.

In a corresponding move, odds for the Dodgers' NL rivals fell, too. The Phillies moved from +1000 to +1100 after the news. The Braves, as aforementioned, went from +600 to +700.

Ohtani's former team, the L.A. Angels are now +10000 to win the World Series after losing one of their star players.

In the National League market, the Dodgers naturally became favorites as well. Los Angeles went from +400 to +280 in that market.

Dodgers also moved into favorites to win the National League. The Dodgers went from +400 to +270 to win the NL. The Braves went from +320 to +330 and the Phillies went from +450 to +550.

Ohtani won't be able to pitch for the 2024 season but is expected to return to the hill from 2025 onward. Ohtani's been one of the best sluggers in the league over the past three seasons — all while posting a roughly 3.00 ERA.

Action Network MLB writer BJ Cunningham has analysis on Dodgers futures as a result of Ohtani's acquisition.

Shohei Ohtani Trade Analysis

Ohtani going to the Dodgers instantly slots them as one of the favorites to win the World Series.

Caesars had the Dodgers listed at 94.5 wins for next season before the Ohtani, so it be interesting to see how much that number climbs. Ohtani was by far the leader in WAR in the American League last season due to both his hitting and pitching, but his 6.6 WAR as a hitter was the most in the American League as well. So, the immediate impact of Ohtani replacing JD Martinez at DH is worth about 4-5 wins, purely as a hitter.

While Ohtani instantly improves the Dodgers offense, it’s all going to come down to their rotation staying healthy. Walker Buehler will be back, Bobby Miller is seemingly about to take the leap into stardom, and Dustin May should be back sometime in the middle of the season.

When Ohtani does finally return as a pitcher, the Dodgers are going to have the best rotation in baseball. Right now, though I am sure the Dodgers win total will be close to 100, which means the only value play will be on the under, but we have a long way to go before opening day.

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