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Shohei Ohtani Shakes Up MLB Futures Market
Japanese baseball superstar Shohei Ohtani recently signed a new contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers that will pay him a record $700 million over ten years. The new deal almost doubled the $360 million contract signed by the Yankees’ Aaron Judge and is more than ex-teammate Mike Trout’s $426.5 million extension.
Disclaimer
The contract is the biggest in professional sports history, even surpassing the $674 million deal signed by Lionel Messi with FC Barcelona in 2021. Ohtani announced the deal on his Instagram page after weeks of speculation, including many reports that he would sign with the Toronto Blue Jays. However, the Dodgers’ World Series futures odds were boosted once news of the deal was released.
Ohtani Moving Markets
The signing of Ohtani by the Dodgers has had an immediate effect on the MLB futures markets across sports betting apps. His former team, the Los Angeles Angels, are now listed with odds as high as +15000 to win the 2024 World Series. The team hoped he would return as they look to rebuild their roster, but the Halos are now a huge longshot to win it all with just one superstar left in the lineup.
After being second in the odds to win the 2024 Fall Classic on most MLB betting sites, the Dodgers are now the favorite to win the championship next season after moving ahead of Atlanta with +550 odds vs. the Braves’ +650 odds. Ohtani’s move from Anaheim to Hollywood almost guarantees the Dodgers will be the favorites throughout the rest of the offseason as teams scramble to sign the top remaining free agents. The Houston Astros are third, with +850 odds to win it all.
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Are the Dodgers a Good Bet to Win it All?
The Dodgers didn’t try to acquire any big free agents last offseason, as most assumed they were waiting to make their best bid at landing Ohtani this year. Even though he won’t pitch next season after having surgery on his throwing elbow, he’ll serve as the Dodgers’ designated hitter, replacing six-time All-Star J.D. Martinez. Last season, Ohtani hit .304 with 44 homers and 95 RBIs and was 10-5 with a 3.14 ERA on the mound.
Los Angeles has made the postseason in 11 consecutive seasons, and having Ohtani in the lineup will significantly impact the team’s success when he’s at 100%. His addition gives LA one of the best lineups seen in several years, with perennial MVP candidates Freddie Freeman and Mookie Betts. While their pitching is still questionable, the Dodgers should be able to score more runs than any team they face next season and are an excellent bet to win the title in 2024.
Unfortunately locals will cannot bet on MLB futures on California betting apps, but it’s never to early to start planning that opening day DFS stack.
Other MLB Futures to Consider
The Philadelphia Phillies have been in the middle of recent World Series races and will likely have the lineup led by sluggers Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber returning to make another run next season. With odds of +1000 to win the World Series in 2024, a bet on the Phillies offers fans a chance to make a nice profit on a preseason futures wager.
The Atlanta Braves were dominant during the regular season, with a 104-58 record before their collapse in the postseason. They still have all their top players under contract, including NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr., MLB home run leader Matt Olson, Sean Murphy, and Austin Riley. Atlanta is currently at +650 odds to win the 2024 World Series.
Erik is a dynamic and seasoned journalist with a passion for all things sports and sports betting. With a career spanning over two decades, he has become a prominent figure in the world of sports journalism, admired for his insightful analysis and engaging storytelling.