Unforeseen Developments in MLB: Major Shockers and Their Impact on Betting Odds
The Cleveland Guardians continue to dominate the American League, leading the Central Division with the best record in the league. Their impressive form has earned them MLB futures odds of +1100 to win the 2024 World Series.
Meanwhile, the Arizona Diamondbacks have had a challenging start to the season. Currently, they are 39-41, double-digits behind the Dodgers in the NL West. Corbin Carroll, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, had a slow start to the season, with his batting average hovering below .200 over April and May. However, Carroll and the team have shown signs of improvement in June, with the Diamondbacks being one of the majors' best teams in June.
The Diamondbacks have made some significant moves this offseason, acquiring starting pitchers Jordan Montgomery and Eduardo Rodriguez, as well as trading for third baseman Eugenio Suarez. Rodriguez is yet to make his season debut, while Gallen, the team's ace, is currently on the injured list but could return by Saturday.
The Guardians have been exceptional, with a record of 44-1 when leading after 7.0 innings and 46-0 when leading after 8.0 innings. Their closer, Emmanuel Clase, has been impressive, with a 25-for-28 success rate in save chances, a 0.70 ERA, 0.65 WHIP, and 39:4 K:BB in 38.1 innings.
Elsewhere, the Texas Rangers, who won their first-ever World Series last season, are not currently in contention for a playoff spot, with a record of 37-43 and six games out of the final WC spot.
In the National League, the Milwaukee Brewers, despite losing manager Craig Counsell, ace Corbin Burnes, and second-best pitcher Brandon Woodruff, have MLB futures odds of +2000 to win the 2024 World Series. All-Star closer Devin Williams is yet to debut due to a back injury, but could return sooner than his initial mid-to-late-July recovery timeline.
The Brewers have started 14 different pitchers this season, with journeyman Dallas Keuchel being the 14th on Wednesday. The Rangers have not had two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom yet this season and won't until after the All-Star break.
Willy Adames of the Brewers has started all 81 games this season, all at shortstop, which is the second-longest streak by a shortstop in franchise history to begin a season.
The Arizona Diamondbacks have had a tough season, with four sweeps, but they have shown resilience and a potential for improvement as the season progresses. The Guardians, on the other hand, continue to impress, leading their division and being a strong contender for the World Series.
