Baseball season is back and in full swing, with the MLB having already provided fans with plenty of entertainment at the plate so far!
There have been some impressive and – equally – shocking results that have been recorded already, which has led to a number of discussions around what we could all come to expect as the 2023 season winds on.
The Houston Astros managed to win the 2022 edition of the World Series, and for many who are looking to capitalize on the sports betting opportunities that are now available, they remain the slight favorites to repeat the feat once again.
Fans have been able to spend time looking at the choices and predictions that they want to make as they can compare odds on any of the major baseball betting apps in order to enhance their viewing experiences and get the most out of one of their biggest passions.
Should the Houston Astros be considered the slight favorites, though? Or, are there other contenders that those taking a punt on who will be the next World Series champions should be considering?
Houston Astros Remain Favorites
Despite the poor start that the organization has had to the 2023 MLB season, the Houston Astros are still widely considered to be the favorites to retain their title and end the year as champions once again; especially as it is a long season.
The team did lose Justin Verlander in free agency as he joined the New York Mets, but they did manage to sign Jose Abreu and get Cristian Javier to sign a new deal to commit his future to the organization. Also, a new general manager in Dana Brown has arrived, which could help take the team to even greater heights.
Although the bad start is far from ideal, there is still plenty of baseball to be played, and many expect the team to iron out any kinks they may have and finish strongly.
Who Are The Challengers?
If you are not convinced the Astros are able to retain their status as World Series champions this season, then who could potentially challenge them? Well, the Atlanta Braves are perhaps considered the best shot.
The organization has started the campaign strongly and is on the right foot, and the 2021 World Series winners will be looking to return to the top as soon as they can. They are a team that is definitely worth keeping a close eye on, as they managed to keep the core of their roster together.
Aside from the Astros and Braves, the New York Yankees are among the other candidates to win this year’s major baseball prize. The iconic franchise managed to add pitcher Carlos Rodón to their bullpen, which had managed to produce some incredible numbers throughout the 2022 season.
Individuals such as Gerrit Cole, Nestor Cortes, and Luis Severino were all incredibly efficient, while Aaron Judge was out-of-this-world when he stepped up to the plate. The organization will have been delighted to have been able to re-sign the slugger to a new deal after hitting 62 home runs last year, and he appears to be in the same groove as he has already managed a couple in just the few games to have been played thus far.
Who Will Win the 2023 World Series?
With just a handful of games to have been played and the MLB season being nothing short of a marathon, there is still a lot of baseball that needs to be played. However, if you are looking to try and predict who might end up as 2023 World Series champions, then the Astros, Braves, or Yankees are probably your best bet.
Each of the three teams mentioned has experience in winning the big one while they have managed to put together rosters that are full of talented individuals that can be match-winners and help their team get over the edge.