MLB
Who are the favorites to win the 2024 MLB World Series?
The Texas Rangers are the defending champions after beating the Diamondbacks; with the start of the new MLB season, other contenders are emerging.
Only a few days separate us from the start of the beginning of a new season in Major League Baseball. With Spring Training coming to an end, and still a while to go until the trade deadline (5 p.m. 30 July), let’s take a look at the contenders for the 2024 MLB title.
Los Angeles Dodgers start out as favorites
Perhaps the team that drew the most attention during free agency due to the number and caliber of the signings made were The Los Angeles Dodgers. At the start of December, they signed Shohei Ohtani for a record $700 million, 10-year contract. A few weeks later, he was joined by compatriot Yoshinobu Yamamoto, one of the best available pitchers on the market. Yamamoto generated some uncertainty after an underwhelming debut in the MLB Seoul Series games - he lasted just one inning and gave up five runs to the San Diego Padres in the 15-11 defeat.
Last season, the Texas Rangers won the World Series, beating the Arizona Diamondbacks 4-1. So who will be among the contenders this year? MLB’s writers put the question to 100 players, who gave their verdict on who they think will be crowned champions if their team does not win it.
The players’ responses put the Los Angeles Dodgers as the main favorites to win the World Series, just as they did in 2020.
MLB World Series rfavorites
- Los Angeles Dodgers
- Atlanta Braves
- Baltimore Orioles
- Philadelphia Phillies
- New York Yankees
The Dodgers are the firm favorites with the players surveyed, edging out the Braves. Although it could be a closely-fought contest between the two. The Dodgers added Ohtani and Yamamoto to a roster that was already very strong with MVP winners Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman. One player summed up Dave Roberts’ team: “I mean, they were already pretty good... and they definitely got some guys.”
Players feel that the Braves will be giving the Dodgers a run for their money. Brian Snitker also has a solid roster which features National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr, Matt Olson and Austin Riley. On the mound, Spencer Strider and Max Fried spearhead a starting rotation packed with quality. The Braves signed left-hander Chris Sale on a $38 million deal from the Red Sox in exchange for Vaughn Grissom back in December.
The Orioles ended last year’s regular season 101-61, finishing first in AL East. The O’s have a young roster who are gaining experience and added right-hand pitcher Corbin Burnes last month which will boost their rotation. MLB players agreed that they will once again be a tough team to beat.