With just a little over a month until pitchers and catchers report, we are knocking on the doorstep of warmer temperatures and the return of America’s pastime. While teams around the league are still putting the final touches on their rosters, most of the heavy lifting has been done by general managers.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at the current odds and some early predictions for the 2023 season so you can start planning your bets against the MLB Lines.

Early 2023 MLB Season Betting Predictions

American League Winner: Houston Astros (+300)

Two teams continue to be the favorites to win the American League as the Houston Astros and New York Yankees both sit at +300 to win the AL.

Looking at the offseason, the Yankees were able to retain the reigning AL MVP by signing Aaron Judge to a nine-year, $360 million deal. They were also able to bring in lefty Carlos Rodon to help shore up the rotation by signing him to a six-year, $162 million contract.

As for the Houston Astros, they definitely took a hit losing Justin Verlander in free agency, but their rotation is still one of the deepest in baseball as they feature Framber Valdez, Christian Javier, Lance McCullers Jr, Luis Garcia, Jose Urquidy, and Hunter Brown.

They also shored up their weaknesses on the offensive side. They re-signed Michael Brantley, who should be healthy for the upcoming season, to split time in left field and designated hitter. They also brought in a major upgrade at first base by signing former MVP Jose Abreu.

While the Yankees improved, it might not be enough to overtake an Astros team that swept them in this year’s ALCS. While other teams like the Seattle Mariners (+800), Toronto Blue Jays (+800), Chicago White Sox (+1200), and Cleveland Guardians (+1200) will compete, expect Houston to make it to the World Series again.

National League Winner: San Diego Padres (+500)

The New York Mets went on an absolute spending spree this offseason and have propelled themselves to the favorites in the National League at +350. Still, it is hard to trust father time as the rotation relies on a one-two combo in which both pitchers are at least 38 years old, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.

The Dodgers (+400) took a major step back this offseason after losing Trea Turner, Justin Turner, Tyler Anderson, and Cody Bellinger. With Trevor Bauer being reinstated, the Dodgers are right up against the luxury tax, something they have expressed a desire to stay under.

That leads us to the San Diego Padres (+500). They shocked the Dodgers last off-season, and they have only gotten better since. Featuring a lineup that will include Manny Machado, Juan Soto, Xander Bogaerts, and Fernando Tatis Jr, they could have the best lineup in the National League.

With a pitching staff that ranked 11th in the majors in ERA (3.81) and a defense that ranked 10th (allowed 4.05 runs per game), the Padres can get it done on defense, too.

Between these three teams, the Atlanta Braves (+500), the Philadelphia Phillies (+700), and the St. Louis Cardinals (+1200), the National League should be a lot of fun this year.

World Series Winner: Astros (+650) Defeat Padres 

Having made it to six straight ALCS and having been in four of the last six World Series (winning two), it is just hard to bet against the Houston Astros right now. Their offense should be improved from last year, their rotation is still incredibly talented and deep, and they returned the best bullpen in all of baseball last year.

In baseball, truly anything can happen once the playoffs begin. However, at -200, the Astros have the best odds to win their division in the American League, and getting into the playoffs is half the battle.

There are certainly a number of teams that can compete for the World Series in 2023, but with their roster and recent success, there is a ton of value at +650 in betting the Houston Astros to go back-to-back and win it all again in 2023. 

2023 MLB Season
Baseball Betting Predictions and Analysis:

MLB Betting Center

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