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After finishing the 2017 season with a mediocre 77-85 record, all indications are that the Miami Marlins will trim gobs of payroll, likely by trading away several of their most effective players. Expecting them to take an initial step backward as part of a lengthy rebuilding process, the Westgate Las Vegas SuperBook has assigned the club 80/1 odds to win it all in 2018. Seven other MLB teams share the same odds, with only the Detroit Tigers (300/1) coming in beneath them.
Longest Odds to Win 2018 World Series
| Team | 2017 Record | 2018 WS Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Team | 2017 Record | 2018 WS Odds |
| Marlins | 77-85 | 80/1 |
| Pirates | 75-87 | 80/1 |
| Twins | 85-77 | 80/1 |
| Royals | 80-82 | 80/1 |
| Athletics | 75-87 | 80/1 |
| Phillies | 66-96 | 80/1 |
| Reds | 68-94 | 80/1 |
| Padres | 71-91 | 80/1 |
| Tigers | 64-98 | 300/1 |
At the other end of the spectrum, the Los Angeles Dodgers (5/1) are considered early favorites. Depth at all positions and ample resources to add more talent this offseason have them poised for another deep October run. They barely fell short of the 2017 title, losing to the Houston Astros in Game 7 on Wednesday.
But don’t let the pessimism get you down! Keep in mind, the Marlins weren’t a sexy pick entering either the 1997 or 2003 seasons. And these odds will surely fluctuate throughout the winter as signings and trades are completed. Despite what’s been rumored, new ownership could still change course and consider moves that help the Fish contend immediately.
For comparison’s sake, the Westgate had the Marlins at 40/1 odds—about twice as likely to win—at this time a year ago, per ESPN’s David Purdum.