The hot stove has been sizzling the past week with several stars changing teams this offseason with the World Series Champions Houston Astros signing 2020 AL MVP Jose Abreu to bolster their roster while the NL Champions Philadelphia Phillies signed Trea Turner to make another run at the World Series.
Abreu and Turner are on the move, but the New York clubs have been front and center as well, starting with the Mets losing Jacob deGrom to the Texas Rangers, but responding by signing Justin Verlander to reunite with former Detroit Tigers teammate Max Scherzer.
The New York Yankees avoided disaster, re-signing Aaron Judge to a monster contract on the heels of his record setting 2022 season in which he set the American League home run record with 62 long balls.
Here are the updated World Series odds amidst all this player movement in what has been a busy offseason to date:
2023 World Series Odds
Houston Astros Remain Favorite to Win World Series
The Astros are +500 to repeat as World Series champs this season, but must fortify their rotation after Verlander left for Flushing to join the Mets. However, the team may be even stronger on offense with Abreu in the fold from the White Sox, off a strong season in which he hit .304.
NL West Set to Be Crowded in 2023
The Dodgers have been quiet thus far while the contenders in the NL West are bolstering their rosters. Despite not being as busy, Los Angeles has arguably the most talented roster in baseball, still the second choice to win the World Series at +700 (bet $100 to profit $700).
The Giants were hot on the Aaron Judge trail, seemingly having him on Tuesday afternoon, but so were the San Diego Padres it appeared, who were apparently set to offer Judge $400 million to join their roster.
Both lost to the New York Yankees in the pursuit of the slugger, but the Padres bounced back by signing shortstop Xander Bogaerts to strengthen their infield in hopes of knocking off the Dodgers, who have won nine of the last 10 division titles.
San Diego is +1000 following their move, while the Giants still sit at +5000.