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Spring training is underway for all 30 MLB teams. The return to the full 162-game MLB schedule is a welcome addition to the 2021 campaign. As of now, the playoffs are expected to return to a five- team format in each league. The three division winners will be joined by two wild card teams.
There is some talk that league owners will continue to push for an expanded postseason similar to the format that was used last season due to an abbreviated 60-game regular season schedule. This is something to pay close attention to moving through the 2021 season.
For now, a few online sportsbooks have released betting odds for each team’s chances to qualify for the 2021 World Series Derby. Teams such as the Los Angeles Dodgers (-2000) and the New York Yankees (-1100) are too cost prohibitive to bet on. But it makes absolutely no betting sense to wager against either team when it comes to another playoff appearance this year.
A few longshots also offer little value in their inflated return to qualify for the postseason. You can bet the Pittsburgh Pirates at +2000 or the Baltimore Orioles at +1800 but your are probably throwing your hard-earned money down the drain.
The sweet spot betting MLB playoff futures is finding a few teams at plus money that actually have a legitimate chance to exceed expectations.
Top-Valued Pick #1: Tampa Bay Rays
Tampa Bay Rays Team Preview 2021
The Yankees are heavily favored to win the AL East at -190 betting odds followed by the Toronto Blue Jays at +350 odds. Farther down the list is the Tampa Bay Rays at +475 odds to repeat as division champs. Their odds to return to the playoffs offer some excellent value at +120 odds.
Most MLB experts are focusing on Tampa Bay’s losses from last season’s AL East title run. New York may have the most talent on paper and Toronto has made some solid moves to close the gap. However, the Rays went all the way to the World Series with last year’s team. They also made the playoffs in 2019 with 96 wins.
Betting futures odds before Opening Day is all about finding good solid teams that are expected to take a step backwards this year. A winning culture is still instilled in teams such as Tampa Bay which usually leads to more wins than those projected totals. The Rays fit the bill to a tee given their recent success.
Top-Valued Pick #2: Chicago Cubs
Chicago Cubs Team Preview 2021
One National League team high on the value list would be the Chicago Cubs at +300. The NL Central Division title normally remains up for grabs into the month of September. The Cubs are fourth on the futures list to win the division this season at +525.
The St. Louis Cardinals (+105), Cincinnati Reds (+350) and the Milwaukee Brewers (+350) all have better odds to win. Yet, the Cubs have made the postseason in five of their last six seasons. Chicago may not have the level of talent that led to each of those playoff runs but you can never count this team completely out of the race given its recent level of success.
You can also get the Reds at +155 and the Brewers at +160 to earn a playoff spot in the NL this season. The odds that the Cardinals make the playoffs are -130.
Top-Valued Pick #3: Los Angeles Angels
Los Angeles Angels Team Preview 2021
While I have far less confidence in my third underdog pick to make the playoffs, I am still adding the Los Angeles Angels to this list. Their odds to make the playoffs are +170 with the odds for both the Houston Astros and the Oakland Athletics set at -130.
This pick is more about Houston and Oakland coming back to the pack in the AL West this season than the Angels’ ability to take a major step forward.
