Blue Jays Climbing, Cubs Leading On 2016 World Series Futures

There has been a lot of angst over the Toronto Blue Jays this season. The offense hasn’t been nearly as productive as last year’s team that led Major League Baseball by far in runs (891) and homers (232). The pitching staff isn’t quite as good, either, but that was to be expected when David Price left in free agency. But know this Jays fans: through June 15 last year, Toronto was 34-31. Through the same date in 2016, the Jays are 37-31. They are the sixth-favoured team to win the World Series at +1100 on Sports Interaction’s MLB odds.

Will Jays Swing Another Big Deal?

The Blue Jays took off last July when they made two big trades: acquiring shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and reliever LaTroy Hawkins from Colorado for shortstop Jose Reyes and three pitching prospects; and landing Price from Detroit for three more pitching prospects, led by Daniel Norris. Even though Tulo has struggled this season and remains on the DL, that trade still looks pretty good considering what has happened to Reyes off the field. He was designated for assignment this week for the Rockies, meaning they will eat about $40 million remaining on his contract.

The question is: Do the Jays have enough left in their gutted farm system to make another big splash ahead of this year’s Aug. 1 trade deadline? The deadline is Aug. 1 because the usual July 31 deadline falls on a Sunday. Toronto could use another arm, especially with the innings limit on young Aaron Sanchez.

Also working against the Jays in 2016 is that the AL East is much better. Only Toronto and the Yankees finished above .500 from the division last year, but it’s easy to see everyone but the Yankees do so this season. The Orioles and especially the Red Sox, who signed Price to a mega-deal in free agency this past winter, are much improved.

Boston has the shortest odds of any AL East team to win the World Series at +1000. The Red Sox are co-AL favourites with the Texas Rangers at that price. However, the Rangers’ odds could be affected on the health of ace pitcher Yu Darvish. He made three very good starts in his return from Tommy John surgery but then landed back on the disabled list with tightness in that surgically-repaired shoulder. Two MRIs showed no structural issues, but Darvish will be on a strict innings limit the rest of the way. That’s if he stays healthy.

Cubbies Lead The Pack

The Chicago Cubs, who haven’t won a World Series since 1908 or played in one since 1945, opened the season as betting favourites on MLB odds to win the Fall Classic and they remain atop the list by a wide margin at +350. The Cubs have the best record in baseball at 44-20, the top run differential and the largest division lead. They should be favoured.

The Los Angeles Dodgers could be great betting value right now at +1800 to win their first World Series since 1988. Would you bet against L.A. in any postseason game in which Clayton Kershaw pitched? True, the three-time Cy Young Award winner has had his postseason troubles in the past, but there’s no question that Kershaw is the best pitcher in baseball and on track to win a fourth Cy Young. The Dodgers also have the deep pockets to add whatever they need by the trade deadline. In addition, the team is getting back two starting pitchers, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Brandon McCarthy, next month. Neither has pitched in the majors this season off Tommy John surgery but both are rehabbing in the minors.

Also potential good betting value is Detroit at +2500. The Tigers can hit with anyone, and owner Mike Ilitch has proven he will spend the money necessary to bring a World Series title back to Motown for the first time since 1984. Expect the Tigers to add pitching by the trade deadline. Norris could be a factor with Detroit too as he is pitching well in Triple-A and could be called up soon.