MLB
Which Teams Look Like World Series Contenders?
Looking at the real 2022 MLB World Series contenders from the LA Dodgers to the Toronto Blue Jays, and New York Yankees
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The 2022 MLB season is now well underway after opening in early April which means that fans can now look forward to the rest of the 162-game season, and finding out which teams end up looking like real World Series contenders. Although it might seem a little early to predict who could win the MLB Championship, now is actually a great time to ponder this question.
It not only encourages you to examine your team’s chances but is also worthwhile if you like to bet on baseball. Working out which teams might triumph and betting on them now could lead to you getting much better odds than doing it nearer the end of the season.
But which teams look to be the most likely to win the World Series in 2022?
Although you can look at the results in 2022 so far, check on team news, and get a general feel for which teams might have a chance, checking out what the bookies think is often easier. They have teams of people doing the hard work for you, so you can get an accurate picture by seeing what World Series 2022 predictions and odds they are showing.
Rather unsurprisingly, the LA Dodgers sit at the top of the current betting and have odds of around +450. The Toronto Blue Jays head the chasing pack at +700 odds, while the Yankees are showing at +1,000 for a World Series win.
But why are these three MLB teams emerging as the favorites in 2022?
Although they lost their opening three-game series to the Rockies, the Dodgers have come roaring back since. This has led to them being in red-hot scoring form overall and recording some very impressive wins — the 7-0 and 7-2 victories against the Twins spring to mind, as does the 9-1 mauling of the Reds and the 10-2 win over the Padres. If they can carry on this sort of form moving ahead, you have to consider them as potential World Series winners.
Of course, this is not a surprise when you look at the amount of elite-level talent they have in their locker room. It is easily the best-stacked roster in 2022’s MLB and you have to think this will give them enough to win the title. With Freddie Freeman’s move to the Dodgers plus people like Clayton Kershaw and Cody Bellinger, they will be able to overcome most teams.
Another team that could win the World Series this year is the Toronto Blue Jays. They currently hold a 12-6 record in 2022 and are sitting pretty atop the AL East rankings. The key to their chances of success will be how their new stars added in the offseason settle in. They will also be hoping current stars such as Bichette and Guerrero Jr have an awesome season too. 2021 All-Star Kevin Gausman looks crucial to their chances of a World Series win and they must keep him fit.
As his standout performance against the Red Sox recently showed, he has that special something that the Blue Jays need to take down opponents. With unvaccinated players from other teams not being able to play in Toronto as well, this could lead to weakened away teams showing up to make the Blue Jays dominant at home.
As noted above, the AL East division is a real beast and has multiple teams that you could argue are contenders to win the World Series in 2022. The Yankees are on a pretty good run right now though and look particularly strong at home. If they can carry on in the same vein, they could easily have what it takes to clinch the title come season end.
They certainly have a decent lineup to reflect on, which is not only impressive in terms of talent but also in terms of versatility. With people such as Antony Rizzo joining on the playing side and new hitting coaches hoping to make their presence felt, this Yankees team just looks a lot faster, leaner, and more prepared than last year.
While there are other teams such as the Rays, Red Sox, Mets, and Astros who could also win the MLB’s top prize, the three teams examined above seem most likely right now. While a lot could change in the coming months, nobody should at all be surprised to see one of the Dodgers, Blue Jays, or Yankees triumph.
