In looking at the National League, there are at least four teams that have a legitimate shot at winning the pennant and going to the World Series. The Atlanta Braves are the defending World Series champions, and they still have a very good chance of repeating. With the expanded playoffs, the number increases from 10 to 12 this season, there will be more teams with an opportunity to make a long playoff run. Let’s take a look at the teams with the best MLB NL Division Odds to win the National League pennant and head on to the Fall Classic.
Who Is the Favorite to Win the National League This Season? | MLB Betting
Los Angeles Dodgers – Can Money Buy Them A Championship?
The Dodgers have been big spenders every year. This year they went out and signed Freddie Freeman to a huge deal. Combine Freeman with Justin Turner, Cody Bellinger, Max Muncy, and Mookie Betts, and you have a stacked lineup. That and a stellar starting staff, along with a bullpen full of flamethrowers are the reasons that the Dodgers are the favorites to win the National League at a +240. Until someone proves that they’re better than the Dodgers, Los Angeles will be the team to beat in the NL.
New York Mets – Speaking of Buying a Championship……
When the Wilpon family sold the team to Steve Cohen, he promised to turn the team into a winner. He has opened his checkbook up, and the Mets are now coming in at a +450 to win the National League. This offseason, the Mets signed Max Scherzer, Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar, and Mark Canha. They also made upgrades to their pitching staff. The Mets are talented, but they’re also playing in one of the top divisions in baseball.
Milwaukee Brewers – Pitching Wins Championships!
The Brewers have one of the best starting pitching staffs in the National League. Led by Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff, if the pitching stays healthy, they have a great shot at winning the NL Central. Their lineup isn’t too shabby either. If Christian Yelich can regain his MVP form, this lineup has a lot of potential. At a +700, this team will compete for the National League crown.
Atlanta Braves – Do They Have What It Takes to Defend Their Crown?
The defending World Series champs are ready to do it again. Now that Ronald Acuna Jr. is back from injury, they have their full lineup. Even though they lost Freddie Freeman in free agency, they made a trade for Matt Olson, who could end up having better numbers than Freeman. As long as their starting rotation can stay healthy, the Braves will be a contender. Taking them at a +800 may be a very good value pick.
San Diego Padres – Waiting on Tatis
When it was announced that Fernando Tatis Jr. would miss a few months of the season due to a wrist injury, many felt that the Padres wouldn’t have a chance to win their division. Now that some others have stepped up, the Padres are still in a great spot. At a +900, they’re another value pick. They learned from their mistakes last season, and with Bob Melvin at the helm, they should be primed for a playoff run. Once Tatis gets back, look out for the Padres!