Are the Braves Being Disrespected in Updated World Series Odds?

The Atlanta Braves are heading to the NLCS for the second year in a row after handling the Milwaukee Brewers in four games. The Braves outscored the Brewers 12-5 in a series that they looked to be in complete control over after a game one 2-1 loss. Now, the Braves are playing the waiting game until tonight’s NLDS Game 5 concludes the series and sends either the Dodgers or Giants to the NLCS. 

One question looms over this series and the World Series odds in general: Why are the Braves dead last in WS odds at +500? They have worse odds than Boston who are facing the Astros. This is notable because the Astros are favored to win the World Series, and therefore are expected to beat the Sox. I think at worst the Braves’ odds should be even with the Sox and I'll break down why. Before we get into that, let us take a look at updated World Series odds from WynnBET Sportsbook. 

Odds to Win the World Series

• Houston Astros: +200
• Los Angeles Dodgers +350
• San Fransisco Giants +375
• Boston Red Sox +400
• Atlanta Braves +500

Why the Braves deserve better World Series odds

The Braves check all the boxes of a true championship contender heading into their series against the Giants/Dodgers. The Braves will live or die by their pitching. Luckily for them, it has been outstanding in the postseason.

Let’s start with the starters for the Braves. The rotation was led by Max Fried, Charlie Morton, and Ian Anderson during the series against the Brewers. One notable name is off this list, Mike Soroka. The young ace, unfortunately, tore his ACL walking in the clubhouse for the second time in nine months and won’t be a part of this playoff run. Despite his absence, the trio of pitchers managed an outstanding 1.77 ERA in four games against the Brewers. That is the third-best mark of any Braves team in a Division Series.

Morton, Fried, and Anderson all finding a groove at the right time cannot be understated. Especially considering that ATL will be facing one of two of the highest-scoring offenses in baseball. 

When teams do finally manage to knock a Braves starter out of the game, things do not get any easier. The combination of Luke Jackson and Tyler Matzek did a phenomenal job against the Brewers and were both used in each of the four games in the series. They combined to hurl 7 ⅔ scoreless innings while fanning nine Brewers. Will Smith contributed three appearances and as many saves for a Bullpen that looks as strong as it has all season.

The Braves had the best rotation in the division series and the best bullpen. The only hiccup in the whole series was Huascar Ynoa hanging a slider to Rowdy Tellez that ended up in the seats for a 2-run homer. The Braves pen shrugged that off and finished the series with a 1.23 ERA. The whole crew is also getting some extra days to rest with the Dodgers and Giants going down to the wire tonight. 

Based on all of this, it is hard for me to see why the Braves are at the bottom of the World Series odds. I get that all the teams left are powerhouses in their own regards, but Atlanta should at least be neck and neck with the Red Sox. I expect the odds to change depending on who wins tonight. So, if you are planning to bet the Braves to go all the way, there is only one question you need to ask yourself, "Who wins game 5 of the NLDS?" If you think the Giants win, I say bet the Braves before the first pitch because the odds might shorten a bit. If you are on the Dodgers in Game 5, wait until tomorrow to make your Braves bet as the odds will likely be more profitable then.