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The Division Series in both the American League and National League are here and fans are fired up over the action that’s going on. Soon enough, the ALCS and NLCS will take place, and then the World Series will arrive. Yes, it’s that time of the year and people are hoping their teams will capture the glory. Over in the American League, the Astros remain slight favorites over Minnesota in the ALDS. Will they continue their quest to repeat as champs?
For Houston, they were able to sneak into the playoffs during the last weekend, as they were in a battle with the Mariners and Rangers. In the end, while Houston was just hoping for a Wild Card spot, they were able to take care of business in Arizona and with the Mariners only winning three out of four against Texas, it resulted in the Astros winning the AL West. Not only did that give them the Wild Card Round off, but it also has them with a ton of confidence these days.
| MLB Division Series odds |  |  |  |  |
| Astros to win | -102 | -102 | -102 | -102 |
| Twins to win | -120 | -120 | -120 | -120 |
| Phillies to win | -110 | -110 | -110 | -110 |
| Braves to win | +125 | +125 | +125 | +125 |
Right now, the Astros are in a heated ALDS matchup with the Minnesota Twins, with things tied at 1-1. Houston is not only the favorite to win the best-of-five series, but they’re also hoping to keep their World Series betting odds high the rest of the way. Houston is managed by Dusty Baker, who knows a thing or two about getting the job done this time of year. Minnesota has an upset in mind, but that’s going to be tough.
According to the best-rated sportsbooks, which includes the reliable Bovada review, the Astros hold -102 MLB betting odds to win this series over Minnesota. The Twins are at -120 MLB betting odds to stun the Astros and move on to the ALCS. From our chair, it seems like with Houston’s starting lineup and great pitching, they should find a way to move on. We’re going with the Astros as our pick to win this series and keep the season going.
Houston, it's time to defend the crown.#Ready2Reign pic.twitter.com/Z5XLk4xpSt
— Houston Astros (@astros) October 7, 2023
The Phillies are hoping to take down the Braves in the NLDS
On the other side of things, the Phillies are hoping to take down the Braves in the NLDS. In stunning fashion, the Phillies traveled to Atlanta for Game 1 and shut out the Braves 3-0. Plenty of experts and analysts expected the Braves to cruise in that game, but Philly showcased major stones and was able to post a strong win. To not allow a single run against Atlanta is wild to even think about, as they have a tremendous lineup.
The Phillies have a ton of offensive firepower, of course led by Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner and others. Harper is without question one of the best players in the bigs right now. Actually, he’s one of the best players of his generation. Harper has incredible power and whenever he hits the ball on the sweet spot, he’s a threat to send the ball to the moon. With Harper playing so well, fans have a strong belief the Phillies can win the NLDS and get back to the NLCS.
🗣️ HARPER HOMER pic.twitter.com/fGhKqRFJbM
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) October 7, 2023
“That’s one of the best offenses in the game,” Bryce Harper said after the Phillies were able to take down the Braves on their home field in Game 1 to the surprise of many people. “In their home ballpark, and for us to come down here and get one for us — and the first one — is huge.”
Harper belted a solo homer in Game 1 and now people are ready to see what he can do the rest of the series. Per the oddsmakers, the Phillies hold -110 MLB odds to win this series over the Braves, while Atlanta is at +125. Before the postseason started, Atlanta had the No. 1 odds to win the World Series. A lot has changed since then, as we’re going with the Phillies as our pick to win this series.
Texas now holds the best World Series odds in the bigs
In a surprising turn of events, Texas now holds the best World Series odds in the bigs. Less than two weeks ago, it was totally up in the air if the Rangers would make the postseason or not. They missed out on the AL West title, but they did grab the final Wild Card position. After the way things went for them last year, no one thought the Rangers would reach the playoffs, let alone have a shot at winning it all. The Rangers have been a splendid surprise and now fans are dreaming of them going all the way.
Texas has one of the best pitching staffs out there. Right now, they’re dominating their series going up against the Orioles and they’re on the verge of reaching the ALCS. In terms of odds, Texas is No. 1, while the Phillies, Braves and Astros are close behind them. It’s hard for us to go with the Rangers. Perhaps the Phillies will get to the World Series again and win it this time? That would certainly be exciting to see of everyone in Pennsylvania.
