The New York Mets are +1800 outsiders with the bookmakers to win the World Series in 2017 ahead of the new season. Terry Collins’ side were beaten in the Wild Card Game last year when they went down 1-0 to San Francisco Giants, but they are capable of a lot more this time around.
While other teams have unsettled rosters following a reshuffle, the Mets have managed to retain a large chunk of their players from 2016. The bookmakers clearly don’t expect the Amazins to be challenging for the World Series, but that will suit Mets just fine as they have thrived as the underdog in recent years.
The Mets will be aiming to topple the reigning National League East champions Washington Nationals this year. That will then give them a better seeding going into the postseason as they would then start in the Divisional Series rather than the Wild Card Game.
One of the big positives for Collins in the offseason would have been re-signing Yoenis Cespedes. The two-time All-Star signed a four-year deal worth $110 million. That is the highest contract in Mets history, so they have done everything they can to tie down the Cuban.
The Mets’ bid towards the World Series may depend on if they can reduce their number of injuries this season. 2016 was a bad year for players on the sidelines for the Amazins; Collins had to shuffle his roster at the back end of the regular season and in his postseason game against the Giants.
If you are looking to back the Mets, there are far worst bets in the World Series market than the New York franchise: they should be good enough for the postseason again at the very least. Before backing the Mets though, have a look at the best odds and free bet offers on Oddschecker to ensure you are getting the best value possible before the season gets underway.
The Chicago Cubs will open up as the +400 favorites with the bookmakers to defend their crown at the end of this campaign. It was a historic moment last November for the Chicago team as they stopped the curse by securing their first World Series in 108 years. It would be no surprise to see the Cubs go all the way again as they certainly have one of the best rosters in the MLB.
No team has won back-to-back World Series crowns since the New York Yankees sealed their third consecutive championship in 2000. That goes to show how hard it is to defend the Commissioner’s Trophy. Players don’t always have the same hunger when they return from the offseason and it is also difficult to keep players as often they go elsewhere to cash in on their success with a lucrative contract.
Boston Red Sox are second best with the bookmakers in their betting at +600. Cleveland Indians can be backed at +800 to go one better than in 2016, while Washington Nationals are +1100. The opening game of the regular season takes place on April 2, when the Tampa Bay Rays host the New York Yankees at Tropicana Field.
