With the end of the season just over a month away, now is the best time to get down with the MLB postseason market. The data is all laid out in front, but we’re far enough away that there is still some value to be found in the lines. Although some teams look like shoo-ins for an October run, there are plenty of races that are going to come down to the wire.
Come check out what we cooked up for some MLB postseason market plays and come tail along.
MLB End of Season Postseason Markets – August 23rd
National League Wild Card
One of my favorite dog plays on the board is for the Diamondbacks to make the postseason. They have been hot in August – winning series with the Dodgers, Braves and splitting with the Padres. Their pitching is also finding their groove at the perfect time. Brandon Pfaadt has started to look like his 2023 version that saw him start games in the World Series. Plus, Eduardo Rodriguez has continued his hot streak and is in the top ten in the majors in ERA.
If the pitching isn’t good enough to buy now, consider that they’re about to get Ketel Marte back in the lineup. That, along with one of the easiest remaining strength of schedule, should be enough for them to find the two games they need to catch the Padres.
Best Bet: Arizona Diamondbacks (+210)
American League East Winner
Okay, this one seems like it might be a given, but the odds still have a lot of value. The Rays came out of the gate and stuck their flag in the AL East ground. They have been leading the division for a good portion of the year. The Red Sox have faded a bit, leaving this a two-team race where they just have to fend off the Yankees. They’ve got another series with the Yankees before the end of the year, and they’ve owned that head-to-head this season. If they run over them yet again, they’ll have a lead that is impossible to overcome.
Best Bet: Tampa Bay Rays (-195)
National League East Winner
Another trendy pick here, but I’m starting to think that a Braves collapse is imminent. While I like what the Braves can do at the plate, they have been ice cold over the last couple of weeks. They’ve scored just 11 runs over their last six games and have lost five of those. Those losses have closed the gap for the Phillies down to just three games.
With such a thin lead and poor hitting, it’s impossible to look at the Braves rotation and feel good. Martin Perez has been a wonderful story, but it’s hard to buy a renaissance at 35-years old. Tyler Mahle is currently occupying the third spot in the rotation with an ERA approaching 5.00.
With the Phillies having won nine in a row, it’s time to buy before the price starts to flip.
Best Bet: Philadelphia Phillies (+210)
If you’d like even more picks and predictions that you can use the MLB postseason market, be sure to check out the Sports Gambling Podcast. The guys are dropping plenty of episodes to make you the smartest guy/gal at the bar.
