Ricky Dimon
Show Bio
The World Series ended last week and that means it is not too early to start looking ahead to 2020. No, the Washington Nationals won’t start looking ahead just yet; they’ll continue to party. But there’s no reason why we can’t start looking ahead.
Is a repeat in store for Washington? Can the Houston Astros make a return trip to the Fall Classic and win it this time? Will the Los Angeles Dodgers restore order to the National League? Are the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs going to get back on track? Does the NL East have another trick up its sleeve in the form of either the Atlanta Braves or Philadelphia Phillies?
We’ll have to wait more than a few months before answers to those questions start emerging. The 2020 World Series odds, however, have something to say about it right now.
Houston Astros (+600)
2019 season: The Astros were one win away from a second World Series triumph in three years; twice, in fact. They had two opportunities to close it out only to blow the final two games at home against Washington. Houston was the best and most talented team in baseball, but a Fall Classic in which the road team won all seven games will leave a foul taste in its mouth. It did in ours, too, as our World Series pick did not quite hit.
2020 outlook: Gerrit Cole is likely hitting the road in free agency, but the Astros’ roster will remain incredible. Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke can carry the pitching staff, while Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and George Springer make for a potent lineup.
New York Yankees (+600)
2019 season: Houston continued to be the Yankees’ Waterloo, but they at least managed to make mincemeat out of Boston—and everyone else—to capture the American League East title. New York destroyed Minnesota in the ALDS before struggling at home in what was mostly a competitive ALCS versus the Astros.
2020 outlook: The Yankees already answered one question by bringing back closer Aroldis Chapman (despite the walkoff home run he served up to Altuve to end the ALCS). If Giancarolo Stanton can actually get healthy, they arguably boast the best lineup in baseball. Our free MLB picks will be back in 2020 when the Yankees, Astros, and other contenders return to the field.
Los Angeles Dodgers (+800)
2019 season: Won the NL West, lost to Washington in the NLDS
2020 outlook: Have to be considered NL favorites with Clayton Kershaw, Walker Buehler, Hyun-Jin Ryu, and Cody Bellinger
Atlanta Braves (+1200)
2019 season: Won the NL East, lost to St. Louis in the NLDS
2020 outlook: A young team that is on the rise, but will Josh Donaldson be back?
Boston Red Sox (+1200)
2019 season: Missed playoffs
2020 outlook: J.D. Martinez opted in, so that’s one area where the Red Sox won’t cut the highest payroll in baseball
