Bet on Texas Rangers to Win World Series

Despite having the fourth-best odds to win the World Series, two ESPN betting experts are picking the Texas Rangers.

The Texas Rangers have reached the World Series before, going to back-to-back Fall Classics more than a decade ago.

Since the second trip in 2011, the Rangers have yet to reach the American League Championship Series. In fact, Texas has won only two playoff games in three trips to the postseason since the heartbreaking loss to the St. Louis Cardinals.

Is this the year the Rangers return to baseball’s grandest stage and finally win it all? A couple of betting experts seem to think so.

A collection of odds and predictions on MLB’s major awards and World Series from ESPN has the Rangers front and center. The AL West leaders currently have the fourth-best odds (+800) to win the World Series – Houston Astros are third (+550) – but two “expert picks” suggest putting some money down on Texas.

ESPN’s David Schoenfield points to Max Scherzer and a potent offense as reasons for backing Texas:

The Rangers have scored nearly as many runs as the all-powerful Braves and right now I would have more confidence in their rotation than Atlanta’s, especially with Scherzer pitching again like an ace. Aroldis Chapman has also been absolutely dominating since coming over from the Royals, with 31 strikeouts in 16 innings, helping to solidify the bullpen. Oh, and they’re a good defensive team. Getting through the AL will be tough but the Rangers have a dynamic and deep roster and players like Scherzer and Corey Seager who have shined before in the postseason.

ESPN colleague Tristan H. Cockcroft is also on the Rangers’ betting bandwagon:

The Max Scherzer acquisition – not to mention Jordan Montgomery – appears to have bolstered the rotation, the bullpen has been quite good this month, the defense is sound all around and there's more balance in the lineup than I expected. These are pretty good odds for a team that's a surefire playoff qualifier and possible division winner with a first-round bye.

The Braves (+310) and Los Angeles Dodgers (+450) have the two best odds to claim the World Series.

It’s not all good news for the Rangers. Josh Jung, considered an AL Rookie of the Year favorite at one point, now has the fifth-best odds (+1600). The Jung’s fractured left thumb could cost the third baseman the rest of the regular season, allowing fellow rookie Gunner Henderson (-210) of the Baltimore Orioles to become the new betting favorite.

Injured Texas starter Nathan Eovaldi is seventh (+4500) in the AL Cy Young Award race.

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