Why the Los Angeles Dodgers are still World Series favorites

Although you could argue that the Los Angeles Dodgers have been a little disappointing this season, it would be extremely hard to deny that they are the World Series favorites at this juncture.

They have a talented squad that appears to be having its issues at times in regard to individual performances, while they also have a number of options coming back that should help them to rid of the inconsistencies that have been shown and are evident to everyone watching.

However, despite the problems, there is no denying that they have a number of stars that can get them out of any sticky situation, which is why they have to be considered the favorites to win the World Series.

This article will look to explain why this is the case and why you should expect to see the Dodgers being successful at the end of the season.

The Dodgers have an incredible squad that they can boast

Given that the team has an offense that features All-Star caliber players all over the field and a pitching roster that is fronted by the trio of Walker Buehler, Julio Urias, and Clayton Kershaw, this is an immediate reason why some will expect the team to be able to be crowned World Series Champions.

They currently – at the time of writing – have a record that boasts 42-25, which puts them first in the National League West at .627. This does rank them second in the NL, though, as they are just behind the New York Mets who are currently on .634. It ranks them fourth overall as of this moment, though, with the New York Yankees first (.739) and the Houston Astros (.632) third.

Nonetheless, there is a still long way to go and it would appear the impressive and talented Dodgers roster could still get better as they are yet to truly catch fire. For instance, the middle of the batting order is currently struggling to come big.

If Max Muncy, Justin Turner, and Cody Bellinger are able to return to the ability and form that fans are aware they are capable of achieving, then there is every chance that the team will continue to get better and put some of those inconsistencies behind them.

The LA Dodgers still have a number of players to return from injury

According to the latest MLB betting odds being provided, the Los Angeles Dodgers are considered to be the favorite to win the World Series (+400), and one reason for these odds could potentially be down to the fact that the MLB franchise has a number of players who could return this season.

Indeed, when you look at the list, there are a number of talented players, with individuals including Walker Buehler, Dustin May, Blake Treinen, Tommy Kahnle, and Edwin Rios all potentially available in the near future.

If the problems that are currently being experienced by the team on the field persist, then some of these men could potentially change things around and give the Dodgers the momentum that they need in order to mount a World Series challenge.

2022 MLB trade could play a significant role

With the 2022 MLB trade deadline having been pushed back this year and falling on August 2 at 18:00 EST, rather than on the traditional July 31 date because of the lockout that had caused delays to the season starting, the LA Dodgers could look to utilize this opportunity to mount a significant push.

The organization has been rumored to explore trades for right-handed outfield help due to Mookie Betts’ trade to the 10-day injured list after suffering a cracked rib.

Additionally, it is known that Dodgers general manager Andrew Freidman can be rather aggressive as the trade deadline approaches, as he has a history of doing so. With a World Series challenge on the cards, it would not be a surprise if they were to be as aggressive as possible.

Final Thoughts

So, these are the reasons why the Los Angeles Dodgers are still favorites to win the World Series. Of course, there is still a lot of baseball to be played between now and the offseason, but the franchise is certainly one that needs to be watched closely from here on out.