Cubs’ 2019 World Series odds improve after strong start

After rebounding from their stumble out of the gates to open the 2019 season, the Cubs have seen an uptick in their odds of winning the World Series since spring training. With one quarter of the regular season out of the way, the Cubs are listed at 10/1 to win the title, per www.MyTopSportsbooks.com, which is up from 15/1 entering the year.

The Astros, who entered the year as 7/1 favorites, have cemented their status with 9/2 odds at the quarter mark. The Dodgers (5/1) and Yankees (8/1) also have better odds than the Cubs midway through May.

That’s a slight improvement for the Cubs, who entered the season with the fifth-highest odds behind the aforementioned three teams and the Red Sox. Now the Cubs have better odds than the defending champions, who’ve fallen to 12/1 after an underwhelming 43 games to open the year.

For those wondering, the White Sox have fallen to 275/1, which is tied for 23rd-highest among the teams. The Marlins (5,000/1) have the lowest odds, which isn’t surprising given they’re 10-31 this year.

Here are some other notable odds from the quarter mark:

• The Cubs are listed as 6/5 favorites to win the National League Central. It’s close between them, the Cardinals (7/3) and Brewers (11/3).
• The White Sox have 100/1 odds of winning the American League Central. The Twins are 2/3 favorites.
• Javy Baez is listed third among NL MVP contenders with 12/1 odds. He’s behind the Dodgers’ Cody Bellinger (8/5) and Brewers’ Christian Yelich (4/1). Kris Bryant (28/1) is also considered somewhat of a long shot candidate.
• Eloy Jimenez is down to 25/1 to win AL Rookie of the Year after being limited by injuries to start the year.