Nationals NL Pennant Odds Get Better Following Sensational Spring

• The Washington Nationals finished last season 82-80
• Bryce Harper left Washington signing a 13-year contract offer with the Philadelphia Phillies
• Despite the departure of Harper the Nationals should be taken seriously in the NL this year

The Washington Nationals are starting to get some respect after a solid spring. In fact, the club has seen its odds to win the 2019 National League Pennant improve from +1000 on March 13th to +870 on March 25th across a number of top online sportsbooks.

With a strong lineup and top shelf pitching staff, the Nats are trending towards becoming a great value play in the NL Pennant futures market.

2019 National League Pennant Odds

*Odds taken 03/25/19

The past two years the Los Angeles Dodgers have represented the National League in the World Series. Here’s the case why that won’t happen a third time in a row, as well as a list of reasons why you should zero in on the Nationals as a possible successor.

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… IT'S BASEBALL SEASON!#SpringTraining // #OnePursuit pic.twitter.com/vzMm2mDOzL

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) March 25, 2019

The Dodgers Won’t Repeat in 2019

The Dodgers reign atop the National League is set to end and here’s why. They struck out with the big time talent in free agency.  Manny Machado walked out the door and Bryce Harper spurned Los Angeles in favor of a monster offer from the San Diego Padres. In addition to the exit from Machado, the team is again staring down major injury problems with pitcher Clayton Kershaw.

Clayton Kershaw has been officially ruled out for the Dodgers on Opening Dayhttps://t.co/J38xp6NC6f

— Sports Illustrated (@SInow) March 18, 2019

Without being able to trust Kershaw to contend for the Cy Young, the Dodgers are a prime candidate to slip in the standings. With the added innings of back-to-back deep playoff runs, the wear and tear on this aging roster will eventually catch up over a 162 game slate. Fade the Dodgers in a big, big way.

Can the Nationals Go to the World Series?

No Bryce Harper? No problem. Despite the massive ticket he signed for in Philadelphia, Harper wasn’t the team’s MVP, and it really wasn’t even close. Three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer anchors the rotation and is definitely more important. You could even argue infielders Trea Turner and Anthony Rendon are as well.

Bryce Harper wasn’t Washington’ MVP, and it really wasn’t even close.

Scherzer was 18-7 last year with a 2.53 ERA and 300 strikeouts. Outside of Jacob deGrom on the Mets, he’s the most valuable pitcher in baseball. On offense, the combination of Turner and Rendon can put a scare into any opposing team. On the base paths Turner is an absolute terror combining to steal 89 bases the last two years. Rendon, meanwhile is being mentioned as a dark horse MVP candidate this year. He finished sixth in voting for the award in 2017 and should be a major player in 2019.

Anthony Rendon is just getting warmed up for opening day. 👏👏#OpeningDay #Nationals pic.twitter.com/CSEORRWR5V

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) March 25, 2019

With elite players on the mound, in the field, and at the plate, the Nationals are a team to be taken seriously this year. The fact you can still bet them at +1000 makes them a great value play compared to other contenders on the cusp like the St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, and Philadelphia Phillies.

Take advantage of the value on the Nationals and enjoy watching one of baseball’s most entertaining teams take a run at the Dodgers for the NL Pennant this year.

Pick: Nationals (+1000)