Pirates’ 2019 World Series Odds Continue to Worsen Following 7-Game Skid

• In a few weeks, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ World Series odds have flatlined
• They were outscored 54-33 over a recent seven-game slide
• With the Pirates falling from +8500 to longshot status, who’s worth betting for the World Series?

When it comes to the odds to win the World Series, things can change in a hurry.

While baseball is known for its long schedule, one slide from a team on the precipice can take them out of contention. Just ask the Pittsburgh Pirates.

After opening the month at a lengthy +8500 to win the World Series, they’ve fallen all the way to +16700. Thanks to a very one-sided seven game losing skid. Now they’re firmly out of the picture for the Fall Classic odds.

2019 World Series Odds

*Odds taken 06/18/19. Records taken before games on 06/18/19

A handful of divisions are well-represented among the top ten.

In the NL Central, there’s the Brewers and Cubs, while the Cardinals sit 11th (+2500). The unpredictability of this division has been reflected in this year’s World Series odds.

Over on the East coast in both the AL and NL, plenty is still up for grabs.

The Red Sox have overcome their terrible start and now sit third in the division, but own the second-best odds. In the NL, it promises to be a dog fight between the Nationals and Braves.

There are some big gaps in other divisions, but if you’ve been paying attention, I don’t believe in the Twins’ staying power. With the Indians playing better but still trailing by ten games, +4000 is an ok long-term play if you agree.

Are Yankees Preparing for a World Series Run?

It would certainly seem that way. While both the Rays and Red Sox provide good value, the Yankees are getting healthier and preparing to buy.

Check out these four bats that New York is in the process of adding.

3-Year Averages for Yankees Big Bats

*Stats do not include 2019

The weekend addition of Edwin Encarnacion makes this an embarrassment of riches, but the Yanks may not be done there.

#Yankees have talked Marcus Stroman and scouted Madison Bumgarner.

Who would you rather have: Stroman or MadBum?

— Chris Dixon (@cdixon25) June 9, 2019

They have been linked to the Blue Jays’ Marcus Stroman, which would help them shore up their starting staff. Granted the ERA (4.03) for their starters is already ninth in baseball, but every little bit helps.

It may be tough to find New York at a better price this year.

Will World Series Contender Separate in NL Central?

This one is tough, because all three can make compelling cases.

But the attention, and money, has to be paid to the Cubs and Brewers.

Chicago went out and addressed their bullpen by adding Craig Kimbrel. So far, so good on his conditioning stint.

Cubs closer Craig Kimbrel talks to our sister station Fox 40 after his first outing since the World Series, as the @IowaCubs beat Sacramento, 7-4. Kimbrel pitched a perfect 7th. pic.twitter.com/a43XS1pxZW

— SoundOFF (@SoundOFF13) June 19, 2019

The Brewers? Oh they only employ a man who could go back-to-back as NL MVP. That’s how good Christian Yelich has been.

.@ChristianYelich is the fastest player in @Brewers history to reach 25 HR in a season (67 games). pic.twitter.com/IX3GAoS63X

— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) June 12, 2019

The Cubs’ starters have been lights out this year, ranking better than the Cardinals and Brewers in ERA and opponent’s batting average. St. Louis has the better bullpen out of the three, but the gap could close depending on which Kimbrel Chicago gets.

Offensively the Cubs and Brewers are nearly mirror images of each other when it comes to the statistics. Odds are they’re due for an October slug fest.

That could end up determining the NL representative in the World Series.

Who is Worth Betting in World Series Odds?

Right now the Cubs and Yankees are providing the best value. Both have made additions and have the assets to make more if need be, and could be at their best value of the season if they go streaking.

The one thing to pay attention to though, is that both play in very good divisions. A slump at the wrong time could see either team looking up at not one, but two teams.

So hedging things in the way of the Red Sox, Rays or Brewers wouldn’t be a bad idea if you want to play it safe.

But the Yankees and Cubs? They look like potential powerhouses at good prices.