MLB odds update: White Sox see slash in World Series odds

The Chicago White Sox were a popular preseason pick to win the 2021 World Series, but a modest start and some key injuries caused many to abandon ship. On May 1, the South Siders were available at +1400 to win the Fall Classic. Their odds have since been cut nearly in half to +750 as of Sunday. Chicago is now behind only the Dodgers (+340) and Yankees (+700) on the oddsboard.

Let’s examine what’s behind this recent movement, and if the White Sox are a wise World Series wager or not.

The case for the White Sox

The wins are piling up for the White Sox, who are 20-10 since a mediocre 6-8 start.

After a poor beginning, 2020 AL MVP Jose Abreu has kicked it into high gear, as he’s batting .333 with a 1.027 OPS in May. He leads the club in homers (eight) and RBI (33).

Yermin Mercedes has come from nowhere to be Chicago’s best batter, as he’s currently hitting .354 with six homers and 25 RBI. But Mercedes isn’t the only pleasant surprise for the South Siders, as the bottom of their rotation has exceeded all expectations.

Carlos Rodon – who was a hit batsman away from a perfect game on April 14 – is 5-1 with a 1.27 ERA. Lance Lynn has been almost equally impressive, notching a 4-1 record and 1.55 ERA. And Dylan Cease is in the midst of a career-year, as he’s produced a 3.18 ERA through nine starts.

Free agent pickup Liam Hendriks has been as good as advertised in the bullpen, saving nine games.

The case against the White Sox

The hiring of Tony La Russa – who hadn’t managed a game in a decade – was questionable from the start. He’s done little to prove the doubters wrong, admitting he didn’t know a rule about the runner on second in extra innings, and failing to have Mercedes’ back during his recent “unwritten rules” controversy. 

Frontline starters Lucas Giolito (4.35 ERA) and Dallas Keuchel (4.44 ERA) have been off, and their outfield production has been subpar thanks to long-term injuries to Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez.

Mets may be a better bet

The ship seems to have sailed on the White Sox, as their current price isn’t very palatable considering their issues.

A wiser wager at this juncture might be the New York Mets, who drifted up a half-point since May 1 to +950. Their IL has been like a revolving door for most of the last few seasons, but currently has the feeling of a “roach motel,” with more and more players getting hurt and none returning.

Despite currently having just two healthy starters from their Opening Day lineup, the Mets are holding onto first place in the NL East at 21-18. This club could be scary-good if healthy, and this price likely won’t get much higher.