2019 World Series: The Contenders
With the thriller that was the 2017 World Series final that went down to the final game, and the stunning achievements of the 2018 Boston Red Sox, baseball fans have been spoilt in recent years, and as the spring comes nearer, thoughts are already beginning to turn to next fall.
With spring training right around the corner, this is the ideal time for baseball betting fans to be weighing up the odds on their favorite online betting site, and thanks to the popular crossover between sports betting and casino gambling, it’s now possible for sports betting fans to dabble in their favorite casino games using a Betfair Casino bonus code while pondering their World Series bet.
There are still some trades to be made and line-ups to be settled, and the long, hard MLB season can throw up many surprises, but as fans start checking the schedule and booking their Spring Training trips, it’s a good time to take a stab at guessing the identity of the 2019 World Series finalists.
Boston still rules in the AL East
The Boston Red Sox and the New York Yankees fought out another tough competition in the American League East, but although both teams broke the 100-win barrier, it was Boston that won a decisive victory, being the first MLB team to secure a playoff spot, setting a new 119-win record, and then knocking out the Yankees on the way to their World Series triumph. This year’s battle for the AL East title may be closer than last season, but with Mookie Bets, J. D. Martinez and Chris Sale back in the Red Sox line-up, they have a great chance of retaining their Division title.
Is this the year for the Yankees?
Before the year 2000, the Yankees had won four World Series in five years. However, their total of just two wins this century has been hard for Yankees fans to swallow, as has the rise to prominence of the Red Sox. Passing the 100-win mark was an achievement last year, but it was not enough to top Boston, and more is expected in 2019. The Yankees have acquired a top-tier lefty in James Paxton, a high-class reliever in Adam Ottavino, and two solid infielders, DJ LeMahieu and Troy Tulowitzki. Add in their strong farm system and limitless resources, and the Yankees could be set for a big year.
Houston can hit back
The Astros remain the dominant force in the American League West, and that is unlikely to change in 2019. After two 100-win seasons, a World Series title, and an appearance at the AL Championship Series in 2018, they are rock-solid contenders again this year. Even with the loss of Charlie Morton, they have a powerhouse line-up featuring Alex Bregman, José Altuve, George Springer; a classy rotation that includes Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole; and a deep bullpen.
Third time lucky for the Dodgers?
Just as Houston dominate the West Division in the AL, so the Dodgers remain the top dogs in the National League West. Six straight Division titles underline their pre-eminence, and they will be strong favorites to win the NL pennant for the third year in 2019. After finishing runners-up in 2017 and 2018, they will be desperate to secure their first World Series since 1988, and they will be boosted by the return of their star shortstop Corey Seager, who is back from Tommy John surgery.
Don’t write off the Cardinals or the Nationals
The National League Central remains one of the tightest sections in the MLB, with the Brewers, Cubs and Cardinals all in contention for a playoff spot. The Cardinals fell short last season, but their addition of Paul Goldschmidt could tip the balance in their favor in 2019. The Nationals also missed the post-season last year, but even with the likely loss of Bryce Harper, they can do better this time around, powered by their dangerous starting pitching threesome of Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg and signings Patrick Corbin, backed up by a host of young talents such as Juan Soto and Víctor Robles, and the crucial experience of Anthony Rendon and Ryan Zimmerman.
Conclusion
The Nationals and the Cardinals are the most likely to break up the dominance of the Red Sox-Yankees-Astros-Dodgers quartet, but every season throws up surprises, and who knows, come next fall, we could be watching a completely unexpected World Series match-up. But whatever the MLB season throws up, we can’t wait for the baseball to get underway.
