2024 MLB World Series Betting Guide – Picks, Picks, Futures

The 2024 MLB World Series is finally here! It's a best-of-seven showdown where the winners get bragging rights, along with the adulation of hometown fans, a trophy and a champagne-soaked celebration. Games 1, 2, 6 and 7 (possibly the last two games) will take place at the home stadium of the NL Champions.

Check back every day to see the latest odds for each game as well as a few betting tips on some of the side bets available in each competition.

For more on the MLB playoffs, check out the latest World Series MVP odds here.

All odds are correct at the time of publication. For more information, visit ESPN BET.

Los Angeles Dodgers vs. New York Yankees

• Series odds: Dodgers (-125), Yankees (+105)

• Correct Score Series: Dodgers sweep (+1100), Dodgers in 5 (+600), Dodgers in 6 (+380), Dodgers in 7 (+425)

• Correct Score Series: Yankees sweep (+1500), Yankees in 5 (+700), Yankees in 6 (+500), Yankees in 7 (+475)

Zola's series selection

And then there were two. The two teams with the best record and likely MVP in their respective leagues will compete in the 2024 Fall Classic. The Yankees needed just five games to win the ALCS, while the Dodgers needed six to win the NLCS.

By avoiding a longer series, both teams can optimize their rotations. With the 2-3-2 formation, only four starters are necessary to keep everyone calm on a regular basis. The Dodgers will rely on their bullpen in Game 4, but as they showed against the Padres and Mets, this tactic can be successful. Overall, I look at the pitching as an impetus. Each club also has a powerful, if top-heavy, line-up. Let's call it a draw.

The Dodgers have home-field advantage, but the 2-3-2 format mitigates some of that impact. The wild card is Dodgers 1B Freddie Freeman. He will reportedly play, but he probably won't be at 100%. This hurts the Dodgers lineup, but it also hurts their defense. With a healthy Freeman I would probably give the Dodgers the edge, but his ankle injury makes me think so Yankees selection to raise their 28th World Series flag.

Zola's MVP choice

The MVP almost always comes from the winning team. Aaron Judge (+550) has the best chance of any Yankee to bring home the hardware, but he's at risk of being thrown around by the Dodgers. The Dodgers' three “traditional” starters are all right-handed, and there's little chance a left-handed specialist will be brought in to face the lefty Juan Soto. So Soto will primarily enjoy the platoon advantage and is why he is my choice for World Series MVP at +600.

Zola's series prop bets

Over the course of the regular season, the Yankees hit four more home runs than the Dodgers. However, the Dodgers average more home runs per game in the postseason. Still, I choose this The Yankees leave the yard more often than the Dodgers (+110).

Driven by the matchups, the Dodgers lead all playoff teams with 11 stolen bases. Tommy Edman leads the club with three thieves. Edman's odds of getting at least two sacks in the series are a not-so-tempting -135. However, Yankees SS Anthony Volpe has quietly had a solid postseason — including two steals. His stolen base chances for the series are more enticing, so let's pick Volpe recorded at least two total stolen bases (+190).

Game 1: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, Friday, October 25, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

• Game 1 running line: Yankees -1.5 (+165), Dodgers +1.5 (-200)

• Game 1 Money Line: Yankees (even), Dodgers (-120)

• Game 1 over/under: 8.5 runs (Over -110/Under -110)

Game 2: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, Saturday, October 26, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

Game 3: Yankee Stadium, New York, Monday, October 28, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

Game 4: Yankee Stadium, New York, Tuesday, October 29, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

*Game 5: Yankee Stadium, New York, Wednesday, October 30, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

*Game 6: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, Friday, November 1, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)

*Game 7: Dodger Stadium, Los Angeles, Saturday, November 2, 8:08 p.m. (FOX)