Top 4 World Series Winner Strategies: How to Pick a World Series Winner
Betting on the World Series winner is challenging, as the playoffs represent a completely different environment from the regular season, even though regular-season statistics are handy for game-by-game betting.
This article outlines key considerations when placing a future bet on the World Series.
No. 1: Don’t Be Fooled by Regular-Season Records
Regular-season results have not been a reliable long-term indicator of championship success. Between 1995 and 2020, only seven teams with the best regular-season record won the World Series (and the Red Sox accounted for three of those).
No. 2: Pay More Attention to End-of-Season Performance
One notable trend is that winning teams often exhibit above-average form in the 10 games leading up to the playoffs. This can help you find the postseason’s hot teams, which is valuable when betting on a World Series winner.
No. 3: Examine Last Season’s Playoff Results
It’s worth considering how well the previous World Series winner performs in the current season. Since 2000, the Red Sox and Giants have won three World Series titles, while the Dodgers, Astros, and Cardinals have won two, signaling teams with rosters built for successful postseason runs.
Previous years' finalists are also worth considering. The Astros, for example, have appeared in four World Series since 2017; the Royals lost the 2014 World Series before winning it the following year.
However, runners-up usually take several years to return to form, suggesting that identifying medium-term rebuilding strategies might be a more effective approach to finding future MLB champions.
No. 4: Find Star Power
A crucial factor in the World Series winner market involves identifying decisive players who transcend the "moneyball tactic" of acquiring runs, outs, and blocks. These players possess a psychological advantage that enables them to close out critical games. Spotting such players, especially those who can maintain fitness, significantly affects your betting strategy.
