The Dodgers are the World Series favorites (+375) and have made the playoffs each of the last 11 years, with three pennants and a World Series title during that span. Shohei Ohtani, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, and Tyler Glasnow add amazing depth to a tremendous Dodgers team. The roster is also loaded with big hitters like Mookie Betts (+650 MVP odds) and Freddie Freeman (+1200).
Super prospect Diego Cartaya emerges as the next budding star in Los Angeles as well. Every year, the Dodgers seemingly produce young phenoms like Cartaya and Gavin Lux. Meanwhile, stalwart aces Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw continue to be a part of a strong staff.
The Braves are second in terms of World Series odds (+600), as they have one of the best rosters in baseball. They have a strong rotation as well as an impressive outfield trio of Ronald Acuña Jr., Jarred Kelenic, and Michael Harris II.
WHICH TEAM CAN BE THE DARK HORSE?
We cannot forget about the defending National League champion Arizona Diamondbacks either. Their impressive number of young stars includes Corbin Carroll and Alek Thomas. Zac Gallen fronts the rotation and has a decent chance at the Cy Young (+1200). At age 28, Gallen appears in peak form as he looks for back-to-back all-star appearances. Also, Ketel Marte – who is in the third year of his team-friendly extension – holds down the veteran leadership role.
As for the NL Central, unfortunately, Brandon Woodruff – who signed a two-year deal early in 2024 – is most likely out for 2024 due to his right shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, the Cardinals continue to rely on stars Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado, as they are the favorites to win the division (+175). The Chicago Cubs (+210) got Cody Bellinger back, and they hope to make some noise and could be a surprise contender.
NATIONAL league PLAYERS TO WATCH IN 2024
NL Players to Watch:
– RF Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves: The reigning NL MVP led the league in almost every category last season, and he is just 26 years old. His health hurt him in 2021, but he still has been an all-star each of the last three seasons. A whopping 1.012 OPS in 2023 was unbelievable, and we are all excited to watch him again.
– 3B Manny Machado, Padres: We cannot forget about Machado (+3500 MVP odds), as he and the Padres are out for vengeance in 2024. He, Fernando Tatís Jr. (+1000), and Xander Bogaerts (+7500) will look to perform better without Juan Soto.
– SP Hunter Greene, Reds: He appears fully healthy now, and the hope is he can lead the Reds staff and continue to sport triple digits on the radar gun. He is years away from his Tommy John surgery and can compete for the Cy Young (+4000).
PREDICTIONS FOR 2024 NLS
Wizard Race & Sports Predictions:
NL Pennant: Atlanta Braves (+350)
NL MVP: OF Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves (+500)
NL Cy Young: SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers (+1300)
NL Rookie of the Year: SP Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers (+200)
Yes! You read that right – Despite his rocking MLB debut, Japanese star Yoshinobu Yamamoto wins the NL Cy Young and Rookie of the Year awards, but the Braves reign supreme in the postseason. Both the Dodgers and Braves have been in an arms race, as they accomplish their second championship in four seasons.
GET TODAY’S GUARANTEED SPORTS SELECTIONS FROM THE EXPERT STAFF AT WIZARD RACE & SPORTS!
