The World Series starts on October 25, and with two of the biggest markets taking center stage, the sportsbooks should be plenty busy. Between Shohei Ohtani, Aaron Judge, Mookie Betts, Juan Soto, Giancarlo Stanton, and Freddie Freeman, there is plenty of star power to go around. Here are three betting lines you should know before Game 1.
*Odds from FanDuel Sportsbook
Jack Flaherty first pitch velocity: ≥ 94 mph +370; 93.0-93.9 mph +174 92.0-92.9 +245; ≤91.9 mph +225
It’s the World Series, so Flaherty could have some extra juice taking the mound for his hometown team. The fastest pitch Flaherty has thrown as a Dodger all season has been 96.1 mph, and it came in the fourth inning. As a Dodger, he has thrown just 12 pitches in the first inning that have eclipsed 94 mph, and none of those have been the first pith of the game. His most-thrown pitch is his four-seam fastball, and it averages 93.3 mph.
Gerrit Cole Strikeouts: Over 4.5 -132; Under 4.5 +104
Cole will take the mound for the Yankees in Game 1 and will need to deliver if they want to set the tone early in the series. This season, he surpassed the 4.5 strikeout line in 12 of his 17 starts. However, he has not done so in this postseason.
To hit a home run: Shohei Ohtani +220; Aaron Judge +186
All players have odds set to hit a home run, but the two biggest stars in this game will get the most love from bettors. Judge has four career home runs at Dodger Stadium in five games. Ohtani will be hitting in his home ballpark, where he has hit 28 home runs this year.
Bonus
Shohei Ohtani to hit for the cycle: +79359
There has only been one postseason cycle in MLB history. Brock Holt achieved the rare feat in the 2018 American League Division Series. This is perhaps the longest of long shots, but just something to think about. Ohtani has time and time again, done what has been considered to be impossible. On the biggest, it would not be the most insane thing for him to once again do something never done before. Ohtani has hit for the cycle once in his career.
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WBN MLB: https://worldbaseball.com/league/mlb/
Photo Credit: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers hits a home run during the first inning against the New York Mets during Game Four of the National League Championship Series at Citi Field on October 17, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
