2024 World Series Odds: Dodgers Take Lead Following Shohei Ohtani Signing

The MLB offseason is well underway, and everything is shifting as expected with the big moves finally kicking in.

There are still months to go before Spring Training arrives. That being said, it's become very clear following the Winter Meetings which teams will be contenders for the World Series in 2024 and which ones are still taking a backseat.

A huge shift comes thanks to the biggest free agent on the market finding a new home.

Free agency still has a long way to go, so there will be plenty of movement in the market, but with two of the three biggest moves done, we have a good idea of where things are heading in the new campaign.

Let's dive into the 2024 World Series odds per FanDuel Sportsbook.

2024 World Series Odds

Los Angeles Dodgers (+550)

The Los Angeles Dodgers have won the offseason, and they're likely not done.

This past weekend, the Dodgers signed Shohei Ohtani to a 10-year, $700 million contract, bringing the two-time AL MVP to their team with the biggest contract ever. The two-way superstar has given the Dodgers an even bigger lift by agreeing to defer $680 million of his contract to the end of his deal -- giving Los Angeles leeway to make more moves.

They're heavily in on Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto now, and if they're also able to add him to their ranks, it's hard to not have the Dodgers be heavy World Series favorites heading into 2024.

What isn't being discussed is that the Dodgers are bringing back the majority of their 100-62 team from 2023 with Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, and Will Smith leading the way.

Now, with the possibility of Yamamoto comes the need for pitching, which was their main problem this past season. Clayton Kershaw and Julio Urias are both free agents, with Urias and his off-the-field issues unlikely to return. Kershaw had shoulder surgery and has question marks surrounding his 2024 outlook. If they're able to bring him back, they more than likely won't be able to count on him until the second half.

No matter what the Dodgers end up doing for the remainder of free agency, they've already won. Ohtani is going to be the top bat in their lineup but is unlikely to pitch in 2024. That only pushes the need for pitching all the more. If they can add just a little, the Dodgers at +550 odds may be the best place to get them until some time into the new season.

Atlanta Braves (+650)

After a record-setting regular season, the Atlanta Braves will be aiming for redemption.

The Braves were the favorites heading into the playoffs last season after leading the league in several hitting categories, including a .359 wOBA, 307 home runs, and 947 runs. As is well-documented by now, the Braves will be bringing back their firepower due to locking in every core player to long-term deals over the last few seasons. They're destined to shine with Ronald Acuna Jr. leading the way.

Atlanta will need to make some additions after last season, and bolstering their pitching should be the main goal. With their offense locked in, the Braves will try to improve their 4.03 SIERA. They've already added Aaron Bummer, who'll look to get back on track in 2024 after a rough season that featured a 6.79 ERA. Seeing that he has a career 3.84 ERA, getting back to that number (or better) will help their bullpen out.

Other moves the Braves have made include adding Jarred Kelenic and David Fletcher to their depth. Atlanta will look to make Kelenic a post-hype factor for their lineup, which could make them all the scarier after what he flashed in 2023.

The Braves will be in the hunt no matter what happens the rest of this offseason. Their +650 odds should be consistent for them if they play up to expectations.

Houston Astros (+850)

At this stage, it's hard to not consider the Houston Astros every year until something dramatically changes.

Their core has remained strong with Jose Altuve, Alex Bregman, and Yordan Alvarez all set to return. The big change for them will be the retirement of manager Dusty Baker. Joe Espada, who was previously the bench coach of the Astros, will be the man taking over the job, and it'll be his work that can make or break what has been a top team in the American League for years now.

The Astros could make some key additions to their 2024 roster -- whatever that may be. They've had a few connections to some of the top guys like Ohtani and Yamamoto while also giving the signs that Chas McCormick and Jake Meyers will be playing everyday roles in 2024.

Houston has never been afraid to be quiet in the offseason before making splashes in the season itself -- as we saw with bringing back Justin Verlander last year. They're a sturdy option that'll be in the conversation when the season comes to a close.

Texas Rangers (+900)

The defending World Series champions are looking to retool this offseason to make another run to the gold.

The Texas Rangers will try to become the first team since the 1999-2000 New York Yankees to win back-to-back World Series. What this means to us is that simple -- the odds are certainly stacked against them heading into the new season.

One of the keys to their success will be having Corey Seager and Marcus Semien at the top of their games while hoping the playoff success of Evan Carter is felt throughout an entire season. On the pitching side of things, Jacob deGrom's Tommy John surgery could set him up to return somewhere toward the end of the year. Max Scherzer will still be under contract for the Rangers and should offer much-needed help for their pitching, which will remain the big question mark going forward.

Considering that the Rangers have shown interest in the pitching market, we'll have to wait and see who they ultimately land before really knowing what their chances are of repeating. For now, however, they have their core back, and that should drive them back to a playoff spot and perhaps more.

New York Yankees (+950)

If anyone was hoping the New York Yankees made a big splash, you're in luck.

After missing the playoffs and finishing at just 82-80 in 2023, the Yankees were not willing to sit around and instead went and got another big-time player to join their lineup. That player, of course, turned out to be Juan Soto.

Soto, who is in a contract year, will join Aaron Judge as one of the best 1-2 punches in any MLB lineup. He will give the Yankees an overall boost on offense after one of their worst years in that respect. New York finished 24th with a .304 wOBA, struggling for much of the summer with Judge out of the lineup. They'll now give their former MVP protection and a major boost in 2024.

New York also added Alex Verdugo from their rival Boston Red Sox, shoring up the outfield in a big way.

Gerrit Cole earned his first Cy Young award in what ultimately was a lost Yankees season. With him back to ace the staff, they'll look to keep adding but also hope that their big addition from last season, Carlos Rodon, can piece it all together.

New York has the talent to contend, but they'll need health to be on their side and maybe a move or two to sure them up. The offseason is still young for them.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.