2023 World Series Odds: Rangers vs. Diamondbacks Preview

The 2023 World Series matchup is set as the Arizona Diamondbacks will take on the Texas Rangers. The Diamondbacks are headed back to the Fall Classic after 22 years following their Game 7 win in Philadelphia. The Texas Rangers booked their ticket back to the big series for the first time since 2011 with their Game 7 win over the reigning champions, the Houston Astros.

The 2023 World Series is the third in Major League Baseball history that features two Wild Card teams — the other instances were 2002 and 2014. Both the Diamondbacks and Rangers faced uphill battles to reach this point as they had to win two games on the road facing 3-2 series deficits. Nevertheless, they overcame the obstacles and earned their place in the Fall Classic.

Which one of these pennant winners is now favored in the World Series?

Caesars Sportsbook, the official odds partner of Bet.NOLA.com, lists Texas as the chalk favorite to win the World Series for the first time in the club's history. The Rangers have -185 odds to win the best-of-seven series, giving them an implied probability of 64.91%.

Arizona is no stranger to the underdog role though. The Diamondbacks have been on the "wrong side" of the odds for the entire postseason — and they love it. Arizona weaponized this narrative and turned it into motivation as it eliminated MLB Postseason mainstays in the Milwaukee Brewers, Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies.

While the public may not give this World Series matchup much attention, it'll be an elite chess match that'll excite the sport's superfans. It features the MLB's third-best offense (Texas) against an incredible pitching staff (Arizona). Both teams have exciting, young stars and lovable veterans too.

The probable starters for Friday night's contest are Zac Gallen for the visitors and Jordan Montgomery in front of his home crowd.

According to Caesars Sportsbook oddsmakers, the Rangers are favored to win the first game of the series. Texas is -170 to win outright with Arizona sitting at +143 as of Wednesday afternoon. The over/under is set at 8 total runs with -120 juice on the over.

Game 1 gets underway from Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas on Friday, October 27. Fox will carry the national broadcast with Joe Davis and John Smoltz on the call. First pitch is slated for 7:03 p.m. CT.