Rays Racing Up Odds List

sportsbookreview.com

13 April 2023

The Tampa Bay Rays have been the talk of baseball, and their odds are moving quickly in the market to have the best record in the majors. Sportsbook Review betting analyst Neil Parker has evaluated the numbers and offers his MLB best record picks, leans, and fades based on the odds from our best MLB betting sites.

Tampa Bay is closing in on an MLB record start following its 9-7 win over the Boston Red Sox on Wednesday. The Rays sit atop the league’s standings with a perfect 12-0 record, and their plus-65 run differential is more than double any other team in baseball.

The TB arms have been beyond filthy, and the bats are packing a punch prime Mike Tyson would envy.

But before rushing to stock up on ribbons, confetti, and streamers, how about we wait for Tampa Bay to show similar success against a string of formidable opponents and not the who’s who of MLB basement dwellers?

MLB best record odds

MLB best record odds as of Thursday, April 13 at 11 a.m. ET.

MLB best record: Pick

Los Angeles Dodges (+800)

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Los Angeles Dodgers (+800)

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It hasn’t been a sterling start for The Boys in Blue, but they carried one of the highest win totals ahead of the season and still sport a short number by the 2023 World Series odds. Additionally, Los Angeles is already 4-2 at home, and the Dodgers are tied for an NL-high, plus-24 run differential.

I particularly value the defensive versatility and offensive depth Los Angeles trots out. The pitching staff will also receive a boost in May with Tony Gonsolin set to return from an ankle injury.

Plus, would anyone be surprised if the club graduated a hot-shot youngster from the minors for the stretch drive, or made a splash at the MLB trade deadline?

MLB best record: Lean

Atlanta Braves (+400)

I expect the Braves will take a serious run at posting the best record in baseball when it’s all said and done – but this price is incredibly short.

For comparison, Atlanta is priced just slightly shorter (+300) to win the NL pennant, and the Braves’ odds to win the World Series are +600 through DraftKings.

If you’re confident in Atlanta, I’d target those two markets. You’re eliminating half the league with the NL pennant wager, and acquiring longer odds by backing the Braves to win it all.

MLB best record: Fades

Tampa Bay Rays (+450)
Milwaukee Brewers (+2000)

Tampa Bay Rays (+450)

Simply put, everything isn’t going to continue to go right for the Rays. Even with Tampa Bay annually playing better than the perceived sum of its parts, I’m not advocating rushing to the window to buy a ticket at a decreased price.

Again, there are better markets available to invest in the Rays. They’re priced at +500 to win the AL pennant, and their World Series odds are a healthy +1000.

Above all else, though, a quick peek at Tampa Bay's schedule showcases a 12-0 start against an underwhelming quartet of opponents: the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Oakland Athletics, and Boston Red Sox.

Milwaukee Brewers (+2200)

No team in baseball has a larger gap in their team ERA (2.83) and team FIP (4.28) than the Brew Crew, and their BABIP (.332) also ranks sixth in the majors. As a result, I’m expecting statistical correction to take a toll on Milwaukee sooner than later.

Additionally, No. 2 starter Brandon Woodruff is on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation, and it would be a huge blow to the Brewers if he missed additional time or the injury lingers.

Finally, I’m expecting Milwaukee to be tested in its next two series on the highway against the San Diego Padres and Seattle Mariners.