Now that the Super Bowl is over, this is usually the time in which bettors start to focus on Major League Baseball. That’s not the case this year, even though sportsbooks are still offering futures betting odds.
There was some optimism about the Cubs heading into last season, but that doesn’t appear to be the same this offseason. All of these future betting odds can change over time, especially if the Cubs are able to spend more money to land a player or two.
Player future betting markets are not yet available as there are just too many players that do not have a team. Sportsbooks can’t offer future betting odds until players have signed with new teams and figured out what leagues they are playing in.
Can Cubs Contend in Central?
It seems highly unlikely that the Cubs will even make the postseason in 2022, unless the new front office goes out and spends more money. The Cubs do have a big advantage entering the year as the Central Division should be the worst division in baseball.
Winning the Central would automatically put the Cubs in the postseason, but oddsmakers don’t like their chances. The Cubs are currently at +1200 to win the Central Division, and that actually has them in fourth place in terms of the odds.
The Chicago Cubs have the fourth best MLB futures odds to win the N.L. Central at +1200.
Milwaukee looks like the clear betting favorites to win the Central Division this season as they have odds set at -125. The Brewers ran away with the Central Division a season ago, and they should once again have a loaded pitching staff.
The St. Louis Cardinals (+210) and Cincinnati Reds (+700) are both in front of the Cubs in terms of betting odds to win the division. It seems possible that the Cubs can challenge the Cardinals and Reds, but beating the Brewers could be a real challenge.
Even though future betting markets are decided on the field, the Cubs could improve their chances in the first few days after a new contract is signed.
Dodgers Looking Strong Again
It was only a few years ago that it looked like the Cubs and Dodgers were on a collision course to meet up in the NLCS every single year. The Dodgers have continued to do their part and are going to continue being a threat, but the Cubs are no longer in that position.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are once again the betting favorites to win the World Series, with odds set at +600. It is the Houston Astros that are next on the list at +1000, and those teams have built up a massive rivalry.
The odds to win the World Series are going to change once free agency opens back up, because there are still plenty of talented players that aren’t yet signed. The Cubs are +15000 to win the World Series this season, and oddsmakers clearly don’t like the roster as it is currently assembled.
