World Series Odds 2017: Cubs Favored To Repeat, Indians Listed Fifth Overall

Just one day after the fall classic, the 2017 World Series odds are out. The 2016 World Series is history, and the Chicago Cubs are the new champions of baseball. The Cubs defeated the Indians in one of the most watched Game 7s in MLB history on Tuesday night by the final score of 8-7, clinching their first title since 1908.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K2Yb3qCa7TQ

While the city of Chicago will be partying for days, actually they most likely will be whooping it up until next baseball season, the rest of the league is already looking forward to next season. For many years the Chicago Cubs were the hunter, however, in 2017 they will be the hunted.

According to a Freep report, the 2017 World Series odds have been released by many sports books and the Cubbies are the favorites to win the series once again. Listed at 3/1 odds, the Cubs are far and away the favorites. With a three-way tie for second between the Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals and Los Angeles Dodgers at 10/1 odds, Chicago sitting at 3/1 speaks volumes in what Las Vegas sports books think will happen next season.

While the Cubs obviously have the talent to repeat as champions, history shows the odds of them doing so is not good. In fact, no team has repeated as World Series champions in 16 years. The New York Yankees were the last team to win back-to-back championships when they pulled off a three-peat performance back in 1998, 1999 and 2000. The Yankees went to a fourth World Series in a row in 2001 but fell short to the Arizona Diamondbacks in seven games.

From a wagering point of view, the Cubs may not be worth the risk to win the 2017 World Series at 3/1 odds just because of how long the MLB season is, possible injuries and most importantly the odds. Usually, full season prop bets at least give 5 or 6/1 odds just to entice the betting public to jump in while emotions are high with celebrations.

Now, can the Cubs repeat as champs? Absolutely. However, right now, all the Cubs and their fans want to do is celebrate this championship and party like it’s 1908! The Cubs World Series victory parade celebration should be one for the ages.

The World Series runner-up Cleveland Indians are listed at 12/1 to win the 2017 championship. While losing the World Series is never a good feeling for a team and its fans, it is even a bit harder for Tribe fans to deal with after losing a 3-1 lead.

The irony for Cleveland is the Indians did the exact opposite of what the Cavaliers did earlier this season. Trailing the Golden State Warriors 3-1, LeBron James led the Cavs back from the brink of elimination with three straight wins as Cleveland shocked the basketball world and won the 2016 NBA title.

Now the Indians fans know exactly how the Warriors fans felt last June.

Nevertheless, Cleveland will still be looked at as one of the top teams to beat next year in the American League.

Here is one more piece of positive news for Indians fans. The Tribe made it to Game 7 of the World Series with one of the lowest payrolls in all of baseball. They can easily afford to possibly pick up a player or two over the offseason to add some depth and very well be back in the same position next season.

Here is a look at the top ten favorites to win the 2017 World Series. You can see the entire list of odds thanks to Vegas Insider by clicking here.

1. Chicago Cubs –3/1
2. Los Angeles Dodgers –10/1
3. Washington Nationals — 10/1
4. Boston Red Sox — 10/1
5. New York Mets –12/1
6. Cleveland Indians — 12/1
7. Houston Astros –12/1
8. Toronto Blue Jays — 14/1
9. San Francisco Giants –16/1
10. Texas Rangers — 16/1

[Featured Image by Scott Olson/Getty Images]