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The 2016 World Series kicks off on Tuesday night, when the Chicago Cubs and Cleveland Indians get things going in game one at Progressive Field.
Cubs vs. Indians
It’s an emotional title series, as the Cubs make history by returning to MLB’s biggest stage for the first time since 1945. Chicago ends a remarkably long World Series drought, while they’ll have their first chance to actually win the entire thing for the first time since 1908.
Things could be emotional for the Indians, too, as Cleveland is fresh off of seeing the Cavaliers win their first NBA Finals championship in team history and will see The Tribe back on Major League Baseball’s biggest stage for the first time since 1997.
The Indians failed to capitalize on that World Series showdown with the then Florida Marlins, as they fell in one of the tightest title series ever, 4-3. The Tribe will be gunning for a win, though, which would be their first since winning in 1948.
World Series Betting
Suffice to say, this is a pretty historical and emotional World Series we’re gearing up for. The odds have favored the Cubs all year, as betting sites like Bovada gave them the best chance to win from the very beginning. Cleveland ended up being a solid favorite to make a deep playoff run as the year went on, but had you tossed some cash on them to win it all before the season even started, you could stand to win some money.
For the entire thing, here’s how the 2016 World Series odds are looking over at Bovada:
- Cubs to Win -190
- Indians to Win +170
You’re not coming away a massive winner, no matter who you bet on, but if you’re looking for a bigger payday, going with the underdog Indians to stage the World Series upset is the more profitable angle.
There is a lot more to consider for this series, like how the series itself could specifically unfold. It’s a tough series to gauge, too, considering we did not see these teams face in 2016. They played each other just four times in 2015, too, with these squads splitting those meetings right down the middle, 2-2.
If you want to bet the series, here are your betting options, per Bovada:
- Cubs win, 4-0 +650
- Cubs, 4-1 +350
- Cubs, 4-2 +350
- Cubs, 4-3 +400
- Indians win, +2500
- Indians, 4-1 +1100
- Indians, 4-2 +650
- Indians, 4-3 +550
You could make an argument anywhere here, but the best bet might be shooting for an Indians sweep. That does you much better than any other bet, as a $100 bet could get you back a cool $2,500.
Another interesting 2016 World Series bet could be the World Series MVP odds. Andrew Miller just was named MVP of Cleveland’s last series, so he naturally leads the way (+900). There are a ton of star hitters and pitchers that could vie for the World Series MVP, of course, depending on how things shake out.
In terms of talent and upside, here are a few fun World Series MVP sleeper picks:
- Jose Ramirez – Indians (+5500)
- Jason Heyward – Cubs (+5000)
- Tyler Naquin – Indians (+4000
If you’re looking for a more favorable World Series MVP play that also could provide fun odds, consider these guys:
- Corey Kluber – Indians (+1500)
- Jake Arrieta – Cubs (+1200)
- Jason Kipnis – Indians (+2000)
Game One Breakdown
Both of these teams come in hot, as Cleveland took care of high-powered Toronto Blue Jays offense last round with a 4-1 series win and Chicago ousted the Dodgers 4-2 by taking the last three games of the series.
It figures to be a true battle of the aces to get the 2016 World Series started, with Jon Lester looking to take the mound for the Cubs, who visit Corey Kluber and the Indians. Both of these pitchers have been great in the playoffs and churned out elite numbers across stellar 2016 MLB campaigns. It’s going to be tough sledding for two very potent offenses in this first game, and quite possibly much of the series.
The pitching advantage is moot here, as it’s a total wash and the Indians may get the mildest of edges due to starting the World Series at home.
These are two of the best offenses in baseball, but power might not be on fully display in this series. If that’s the case, pitcher duels may favor the Indians, start right away at home in game one.
World Series: Game 1 Pick
While the Indians do seem to have a mild edge to get this thing started, this first game (and really the entire World Series) feels like a toss-up. If we’re leaning on that, the narrative favors the Cubs, who have waited for 70 years just to get back here, and haven’t even won a World Series in 100+.
It’s time for the Cubs to rewrite history and we’ve got a feeling they get things started off the right way in game one, setting the tone for the rest of the series.
Game One Pick: Cubs 2, Indians 1
