Bet On The Red Sox To Win The World Series

Post-season baseball is just around the corner and the Boston Red Sox are already in World Series form.

A late-season surge has pulled the Boston Red Sox away from the competition in the American League East as they look to lock up their second division crown in the past four years.

With the combination of a MVP-worthy season from outfielder Mookie Betts along with a surprise Cy Young performance from Rick Porcello, the Red Sox have formed what looks like a team to be reckoned with come October.

Here's a look at a few World Series favorites and a dark horse to keep an eye on heading into the Fall Classic.

Chicago Cubs (+240)

The Cubs loaded up for a World Series run and remain favorites to win their first title since back-to-back crowns in 1907 and 1908. Bovada oddsmakers have a +240 line that the Cubs will prevail as champions and snap their 108-year title drought. The Cubs boast one of, if not the very best rotations in the major leagues with the likes of Jake Arrieta, Jon Lester, Kyle Henricks and John Lackey. The Cubs are no slouches at the plate either where they have sluggers Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, both of whom combining for more than 65 home runs this season. Chicago's speed on the bases, with Dexter Fowler and Javier Baez, will also help the Cubs in their World Series run.

Boston Red Sox (+550)

Aside from the tremendous performances both Betts and Porcello have produced, quite possibly Boston's biggest story of the year has been David Ortiz's farewell season. Big Papi, who announced prior to the season that the 2016 campaign would be his last, has the baseball world wondering if he should hang up his cleats.

With 36 home runs and 121 RBI, Ortiz has carried the Red Sox on his back in what will be his last season. Ortiz is one of six Boston players hitting over .300. Leading the way is second baseman and team captain Dustin Pedroia, who has a .325 batting average. Bovada's line of +550 that the Red Sox will win it all is a bet worth taking at this point of the season.

Washington Nationals (+550)

Don't count out the Nationals in October, especially not when you have a star-studded pitching rotation that features the 1-2 punch of hurlers Stephen Strasburg and Max Scherzer. Pitching is everything in the MLB playoffs and the Nationals won't have to worry about that when the post-season begins next month.

Bovada oddsmakers peg the Nationals as +550 favorites to win the World Series. Where the Nats fall a little short, however, is at the plate. Pitchers continue to throw around star outfielder Bryce Harper, who's among the league leaders in walks with 105. Harper has still managed to slug 24 home runs but has a .240 batting average. Things will only get tighter come playoff time.

Sleeper Pick

Los Angeles Dodgers (+550)

It's hard to call the National League West leaders a dark horse, but when ranking the Dodgers against the elite MLB teams, they do fall a little short. Nonetheless, when you have the best pitcher in the game - Clayton Kershaw - anything is possible.

Despite being plagued by a nagging herniated disc in his back, Kershaw has still managed to piece together what is sure to be another 20-win campaign. Kenta Maeda has quietly put together a nice season on the mound and the deadline addition of Rich Hill gives the Dodgers more depth heading into the post-season. Los Angeles can even hit the long ball as third baseman Justin Turner and shortstop Corey Seager are always threats when stepping up to the plate.

World Series Pick: Boston Red Sox (+550)

National League Champion: Chicago Cubs (+240)