2026 MLB Odds: 5 Best Post-Trade Deadline Bets

3 hours ago 4

The Major League Baseball trade deadline has come and gone, leaving many teams looking quite different than they did a week ago.

The most notable trade, of course, was the back-to-back defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers acquiring left-handed ace Tarik Skubal from the Detroit Tigers.

However, plenty of other deals went down.

Let’s take a look at five post-deadline bets I like.

This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.

CUBS TO WIN WORLD SERIES (+1600)

While a lot of the attention was on the Dodgers adding Skubal, the Cubs quietly had a very productive deadline. Pitchers Kevin Gausman, Braxton Garrett, Clay Holmes and Ryan Zeferjahn were all brought in, and should thrive with the support of an elite Cubs’ defense. Chances are Chicago will have to go the long route to the World Series, likely entering the playoffs as a wild-card team. However, while the Cubs trail the Brewers by 5.5 games in the NL Central, the two teams meet seven times between now and Sept. 9, giving the Cubs a chance to get back into the division race. Coming off of a sweep of the Dodgers, Chicago looks like a real contender.

NATIONALS UNDER 75.5 WINS

The Nationals have exceeded expectations so far this season, but I’m not sure the feel-good story continues into the late summer. All-star outfielder James Wood is currently on the injured list with an oblique injury, and fellow all-star Luis Garcia Jr. was just traded to the New York Yankees before the deadline. Sporting one of the worst bullpens in baseball, it might be a rough ending to what has been a good season in Washington.

ANGELS UNDER 62.5 WINS

While the other team in L.A. goes for its third straight title, the Angels were once again sellers at the deadline. Pitchers Jose Soriano and Ryan Zeferjahn were dealt, as was outfielder Jo Adell. Mike Trout remains in town, but the oft-injured future Hall of Famer isn’t enough to keep the Angels from limping to the finish line and staying under this win total.

CUBS OVER RED SOX (+10000)
Exact World Series result

Back to the Cubs. If the 16-1 payout doesn’t do it for you, they are 100-1 to defeat the Red Sox in the Fall Classic. Neither team is leading their division, but both teams are red-hot and within striking distance of first place. The Red Sox enter play on Thursday having won seven straight games and 30 of their last 35. The Red Sox to defeat the Cubs is 150-1 if you want to go that route and go for the even bigger payday, but playing either combination I think is a fun bet to have, and one you might be glad you made come October.

ORIOLES TO BE 6-SEED (+750)

The Orioles enter play on Thursday just a half-game behind the Rangers for the final American League wild-card spot (6-seed). If the Orioles get into the playoffs, they will likely be the 6-seed, as they trail the 5-seed by 6.5 games. At +750, the Orioles snagging the final playoff spot is a good bet in an American League playoff race that is wide open.

Major League Baseball