MLB World Series longshots 2023: Odds, predictions & best bets - Don't count out the Cardinals

St. Louis Cardinals hitter Nolan Arenado
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Caleb Wilfinger

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Deputy Editor for Pickswise with years of experience handicapping and giving out winning picks. Lover of all US sports and Southampton FC. For Caleb Wilfinger media enquiries, please email contact@pickswise.com.
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Winter has turned to spring and that means the arrival of the 2023 MLB season. On Thursday, the long grind of a 162-game season gets started that will take us through the end of October when one team will stand tall as World Series winners. But which team will it be?

Here at Pickswise, we’ve already asked our best MLB handicappers to give their picks for who wins the MLB World Series this season. However, there is plenty of value to be had for a few longshot contenders down the board. I analyzed the futures market and decided on who I think has a good chance to be the last team standing this season. Here are my favorite longshot picks to win the 2023 World Series, including my best bet.

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MLB World Series longshot winner best bet: St. Louis Cardinals (+2000)

The Cardinals have been a consistent postseason presence in recent years, but this just may be the year for St. Louis to make a run. While all-time club legends Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina have departed, a healthier pitching staff plus the addition of Cubs catcher Wilson Contreras should bolster an already rock-solid roster. Additionally, the Cardinals have the benefit of playing in a lackluster NL Central, which means a ton of games against the Cubs, Pirates and Reds. Given that St. Louis has got better and the Brewers have regressed, I expect the Cardinals to cruise through the NL Central and roll into the postseason as division champs.

Once the Cardinals reach the postseason, reigning NL MVP Paul Goldschmidt and superstar 3rd baseman Nolan Arenado are enough to scare any opposing team, no matter how strong the rotation is. From top to bottom, this lineup is as solid as they come — with plenty of depth behind its pair of stars. Barring any major injuries, the Cardinals should be dangerous in the postseason and are worth a shot at this price.

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MLB World Series longshot winner second pick: Tampa Bay Rays (+2000)

If you’re still looking to bet on another World Series longshot, one team that I think has solid value is the Tampa Bay Rays. The Rays are worth a dart throw at this price for their pitching alone, as Tampa Bay’s rotation features a Cy Young contender in Shane McClanahan plus Jeffrey Springs, Shane Baz, Zach Eflin, Drew Rasmussen and other solid depth starters. Furthermore, Tyler Glasnow should be returning to the pitching staff within the first few months of the season, which should add to Tampa Bay’s upside. At the dish, Tampa Bay should see a terrific season from Wander Franco, plus more solid seasons from Randy Arozarena, Yandy Diaz and others. Assuming the Rays are able to make the playoffs, this is a team that no one will want to face in October.

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