ALCS, NLCS to Set Stage for an Iconic Fall Classic

The AL and NL championship series in the MLB playoffs are underway and, barring an upset in the AL, we’re headed toward a box-office matchup in this year’s Fall Classic.   

The New York Yankees, up 2-0 over the Cleveland Guardians, are the outright World Series favourite (-105 at BET99) and heavily expected to win the AL pennant, at -850 in MLB odds. The Bronx Bombers’ status as heavy favourites are entirely logical — and rooted in what has become an unavoidably lethal lineup.  

Aaron Judge needs no introduction, following back-to-back seasons for the ages, but this October, he's had significant support. Juan Soto has delivered in clutch moments, and Giancarlo Stanton, the 2017 NL MVP, has been showing flashes of his prime form. 

With the Yanks in great position, the page turns to who they’ll face. The NLCS is knotted at 1-1 but MLB odds still fancy the Dodgers (-155 at BET99) to take care of business against the Mets. Regardless of who emerges from the NL gauntlet, it’ll be a must-watch showdown.   

The likelier outcome would see MLB’s marquee franchises, in America’s coastal pillars, collide in the World Series for a record 12th time — and the first time since 1981.  

Adding to the drama are the superstars at the heart of it all. Shohei Ohtani and Judge owned baseball this year and are the odds-on AL and NL MVP favourites. The duo is also atop the World Series MVP odds board, with Judge at +450 and Ohtani just behind at +500. 

Should L.A. stumble, it’ll be the Subway Series II. Twenty-four years after the Yankees triumphed at Shea Stadium, the Mets would have a shot at revenge as New York’s teams do battle.   

The two championship series are underway and there’s plenty of MLB playoffs drama still to unfold. With the Yankees inching toward the World Series, however, it’s looking increasingly likely that this year’s baseball season is saving its juiciest storylines for the very end.

Click here to explore the full range of MLB Playoff betting options available on BET99.   

*Odds as of October 16, 2024