The first full month of the 2018 MLB season is in the books and already the old cliche “that’s why the games are played on the field and not on paper” is coming to fruition. The Brewers, Braves, and Phillies look like postseason teams, while the Cubs, Nationals, and Dodgers have hardly looked like the preseason favorites that most sportsbooks predicted to win the Fall Classic.

While it is still early, it is shaping up to be an interesting summer!

The early surprises

Right off the bat, most fans are surprised to see the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers playing so well through the first month of action.

Well, everyone but fans in the cities of Philadelphia and Milwaukee -- and me.

Back in February, the Phillies and Brewers were already on my radar, and it seems that the betting public is just catching up now.

According to a CBS Sports report, the entire NL East looks flipped upside down compared to most MLB experts' preseason expectations. The Braves and Phillies are right behind the first place NY Mets, while the heavily favored Washington Nationals are on the bottom of the division with the Miami Marlins.

Once again, it is still very early, but the Braves and Phillies are playing some darn good ball right now.

The Phillies, Brewers, and Braves were at insane odds back in February. Vegas Insider indicates that Philadelphia has jumped from 5000/1 to 50/1, while the Braves and Brewers were both over 200/1 and are now climbing the ranks quickly.

Milwaukee is currently 60/1 and the Braves are now 100/1 to win the MLB title.

Failing to meet expectations

The early losers? The LA Dodgers and Washington Nationals. The Dodgers and Nationals were amongst the preseason favorites to capture the 2018 World Series when spring training began right behind the New York Yankees and Houston Astros.

While they are still in the top 10, they have lost significant ground and confidence with the wagering public.

The Dodgers opened at 9/2 at the Westgate Sportsbook in Las Vegas, and are now down to 10/1, while the Nationals have fallen from 7/1 to 12/1. The Astros are still the team to beat, but the Red Sox and Yankees are gaining ground.

Here is a look at the odds to win the 2018 World Series as of April 30.

  • Boston Red Sox 6/1
  • Houston Astros 6/1
  • New York Yankees 7/1
  • New York Mets 8/1
  • Chicago Cubs 10/1
  • Cleveland Indians 10/1
  • Los Angeles Dodgers 10/1
  • Los Angeles Angels 12/1
  • Washington Nationals 12/1
  • Arizona Diamondbacks 16/1
  • St. Louis Cardinals 16
  • Minnesota Twins 18
  • Colorado Rockies 45
  • Toronto Blue Jays 45
  • Philadelphia Phillies 50
  • Seattle Mariners 55
  • Milwaukee Brewers 60
  • Pittsburgh Pirates 80
  • San Francisco Giants 80
  • Atlanta Braves 100
  • Oakland Athletics 250
  • Chicago White Sox 500
  • Detroit Tigers 500
  • San Diego Padres 500
  • Tampa Bay Rays 500
  • Texas Rangers 500
  • Baltimore Orioles 1000
  • Cincinnati Reds 2000
  • Kansas City Royals 2000
  • Miami Marlins 5000
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