Dodgers now betting favorites to win NL pennant
The bookies are buying into Mannywood.
The Dodgers were already the favorites to win their division, but Bovada has given Los Angeles a slight edge to win a second straight National League pennant after trading for Manny Machado, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY.
Previously, the Chicago Cubs were the betting favorite.
At 53-43, the Dodgers currently possess a half-game lead over the Arizona Diamondbacks for first place in the NL West. Despite sputtering out of the gate this season, the Dodgers boast a plus-82 run differential, whereas the D-Backs are at plus-43.
By FanGraphs' playoff probabilities, the Dodgers are 82.6 percent likely to win their division. They pace the entire Senior Circuit with a 16.9 percent probability of winning the World Series and only trail the Houston Astros who are 23.6 percent likely to repeat as champion.
After rumors dragged through the All-Star break, the Dodgers finalized a deal for Machado on Wednesday that sent a package of five prospects back to the Baltimore Orioles. The superstar will primarily take over shortstop duties for the Dodgers, but will also spend some time at third base. The 26-year-old rental is posting career highs in all triple-slash categories, owning a .315/.387/.575 line with 24 homers and seven stolen bases.