Upcoming Match-ups

Dodgers, Astros Open with Highest 2023 MLB Win Totals

Chris Amberley

by Chris Amberley in MLB Baseball

Updated Mar 7, 2023 · 1:54 PM PST

Houston Astros celebration
Nov 5, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros left fielder Yordan Alvarez (44) celebrates with second baseman Jose Altuve (27) right fielder Kyle Tucker (30) and shortstop Jeremy Pena (3) after hitting a three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning in game six of the 2022 World Series at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports
  • The Dodgers and Astros are expected to win the most games in 2023
  • LA has finished with the most wins in three of the past four regular seasons
  • See below for the opening MLB win totals for all 30 teams.

It feels like the baseball season just ended, but the reality is it’s been nearly three and half months since the Astros won the World Series.

Pitchers and catchers have already started rolling into Arizona and Florida for Spring Training, and the first set of exhibition games are less than two weeks away.

Online sportsbooks are starting to get into the swing of the upcoming MLB season as well, releasing win totals for all 30 of its teams.

Opening MLB Win Totals (Highest to Lowest)

Team Win Total
Los Angeles Dodgers 95.5
Houston Astros 95.5
New York Yankees 94.5
Atlanta Braves 94.5
New York Mets 94.5
San Diego Padres 92.5
Toronto Blue Jays 90.5
Tampa Bay Rays 88.5
St. Louis Cardinals 88.5
Philadelphia Phillies 88.5
Seattle Mariners 87.5
Cleveland Guardians 86.5
Milwaukee Brewers 85.5
Chicago White Sox 83.5
Texas Rangers 82.5
San Francisco Giants 81.5
Los Angeles Angels 81.5
Minnesota Twins 81.5
Boston Red Sox 77.5
Chicago Cubs 77.5
Baltimore Orioles 76.5
Miami Marlins 76.5
Arizona Diamondbacks 74.5
Detroit Tigers 70.5
Kansas City Royals 69.5
Pittsburgh Pirates 67.5
Cincinnati Reds 65.5
Colorado Rockies 65.5
Washington Nationals 61.5
Oakland Athletics 60.5

Win totals as of Feb. 15, 2023, at DraftKings. See all the DraftKings promo code options.

The top of the board looks eerily similar to 2022, as both the Dodgers and defending champion Astros boast the two shortest odds once again. The Yankees and Braves were among the top-six contenders prior to last season as well, albeit in a slightly different order.

 

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Los Angeles and Houston each have an over/under of 95.5 victories in the 2023 MLB win totals, which if they fall short of would be a downgrade from last season. The Dodgers won an MLB-best 111 games, while the Astros were right behind them with 106 victories.

Top of the Board

LA has won the most games in the Majors three times in the last four years, but have come away with just one championship. They’re the co-favorites in the World Series odds with Houston as well, despite a fair bit of roster turnover.

The Dodgers lost a few stars in the offseason, most notably Trea Turner and Justin Turner. Power hitter Cody Bellinger also left, as did closer Craig Kimbrel. They did add former Red Sox J.D. Martinez to help replace some of the lost pop at the plate, and they got better defensively at shortstop with the addition of Miguel Rojas.

Nevertheless, expect the offense to take a step back. LA led the National League in most key offensive categories last season, but that will be a tough task to repeat given the departures. There are also serious questions about the last two spots of their starting rotation, as the addition of Noah Syndergaard isn’t moving the needle.

The Astros on the other hand, look very similar to last season with one glaring exception. Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander is now a member of the Mets, and Houston didn’t add a proven talent to replace him.

The starting lineup looks very similar to the 2022 championship team, just another year older. They did add Jose Abreu from the White Sox, who’s fresh off a down year, but this team will now be counting on four players in their mid-30’s.

Given the concerns of both teams, it makes sense to look a little further down the oddsboard for some value. The Mets, who won 101 games last season, and now boast the most expensive payroll in MLB history are an option, as are the reigning NL champs.

Buy the Phillies

Philadelphia landed the biggest fish this offseason prying Turner away from the Dodgers. He gives the Phillies another elite bat to go along with Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber in the middle of the order, helping them form one of the most productive trios in baseball.

Philly also upgraded their rotation by signing Taijuan Walker, who’ll slot in nicely after co-aces Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. Walker is fresh off a career year, posting personal bests in wins and ERA.

The Phillies also added Kimbrel to shore up the back end of their bullpen which was considered a big weakness. They won 87 games a season ago, despite a late season skid where they dropped 13 of 20 down the stretch.

Philadelphia turned things around once the postseason arrived, and showcased their true potential. With the additions they’ve made their ceiling is higher than ever, making them a strong bet to exceed their win total.

Pick: Philadelphia Phillies Over 88.5 Wins 

 

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