Angels' futures odds don't budge despite clear postseason push
The Los Angeles Angels made it clear to the rest of MLB that they'll be buyers at this year's trade deadline with the acquisition of Lucas Giolito from the Chicago White Sox.
The acquisition of Giolito - one of the best starting pitchers likely to be moved before the Aug. 1 deadline - also signals that the Angels won't be trading away pending unrestricted free agent Shohei Ohtani, which many speculated could happen if they decided to be sellers.
But the betting market doesn't seem to care.
Before heading into Thursday's doubleheader with the Detroit Tigers, the Angels' odds of winning the World Series were +15000 (bet $10 to win $1,500), +6000 to win the American League pennant, and +3500 to win the AL West.
Despite landing Giolito, keeping Ohtani, and having three-time MVP Mike Trout on track to return from injury in early August, none of the Angels' futures odds shortened.
Entering Thursday, the Angels sit four games out of a wild-card spot in the crowded American League race and seven games back in the AL West.
Their odds of reaching the playoffs, let alone making a run at the World Series, reflect the uphill battle they face over the next two months. L.A. was +475 to make the playoffs before its games Thursday, which equates to a 17.4% chance.
Only time will tell if the gamble taken by the Angels' front office was worth it.
(Odds via theScore Bet and Barstool Sportsbook)