New York Yankees’ World Series odds take slight hit with Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury

The New York Yankees’ World Series odds took a hit with Gerrit Cole’s elbow injury. But their odds might have dropped less than you’d expect.

The Yankees were +800 at BetMGM to win the World Series over the weekend before rumblings of a potential season-ending injury for their ace. On Monday, the news became official — Cole will have Tommy John surgery on his right elbow and miss the 2025 season.

With Cole out for the year, the Yankees are now +900 to win the World Series but still the top team in the American League.

“Starting pitching was supposed to be a strength of the Yankees,” BetMGM trading strategy manager Halvor Egeland said in a statement. “Losing Gerrit Cole for the season is a major setback and now the American League is more wide open. However, New York is still the favorite to win the AL.”

The Yankees’ odds to win the American League also took a slight hit. New York was +300 to win the pennant before the news of Cole’s injury and is now at +350.

As New York’s odds got worse, the Boston Red Sox’s odds improved. Boston has gone from +2000 to +1800 to win the World Series and +1000 to +800 to win the American League. Boston has received the most bets (19%) and most money (24%) to win the AL pennant.

The Dodgers continue to be the overwhelming favorites to win the World Series after they reloaded following their 2024 title run. Los Angeles is +240 to repeat and has received 18% of World Series bets and nearly 40% of the handle. No other team has received more than 9% of bets or money.

The Yankees are tied with the Atlanta Braves as the No. 2 favorite and are the only World Series favorite among the American League teams. The Philadelphia Phillies are the No. 4 favorite at +1100, just ahead of the New York Mets at +1200. Yes, the National League East has three of the top five World Series favorites.