World Series betting tips, picks, MVP predictions - ESPN

It took seven games to eliminate the rival Houston Astros, but the Texas Rangers dethroned the defending champs in the ALCS and are headed to the 2023 World Series to face the Arizona Diamondbacks, who also went seven games in their series with the defending NL champion Philadelphia Phillies. The Rangers' last trip to the World Series was in 2011, when they lost in seven games to the Cardinals. The Diamondbacks won their only other trip to the World Series, topping the Yankees in seven games in 2001. Arizona won the season series with the Rangers 3-1, splitting in Arlington in May and taking both games at home in August. Game 1 is Friday in Texas.

With the matchup set, fantasy analysts Tristan H. Cockcroft, Eric Karabell and Todd Zola and betting analyst Tyler Fulghum offer their picks to win the Fall Classic and take home the World Series MVP, all while considering the odds.

The Rangers defeat the Astros in Game 7 with the help of two home runs from Adolis Garcia to advance to the World Series.

Game 1: Friday at Rangers, 8:03 p.m. ET
Game 2: Saturday at Rangers, 8:03 p.m. ET
Game 3: Monday at Diamondbacks, 8:03 p.m. ET
Game 4: Tuesday at Diamondbacks, 8:03 p.m. ET
Game 5 (if necessary): Wednesday, Nov. 1 at Diamondbacks, 8:03 p.m. ET
Game 6 (if necessary): Friday, Nov. 3 at Rangers, 8:03 p.m. ET
Game 7 (if necessary): Saturday, Nov. 4 at Rangers, 8:03 p.m. ET

Rangers in 5 (+525). I'll admit that I picked Texas in six on our MLB pages, but I see more value in betting on the Rangers handling this series quickly. Their offense will prove too tough for the Diamondbacks' pitching staff, which would need to continue getting magical performances from the likes of Brandon Pfaadt, Ryan Thompson and Kevin Ginkel in order to win. Corey