San Diego Padres: Vegas Grants Team Longest Odds in 2017

Coming as little surprise to San Diego Padres’ fans, their team enters 2017 with 100/1 odds to win the World Series, among the longest in baseball.

2016 is officially in the books for Major League baseball, as the Chicago Cubs are World Series champions. While Cubs fans continue to dance in the streets of the north side of Chicago, Las Vegas is already looking forward towards 2017.

Not a pitch has been thrown, and the San Diego Padres are already being counted out when it comes to championship contention. Their long odds are once again 100/1 at the beginning of a season, making them one of six teams with the worst odds.

Joining the Padres in 100/1 World Series odds are the Arizona Diamondbacks, Atlanta Braves, Cincinnati Reds, Minnesota Twins, and the Philadelphia Phillies. The favorite to win it all next year is once again the Cubs, who have 7/2 odds.

Five of seven of the clubs with the best odds entering 2017 are National League teams, as are four of the bottom six. San Diego finds itself having much higher odds for the top draft pick in 2017 than even a playoff appearance. While this may come a disappointment to fans, it isn’t a surprise. Coming in with one of the youngest teams in baseball and a second year manager, the Padres expect to feel growing pains.

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But the team does have one of the brighter outlooks for the long term. In the next five years, expect the Padres to complete the rebuilding process and become a contender. This is due to their young talent, led by Wil Myers and complemented by players such as Hunter Renfroe, Manuel Margot, Ryan Schimpf, Luis Sardinas, and Austin Hedges.

Prospects such as top southpaw Anderson Espinoza also contribute to the bright outlook for years to come. But when it comes to 2017, only one signed player is age thirty or over. The average age of San Diego’s current roster is under 26. There is little hope for experience to shine through for several years.

Next: Consistency Key for Myers in 2017

Though the odds of a World Series title are slim, 2017 is a critical season for the Padres. Small victories are what the team will seek, knowing that patience is key. Still, given the success of Las Vegas in recent years, fans shouldn’t base their hopes on these latest odds. Slim chances only make for more remarkable stories.