The Braves open the second half of their season Friday in Washington.
They sit at 52-42, a half-game behind the Phillies for the National League East lead. Many would consider the Braves, along with those Phillies and perhaps the Mariners, as baseball’s most pleasant surprises.
Entering the second half, the Braves have the ninth-best odds to win the World Series, according to MyBookie.AG. Freddie Freeman is tied as the NL MVP favorite with 3/2 (+150) odds, even with Colorado’s Nolan Arenado.
The Braves are listed at 20/1 (+2000), tied with Cleveland, Washington and Philadelphia. The Astros and Yankees are tied for best odds at 4/1.
The Braves’ 8/1 odds of winning NL are fifth best among NL contenders, but even with the Phillies and Nationals. They’re given 7/4 (+175) odds of winning the division, behind Philly (3/2, +150) but ahead of Washington (3/1, +300).
Ozzie Albies was given 9/1 odds to lead the NL in homers. He has 20 at the break.
