Athletics, Even Money to Have Worst Record in Baseball

As Opening Day approaches, eager bettors are making their final predictions as to which teams

may contend for a World Series title and perhaps lay some cash down on a team. Right now,

The Dodgers are listed as the favorites at +300. You can check out the current lines here.

But others may be looking at the other end of the spectrum, predicting which team will finish

with the worst record in baseball and based on the latest odds, it could be the surest bet of the

season.

Worst of the Worst

Oakland Athletics (+100)

The Athletics come off a dismal season where they lost an MLB-worst 112 games which

included an 11-game losing streak, the longest in 2023. The previous year, 102 losses, so it’s

not like last season was a hiccup. This franchise isn’t very good. It has the lowest payroll,

didn’t add much in free agency and is a lame duck organization as it heads into what will likely

be its final season in the Bay Area before moving to Sin City. Expectations are low as their win

total.

Colorado Rockies (+240)

The Rockies didn’t fare well last season going 59-102 and posted the second worst run

differential behind Oakland. There are some good young pieces on this roster but 2024 looks

like a rebuilding season and more about developing than competing. And to make matters

worse, the team is without two of their better pitchers as German Marquez and Antonio

Senatela won’t return until the All-Star Break.

Chicago White Sox (+450)

Despite being in a weaker division the Chicago White Sox are likely facing another tough

season. 101 losses in 2023 and that number should be in the triple-digits again. Chicago could

unload some of their better players this season, Dylan Cease and Luis Robert, to name a few.

They are entering a rebuild, and their offseason additions don’t really scream out for a big

improvement. Expect another challenging season on the south side.

Worth Taking A Longshot

Pittsburgh Pirates (+4000)

The Pirates were 76-86 last season and there is a chance they will regress in 2024. While they

do field a better lineup than, say, the Athletics, at +4000 it may be worth taking a chance.

Pittsburgh did add to its rotation adding a trio of pitchers including Aroldis Chapman. But the

Pirates face some stiff competition in the NL Central and it should be another rebuilding season

in Steeltown.