The 2021 MLB trade deadline has passed, and both of Chicago’s baseball teams have pulled off two major crosstown trades. This was one of the most eventful trade deadlines for Chicago’s MLB teams in recent memory.
Craig Kimbrel and Ryan Tepera have joined the White Sox, while Nick Madrigal, Codi Heuer, and Bailey Horn are now with the Cubs. Kimbrel, who has a 0.49 ERA, is considered one of the top closers in baseball. Madrigal, currently sidelined with a hamstring injury, has the potential to be a key player in the Cubs’ infield for many years to come.
The date exercise only confirmed the belief that the White Sox were now serious contenders for the World Series.
The Sox’s World Series odds at DraftKings Sportsbook have improved from +750 on Wednesday to +650 as of Friday afternoon.
Furthermore, they are currently the top contenders to win the American League. The Red Sox secured the pennant on Friday morning at DraftKings with a +300 edge over the Astros, who are at +270, while the White Sox are at +250.
The Cubs traded Anthony Rizzo to the Giants and Javier Baez and Kris Bryant to the Mets in a major shakeup orchestrated by Jed Hoyer in his first move as the team’s new leader, effectively dismantling the Cubs.
Leading up to Friday, the Dodgers and Yankees, two of the most famous teams in the league, were busy acquiring players as the deadline approached.
In the week leading up to the trade deadline, the Dodgers emerged as the clear favorites to win the World Series according to Illinois casinos. Their acquisition of Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from the Nationals only solidified their status. As the current champions, the Dodgers had already built up a significant lead, boasting the highest total of any team up to that point.
In other parts of the AL, the Astros were considered the favorite to win the World Series before the deadline. They acquired closer Kendall Graveman from the Mariners, who boasts an ERA of less than 1.
The Red Sox and Rays both acquired hitters Kyle Schwarber and Nelson Cruz.
The White Sox have a higher chance of winning the World Series today compared to a few days ago, even though they have shown the same level of boldness as their competitors.
World Series chances after MLB industry
Illinois sportsbooks have released the latest World Series odds for review.
assessing the White Sox deal date
The White Sox added Cesar Hernandez, a former infielder for the Indians, to their roster along with Kimbrel and Tepera. Hernandez, who was Chicago’s first pick-up on Thursday, helps fill a significant void left by Madrigal’s season-ending hamstring injury. The Sox were lacking quality options at second base before acquiring Hernandez.
Hernandez has caught up with Jose Abreu for the team lead in home runs. His absence also weakens the Indians, who are currently trailing the AL Central leaders by eight games.
Naturally, that reveals