World Series 2017 Predictions: Expert Picks For MLB Season

Now that the Chicago Cubs have broken the curse, they could be in for even more championships. At least that’s how a lot of MLB experts feel since many are picking the team to reach and win the 2017 World Series.

Chicago was clearly the best team in baseball last year, winning the title after a 103-win regular season. With multiple Cy Young candidates in the rotation and a few MVP candidates in the lineup, they have better World Series betting odds than any National League team.

READ: Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers have highest projected win totals

According to the experts, there are two clear challengers to the Cubs in the American League—the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Red Sox. Cleveland took Chicago to seven games in the 2016 World Series after sweeping Boston in the ALCS.

The Indians could very well win their first World Series since 1954, considering they got better over the offseason. They made one of the biggest free-agent signings by acquiring Edwin Encarnacion, and the team is much healthier than they were at the end of last year. The Indians made the World Series without two of their best pitchers and arguably their best position player.

The Red Sox have also improved over the offseason, even though David Ortiz retired. They traded for starting pitcher Chris Sale and closer Craig Kimbrel, improving a pitching staff that is complemented by the AL’s best offense.

The Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and New York Mets are included in other World Series predictions. Some experts believe the Toronto Blue Jays have what it takes to win the AL pennant.

Here are expert picks for the 2017 World Series:

Jayson Stark, ESPN: Los Angeles Dodgers over Toronto Blue Jays

Buster Olney, ESPN: Cleveland Indians over Chicago Cubs

Tim Kurkjian, ESPN: Chicago Cubs over Cleveland Indians

Jim Bowden, ESPN: Chicago Cubs over Boston Red Sox

Doug Glanville, ESPN: Chicago Cubs over Cleveland Indians

Alex Rodriguez, FOX Sports: Washington Nationals over Boston Red Sox

Pete Rose, FOX Sports: Cleveland Indians over Chicago Cubs

Tom Verducci, Sports Illustrated: Chicago Cubs over Boston Red Sox

Ben Reiter, Sports Illustrated: Houston Astros over New York Mets

Albert Chen, Sports Illustrated: Washington Nationals over Seattle Mariners

Jay Jaffe, Sports Illustrated: Chicago Cubs over Boston Red Sox

Ted Keith, Sports Illustrated: Chicago Cubs over Boston Red Sox