Astros are early favorites to repeat as World Series champs in 2023

According to oddschecker, Points Bet and Borgata also have the Astros listed as +600 favorites, along with BetMGM. And both Draftkings (+550) and Caesars' (+400) sportsbooks project Houston to win the World Series again. 

Losing the reigning Cy Young Award winner would likely tank the odds of most teams, but not the Astros. Despite losing Justin Verlander in free agency to the New York Mets, Houston's rotation still boasts a talented and deep group, including Framber Valdez, Lance McCullers Jr., Cristian Javier, Luis Garcia, and Jose Urquidy. The Astros also have prospects Hunter Brown and Forrest Whitley waiting in the wings. So, if there was ever a time to let a future Hall of Famer walk, it was now. 

The Astros' odds undoubtedly received a boost after the signing of free-agent first baseman Jose Abreu. 

Swapping out the 38-year-old Yuli Gurriel for 35-year-old Abreu should be a massive win for Houston. Last season, Abreu batted .304/.378/.446 with 15 homers and 75 RBI, while Gurriel hit eight home runs with 53 RBI, slashing only .242/.288/.360. 

With Abreu batting in the middle of the Astros' lineup, he has the potential for a monster season in 2023. The nine-year-vet may not put up the same numbers he did two years ago, when he smashed 30 homers and knocked in 117 runs, but Abreu is likely to improve upon last year's offering.