The Boston Red Sox are the first place team in the American League East division and only the San Francisco Giants have more wins in the MLB standings.
And yet, the Red Sox still aren't being taken seriously by oddsmakers as a legitimate World Series contender.
PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Boston sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE Take a look at the latest 2021 World Series betting lines -- odds provided by our partner, PointsBet Sportsbook.
| Rank | Team | Odds |
| 1 | Los Angeles Dodgers | +375 |
| 2 | Houston Astros | +700 |
| 3 | Chicago White Sox | +800 |
| 4 | San Diego Padres | +800 |
| 5 | New York Mets | +900 |
| 6 | Tampa Bay Rays | +1200 |
| 7 | New York Yankees | +1300 |
| 8 | Oakland Athletics | +1400 |
| 9 | Boston Red Sox | +1600 |
| 10 | Milwaukee Brewers | +2000 |
The Yankees have a lot of talent, but it's still a little surprising to see them remain ahead of the Red Sox, especially after Boston swept their rivals over the weekend at Fenway Park. New York is 7.5 games behind the Red Sox in the AL East.
Yankees equipment truck embarrassingly gets stuck under Fenway Park door
Boston Red Sox
Find the latest Boston Red Sox news, highlights, analysis and more with NBC Sports Boston.
The New York Mets being ahead of the Red Sox on the odds list is a bit peculiar as well. The Mets have scored the fewest runs (266) by far of any division-leading team. They also have the worst run differential of any first-place club.
The Red Sox are not without weaknesses.
Starting pitching is a concern, and it's one area that chief baseball officer Chaim Bloom should look to bolster before the trade deadline.
Potential Red Sox draft pick a mixed bag in final college start
The offense has been fantastic, and only the Houston Astros have scored more runs than the Red Sox among AL teams, but bashing your way to a World Series title doesn't happen often. You need great pitching for postseason success. Boston's bullpen is pretty solid, but the starting rotation definitely needs an upgrade or two.
That said, the Red Sox are for real. We're too far in the season not to take the Red Sox seriously. Their offense is elite, the pitching has potential and Alex Cora has been a major upgrade in his return as manager.
The Red Sox absolutely are a World Series contender, and it's probably just a matter of time before oddsmakers see them in that light, too.