Rangers World Series odds following Max Scherzer trade

The Texas Rangers made the first big move of this year's MLB Trade Deadline by acquiring Max Scherzer from the New York Mets.

Texas has been looking for support for American League Cy Young candidate Nathan Eovaldi after the team lost Jacob deGrom early in the season to Tommy John surgery. Scherzer will bolster the team's rotation that is in a heated race with the Houston Astros in the AL West as well as other teams for the AL Pennant.

The Rangers odds shortened upon the news that the team had landed the former Cy Young winner, but the team is still behind the Tampa Bay Rays and the Houston Astros in terms of World Series odds, the same placement as before the move. The team went from +1000 to +950 at FanDuel Sportsbook.

2023 World Series odds

Max Scherzer's fit with Texas Rangers

Scherzer has taken a step back in 2023 amidst a down year for the Mets. The 38-year-old has posted a 4.01 ERA this season in 19 starts and has been crushed by hard contact, allowing nearly two home runs per nine innings, a career high.

With Scherzer's struggles, the Rangers didn't shift too much in terms of odds as his impact may not be as paramount, but he's a clear upgrade to a Rangers staff that lacks reliable arms for a playoff push. As a unit, the Rangers are 16th in ERA as a team ahead of its Sunday, July 30th game, per MLB.com.

We'll see if oddsmakers are underrating Scherzer's impact and if he can put together a strong second half of the season with the big league's best offense behind him. For now, the team remains the third choice in the AL to advance to the World Series at +390, behind the Rays and Astros as well.

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.