5 long shots to win the World Series

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It's anybody's guess who might triumph in an MLB season unlike any we've ever seen. Injuries could be at an all-time high after such a long layoff, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic could dramatically reshape any team's outlook in an instant - especially in a 60-game campaign.

Amid such uncertainty, there's never been a better time to bank on a few dart-throws to win it all. Here are this season's World Series odds, and our five favorite long shots:

Arizona Diamondbacks (+4000)

The Diamondbacks have seen odds as long as 66-1 this offseason, but they're still a screaming value at 40-1 and our pick for the best long-shot value of the 2020 season.

Few teams in this range enjoy Arizona's all-around stability: MVP-caliber bat Ketel Marte anchors one of baseball's better lineups from 2019, and the rotation boasts four legitimate starters. This young squad offers upside, too, after overachieving a year ago. The D-Backs' floor and ceiling make for the perfect combination to warrant a shot at long odds.

Texas Rangers (+8000)

Offense wasn't the Rangers' issue a year ago - they finished top 12 in runs scored despite an injury-plagued season from top hitter Joey Gallo. The problems were on the mound, as Texas finished 24th in ERA (5.09) and 25th in xFIP (4.82).

That could change this year. Lance Lynn is primed for a breakout campaign after posting strong underlying metrics in 2019, especially with his nasty secondary pitches that should find success in a shortened season. Mike Minor surprised with an All-Star performance last year, and Corey Kluber could rediscover his old magic with a new team. If all three hit in 2020, Texas will be a steal at 80-1.

Toronto Blue Jays (+10000)

As we noted in Tuesday's AL East win totals preview, this is likely a few years too early for the Blue Jays. But what if it isn't? Few teams have as much young talent in the lineup as Toronto; sophomores Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and Cavan Biggio are All-Star talents if they can put it all together.

The pitching staff has upside, as well. Top prospect Nate Pearson could be a difference-maker if Toronto calls him up this season, and former Dodgers ace Hyun-Jin Ryu could stabilize a Blue Jays rotation that used 21 starters last year - the second-most in MLB history. At 100-1, there's intrigue here.

Seattle Mariners (+30000)

If the 300-1 price didn't make it obvious, a lot would have to break right in Seattle to justify betting the Mariners in 2020. But consider this: Seattle was a playoff team through the first 60 games in three of the last six campaigns, a stretch in which the Mariners would've won two division crowns if not for the second half of the regular season.

This year's shortened slate is a golden opportunity to take chances on teams like the Mariners, who could call up rising star Jarred Kelenic if they sense a chance to snap their record 18-year playoff drought. We've seen hot starts from Seattle before, so don't be afraid to take a shot at a lengthy price.

Miami Marlins (+50000)

The Marlins are tied for the longest odds in the majors and haven't had a winning season since 2009. So why bet them here? Because the NL East is wide-open, and Miami's lineup has undergone a major overhaul since finishing 29th in runs a year ago.

The rotation is still a concern, but we can expect some major fluctuation on the mound in 2020 - which could be a boon for the Marlins' young but talented staff. A wacky season calls for wacky bets. If there was ever a year to wager on a 500-1 club, it's this one.

(Odds source: theScore Bet)

C Jackson Cowart is a betting writer for theScore. He's an award-winning journalist with stops at The Charlotte Observer, The San Diego Union-Tribune, The Times Herald-Record, and BetChicago. He's also a proud graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, and his love of sweet tea is rivaled only by that of a juicy prop bet. Find him on Twitter @CJacksonCowart.