The Houston Astros have emerged as the dominant franchise of the American League with four pennants since 2017. Thus, it is no surprise that the Astros are among the top-tier baseball betting odds favorites to win the American League pennant again for the 2023 campaign. The New York Yankees have had the biggest baseball payroll for the past 45 years. And that has been exacerbated since the late 1990s. Late on, the Yankees had a massive advantage in salary over their American League rivals.
2023 American League Pennant Futures
| Date: | Season Opens March 30, 2023 |
|---|
American League Championship Odds
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| Baltimore Orioles | +2950 |
| Boston Red Sox | +3850 |
| Chicago White Sox | +1685 |
| Cleveland Guardians | +1365 |
| Detroit Tigers | +13500 |
| Houston Astros | +292 |
| Kansas City Royals | +1300 |
| Los Angeles Angels | +2100 |
| Minnesota Twins | +1765 |
| New York Yankees | +343 |
| Oakland Athletics | +25000 |
| Seattle Mariners | +735 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | +935 |
| Texas Rangers | +2550 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | +625 |
2023 AL Pennant Overview
Yet, for all the love from gamblers, New York has not won the American League pennant since the 2009 season. Naturally, the Yankees are always in the postseason offshore betting conversation. But they could not finish for whatever reason.
Since 2009, eight different franchises have won the American League pennant. The only teams to repeat as champions in that period were the Kansas City Royals (2014-15) and Texas Rangers (2010-11). So, while the Yankees have the money to buy whoever they want, that has not guaranteed success.
Astros Set for Another Championship Launch
The Houston Astros are among the most successful MLB odds teams in the current era. Since 2015, Houston has missed the postseason one time. The Astros have two World Series championships in that span, with two more appearances in the Fall Classic.
The Astros are the defending World Series champions. Thus, they begin the season as the favorites in World Series odds. The Astros look much the same as they did a year ago. However, they did lose Justin Verlander in free agency. They will get outfielder Michael Brantley back from injury, as he missed the playoffs a year ago. The team also added 2020 American League MVP Jose Abreu to a potent lineup.
Yankees Again Get Love From Gamblers
Since 1995, the New York Yankees have missed the playoffs four times. However, the interesting tell about the Yankees is that their last World Series championship was in 2009. And that was their only Fall Classic triumph since 2000. New York has not made the World Series since that 2009 championship.
Most important of all, the Yankees brought back home run king Aaron Judge. Also, they brought in Carlos Rodon on a huge six-year contract. He will upgrade a rotation that includes Gerrit Cole, Luis Severino, Nestor Cortes, and Frankie Montas. Of great concern for New York is an offense known to struggle. New York needs Giancarlo Stanton to stay healthy and Gleyber Torres to live up to his potential.
Blue Jays Could Offer the Best Value
The Toronto Blue Jays have emulated the San Diego Padres in seriously increasing their payroll. In turn, the Blue Jays have made the playoffs two out of the past three seasons and four of the last eight. Toronto aims to return to the World Series for the first time since their 1992-1993 championships.
Last year, the Blue Jays were swept away by the Mariners in the playoffs. That defeat didn’t sit well in Toronto. So the Blue Jays added Chris Bassitt, Daulton Varsho, Kevin Kiermaier, and Erik Swanson. Toronto did lose popular outfielder Teoscar Hernandez in a trade with the Mariners. The question with the Blue Jays remains pitching.