The Major League Baseball playoffs are underway. At the beginning, the New York Yankees are the public choice to win the American League pennant. With the best record and highest payroll in the American League, the Yankees are a compelling baseball betting odds choice. In addition to their performance on the diamond this year, the Yankees are a megabrand. Thus, prices for New York are often driven up beyond what they should be. Most important of all for gamblers to consider is the unpredictable nature of the playoffs.
2024 American League Championship Odds:
| Team | Odds |
|---|---|
| New York Yankees | +180 |
| Cleveland Guardians | +360 |
| Houston Astros | +370 |
| Baltimore Orioles | +500 |
| Kansas City Royals | +1000 |
| Detroit Tigers | +1100 |
New York Yankees
Despite their public brand and offshore betting popularity, the Yankees were able to hold respectable value this season. Aaron Judge is the marquee man on the Yankees, with 58 home runs and 144 runs batted in. Also, Juan Soto, with 41 home runs and 109 runs batted in. The Yankees ranked 6th for bullpen earned run average and ranked third for run production. Clay Holmes had 30 saves this season. Additionally, Carlos Rodon impressed with a record of 16-9 and a 3.96 earned run average.
Cleveland Guardians
The Guardians won the American League Central. Most important of all, they were one of the most profitable teams on the MLB odds board. On the mound, Cleveland is at the extremes, ranked 28th for starting pitching but 1st for bullpen earned run average. Namely, Jose Ramirez leads the lineup with 39 home runs and 118 runs batted in. Josh Naylor added 31 home runs and 108 runs batted in.
Houston Astros
Following a terrible start that put their playoff prospects in jeopardy, the Astros finished strong to win the American League West. Houston shows solid balance, ranking 10th for run production and 7th for earned run average. Houston was led by Jose Altuve, who scored 94 runs with 31 doubles, 20 home runs, and 65 runs batted in. Also, Yordan Alvarez added 88 runs, 35 home runs, and 86 runs batted in.
Baltimore Orioles
Although the Orioles took a step back this season, they remain one of the best teams in baseball. And Baltimore perhaps offers more value than megabrands such as the Yankees. Baltimore ranked 4th for run production and 2nd for home runs. The Orioles’ good starting staff ranked 6th for quality starts. Of major concern is a bullpen that ranked 23rd for earned run average. Gunnar Henderson led the Orioles with 118 runs, 31 doubles, 37 home runs, and 92 runs batted in. Also, Anthony Santander added 91 runs, 25 doubles, 44 home runs, and 102 runs batted in.
Kansas City Royals
The Royals were perhaps the biggest surprise in the 2024 season. Last year, Kansas City lost 106 games but flipped the script with more ownership investment. Kansas City’s strength is its starting staff, which ranked fourth for earned run average. Bobby Witt was the most valuable player for Kansas City. To show, Witt produced 125 runs, 45 doubles, 32 home runs, and 109 runs batted in. Also, Salvador Perez added 28 doubles, 27 home runs, and 104 runs batted in.
Detroit Tigers
Detroit came out of nowhere to earn the final American League wild-card spot. The Tigers made the playoffs with a bullpen that ranked fifth for earned run average. Correlate that Detroit is not a strong offensive club and had to scrap for runs this season. In turn, Tarik Skubal was outstanding on the hill, with a record of 18-4 and a 2.39 earned run average with a 0.92 WHIP.