By reason of their status as the most popular and respected franchise in baseball would the Yankees be a strong favorite. New York has made the postseason three straight years and 21 out of the last 25 seasons. But when the Bronx Bombers signed Gerrit Cole to the biggest contract in history for a pitcher their MLB betting status skyrocketed. New York begins the 2020 campaign as the overwhelming public betting choice to win the American League pennant. As a result, handicappers will try to assess if there are any better-priced alternatives.
2020 American League Pennant Futures Odds
| 2020 AL Pennant MLB Betting Odds at SBG: | New York Yankees 5/4, Houston Astros 7/2, Minnesota Twins 7/1, Tampa Bay Rays 9/1, Cleveland Indians 12/1, Oakland Athletics 12/1, Los Angeles Angels 12/1, Boston Red Sox 15/1, Chicago White Sox 25/1, Texas Rangers 50/1, Toronto Blue Jays 150/1, Seattle Mariners 250/1, Kansas City Royals 250/1, Baltimore Orioles 500/1, Detroit Tigers 500/1 |
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2020 American League Pennant Futures Odds Analysis
As a consequence of the Yankees hype and marquee brand status, there are some other legitimate contenders that may offer superior offshore bookmaker value. Two other factors should be taken into account. The American League has a strange divide of quality teams at the top with a host of really bad clubs at the bottom. Second, since the wild card was instituted, the playoffs are much more of a crapshoot. In the NL the Dodgers won 106 games yet failed to even make the NLCS last season.
New York Yankees
Several pages could be written about how great the Yankees are. So, to keep it simple, this comes down to whether one wants to lay the 5/4 and have their money tied up for several months with little in the way of a return on a winning bet.
Houston Astros
Despite the hysteria over the cheating scandal, this could still be the best team in the American League. Houston is loaded and complete. Just as important the wagering public is no longer enamored with them. Which makes for a better price.
Minnesota Twins
It was a rare 100-plus win season for the Twins in 2019. Following that with a repeat performance will be difficult. Minnesota will still be a good team but it’s reasonable to think they will come down some for the 2020 campaign.
Tampa Bay Rays
In the same way as the Twins, the Rays are a team that may be overpriced. Moneyball tactics have been worked to perfection in Tampa Bay but this is still a small payroll team with little margin for error. Furthermore, they are no longer catching gamblers or opponents off guard.
Cleveland Indians
Due to falling back behind Minnesota last year is Cleveland a classic beaten favorite opportunity. The Indians play in the relatively weak American League Central with only the Twins as a proven alternative choice. Manager Terry Francona remains one of the best. Cleveland was a postseason regular until getting ambushed by the Twins in 2019.
Increasingly the A’s have gained MLB betting credibility after back to back wild card appearances. They remain the top AL West alternative to the Astros.
Los Angeles Angels
Specifically, Joe Maddon’s arrival as the new manager has sparked hope for the Halos. At the same time, Mike Trout is coming off his third AL MVP season for the Angels.
2020 American League Pennant Futures Odds Pick: Cleveland Indians