Steve Starr
- Bovada now lists the Houston Astros as a +300 favorite to win the American League Pennant
- The White Sox (+340) could represent the AL in the World Series with better injury luck in the season’s second half
- The Red Sox (+700) have won seven straight while the Rays (+550) and Yankees (+625) flounder in the AL East
After the Astros stole signs and cheated their way to a 2017 World Series title, it sure would have been nice to sling dirt on Houston and see them suffer in obscurity for a couple of years.
But, alas, Dusty Baker’s club advanced to their fourth consecutive American League Championship Series last October, losing in seven games to the Rays, and are now the favorite to win the AL Pennant this season after a recent 10-game winning streak.
Let’s check the latest odds to win the American League, and as always, be sure to refer to our MLB 2021 betting guide for further wagering tips and advice.
2021 American League winner
 |
|
| Houston Astros | +300 |
| Chicago White Sox | +340 |
| Tampa Bay Rays | +550 |
| New York Yankees | +625 |
| Boston Red Sox | +700 |
| Oakland Athletics | +700 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | +1200 |
| Cleveland Indians | +2000 |
| Los Angeles Angels | +3300 |
| Seattle Mariners | +5000 |
| Minnesota Twins | +7000 |
| Kansas City Royals | +10000 |
| Detroit Tigers | +80000 |
| Texas Rangers | +100000 |
| Baltimore Orioles | +150000 |
Houston Astros are surging
Houston is now +300 to represent the American League in the World Series, cutting their odds in half over the past month. After a recent 10-game winning streak, the Astros have the best run differential in baseball at plus-127 – scoring 21 more runs than the second-place Dodgers. They also lead the Majors in hits, runs, RBIs, average, on-base percentage, slugging, and total bases.
What’s the key to their success with the sticks? A big league-best .205 team batting average with two strikes — easily clearing the MLB average of .161.
MLB announced finalists in the All-Star Game voting at each position and several #Astros are still on the ballot https://t.co/Mb0skArfON pic.twitter.com/ZlKvXE4ChE
— SportsRadio 610 (@SportsRadio610) June 27, 2021
Houston’s pitching has also been lights out. Their starters went a collective 10-1 with a 2.10 ERA (20 ER/85 2/3 IP) in a recent 14-game stretch and their staff’s season-long numbers are breathtaking across the board: Luis Garcia (76.1 IP, 2.83 ERA), Jose Urquidy (76.0 IP, 3.32 ERA), Lance McCullers Jr. (67.1 IP, 2.94 ERA) and Framber Valdez (38.1 IP, 2.11 ERA).
Given the team’s recent performance, it’s not surprising that the ‘Stros have a major league-best seven finalists in contention to make the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, which will take place at Coors Field in Denver, Colorado on July 13.
Chicago White Sox in contention
On one hand, the White Sox (+340) should be credited for staying in first place in the AL Central all year despite being one of the most banged-up teams in all of baseball this season. On the other hand, Chicago certainly hasn’t looked like a contender in recent weeks, losing four games to the Astros and seven of nine overall while scoring three or fewer runs nine times in 12 games.
Tony La Russa’s club appears to have righted the ship, however, with victories in four straight and they can only get healthier the rest of the way.
The #WhiteSox recorded their fifth straight winning month in June (14-11), their longest streak since April-August 2008 (also five). #ChangetheGame pic.twitter.com/cK0pLWsqvO
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) July 1, 2021
The Rays (+500) are in the midst of a three-game losing streak after just enduring an ugly seven-game skid, and it’s hard to see Tampa Bay competing in October without ace Tyler Glasnow. Their main competition in the AL East, the Red Sox (+700) is heading in the exact opposite direction with wins in seven straight games.
Boston could be a strong bet if they add starting pitching at the deadline and Chris Sale returns to form following Tommy John’s surgery.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
