Steve Starr
- BetOnline has updated odds to win all three American League divisions
- The Rays (+125) and White Sox (-600) have built up healthy divisional leads and look primed to play in the ALCS
- Houston (-120) is favored to win the AL West despite being two games behind the Athletics (+125)
While were not even at the halfway point of the Major League Baseball season, clear favorites have emerged to win the AL East and AL Central while the AL West is still up for grabs.
After expanding the MLB playoffs to 16 teams in 2020, this year’s postseason will return to 10 teams with five clubs from the National League and American League competing for the World Series. So, in addition to the division winners, two Wild Card teams will join the mix.
Let’s look at the latest odds to win all three AL divisions, and as always, be sure to refer to our MLB 2021 betting guide for further wagering tips and advice.
Odds to win AL East
 |
|
| Tampa Bay Rays | +120 |
| Boston Red Sox | +375 |
| New York Yankees | +400 |
| Toronto Blue Jays | +575 |
| Baltimore Orioles | +150000 |
Rays leading the way
Tampa Bay is a +120 favorite to win the American League East after winning 23 of its past 28 games and outscoring opponents by 86 runs. The Rays were supposed to regress after trading Blake Snell and letting Charlie Morton walk in free agency. However, the continued ascendance of starter Tyler Glasnow, the acquisition of Rich Hill and a lights out bullpen (leads the AL with a 3.08 ERA) has kept Tampa on track to return to the World Series.
Boston (+375) was only three games back heading into Monday’s action while the disappointing Yankees (+400) sit just a game over .500 after losing 13 of their last 18. The Blue Jays (+575) and AL MVP candidate Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are also in the mix for a postseason spot but will be hard-pressed to make up 7 games on the division-leading Rays. Best Bet: Tampa Bay (+125 at BetOnline).
11 Ks for Tyler Glasnow and another Rays W. 🔥https://t.co/MehDHMJpZy pic.twitter.com/tOredJAX3Z
— MLB (@MLB) June 9, 2021
Odds to win AL Central
|
|
| Chicago White Sox | -600 |
| Cleveland Indians | +500 |
| Kansas City Royals | +1800 |
| Minnesota Twins | +5000 |
| Detroit Tigers | +25000 |
No one’s catching the White Sox
The White Sox (-600) are entering a tough stretch on their schedule with seven games against the Rays and Astros, but have built up a commanding 5.5-game lead in the AL Central after winning 15 of their past 20 games. Chicago’s starting pitchers are 11-4 with a 2.85 ERA during that stretch. Lance Lynn and Carlos Rodón have the two lowest ERAs in the AL, at 1.23 and 1.89 respectively, and their relief pitchers’ ERA (3.58) ranks seventh in the majors.
With the demise of the Twins (+5000), the Cleveland Indians (+500) are the only team who could catch the South Siders, but they’re under-.500 (13-14) over the past month thanks to a thin starting rotation.
Odds to win AL West
|
|
| Houston Astros | -120 |
| Oakland Athletics | +125 |
| Los Angeles Angels | +1000 |
| Seattle Mariners | +4000 |
| Texas Rangers | +50000 |
Astros or Athletics?
Despite being two games behind the division-leading Athletics (+125), Houston (-120) is favored in the AL West thanks to their offense catching fire. Led by the resurgence of Jose Altuve, the Astros are hitting .307 with a .535 slugging percentage in June and are averaging over six runs per game.
There’s no doubt Oakland has taken advantage of a soft part in their schedule, but don’t expect the ‘Stros to blow right past them anytime soon. First baseman Matt Olson has been one of the best hitters in baseball, batting .257 with 45 home runs and 128 RBIs, and lefthander Sean Manaea has a 1.38 ERA in 32.2 innings over his last five starts.
The ball jumps off Matt Olson's bat. pic.twitter.com/ckHPCBPbxA
— MLB Stats (@MLBStats) June 8, 2021
In the tightest divisional race in the American League, we like the A’s at +125 at BetOnline. Just remember to take the money you win on this wager and bet against Oakland come October.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
