AL Pennant Odds
The American League is heavy at the top this season with all three division leaders having a win percentage of at least .626. Take a look at the favorites to win the AL pennant.
According to oddsmakers, the New York Yankees have the best odds to win the American League with 9/5 odds. They are followed closely by the Houston Astros at 2/1, while the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins are at 5/1. Of the teams to not currently be leading their division to have the top odds, the reigning World Series champion Boston Red Sox and the Cleveland Indians both have 12/1 odds. The worst odds belong to the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals at 2500/1, while the Baltimore Orioles are completely off the board. A full list of teams can be found at our MLB Future Odds Page.
New York Yankees
The Yankees have a loaded offense full of power, bolstered last month by the trade for Edwin Encarnacion as he has been one of baseball’s top sluggers over the past decade. With other power hitters such as Aaron Judge and Gleyber Torres plus the return from injury later this season from Giancarlo Stanton, the NY offense is one to be feared in October. The pitching staff might have a question mark or too, but overall it has been solid enough with Masahiro Tanaka leading the way and Domingo German recently back from injury. Once the Yankees have a lead late, closer Aroldis Chapman shuts the door far more often than not.
Houston Astros
The Astros enjoy a 7-game lead in the AL West, even after being shut out Thursday night at Texas in the first game scheduled after the All-Star Break. Houston has a dominant offense full of right-handed power such as George Springer and Alex Bregman, although the latter left last night’s game after taking a ground ball to the jaw. Carlos Correa is expected back after a rehab assignment next week, while the addition of pure hitter Michael Brantley to the lineup has been a revelation. Houston also has an outstanding starting rotation led by All-Stars Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole. There isn’t much to like from a team that is only two seasons removed from winning a World Series.
Minnesota Twins
Perhaps the most surprising team in baseball, the Twins are 56-33 and have a 6.5-game lead in the AL Central even after slowing down some in June and July. Minnesota has dealt with some injuries lately, but nothing too serious and as long as its pitching holds up it should qualify for the postseason. Expect the Twins to actively pursue a starting pitcher over the next two-plus weeks and maybe a reliever too, but it’s offense appears to be in fantastic shape with a number of players having better than expected seasons.