Last Updated on July 17, 2025 8:55 am by Anthony Rome
As we head into the second half of the 2025 MLB season, the race for the American League pennant is shaping up to be one of the most compelling in recent memory. Several contenders have emerged, while a few familiar powers find themselves in unfamiliar positions. With October inching closer, each game now takes on added weight—and the odds reflect a fascinating landscape of potential.
2025 AL Second-Half Preview: The Favorite
At the top of the board sit the Detroit Tigers. According to oddsmakers from online sportsbook Bovada.lv, the Tigers are +250. Detroit has shocked much of the league with a balanced roster, a resurgent pitching staff, and a young core that’s matured quickly. The rotation, led by Casey Mize and Jackson Jobe, has been lights-out, and the lineup has delivered clutch hitting when needed. Still, the question looms: Can this young squad sustain its momentum under postseason pressure?
2025 AL Second-Half Preview: The Challengers
Breathing down their necks are the New York Yankees (+300), a team that, despite early inconsistency, has righted the ship behind a healthy Aaron Judge and a dominant Gerrit Cole. Their bullpen has looked more reliable in recent weeks, and their depth, especially in the infield, gives them a slight edge in terms of playoff readiness. The Yankees know how to play in October—something Detroit can’t say, at least not recently.
The Houston Astros (+400) are always dangerous, and while this year’s version isn’t quite the juggernaut of years past, they remain a playoff-tested group. Their experience and versatility make them a serious threat, especially if the pitching can stay healthy through the final stretch.
2025 AL Second-Half Preview: The Next Crop
The Toronto Blue Jays (+800) and Seattle Mariners (+1000) both linger just behind the front-runners. Toronto’s offense can be explosive, but consistency has been an issue. Seattle, meanwhile, rides a young, talented pitching staff and plays a brand of baseball that travels well in the postseason—tight defense, timely hitting, and dominant late-inning arms.
2025 AL Second-Half Preview: The Question Marks & Long Shots
Further down the odds board, there’s talent but also too many question marks. The Boston Red Sox (+1200) and Tampa Bay Rays (+1800) have the upside to make a run, but both have glaring weaknesses, particularly in the rotation. The defending champion Texas Rangers (+2600) have fallen off, likely too far to recover. And while the Minnesota Twins and Kansas City Royals (+3200 and +5000, respectively) may make some noise, they lack the top-tier pitching and star power needed for a deep October run.
Among the long shots, only the Cleveland Guardians (+7000) seem like they could surprise, thanks to a deceptively deep bullpen and strong fundamentals, but they would need a second-half surge and significant help in the standings.
Prediction: Yankees over Astros in ALCS
The Tigers have been a fantastic story and should remain a factor for years to come, but this October feels like it will belong to the more seasoned clubs. Expect the Yankees’ experience, power, and pitching depth to ultimately push them past Houston in a tight ALCS. The Astros won’t go quietly, but the Bronx Bombers look like the best bet to represent the American League in the 2025 World Series.