The updated MLB odds to win the American League Pennant runs six deep with teams having +1000 odds or lower. That paints the picture of a very tight race heading into the stretch run of the regular season.
The New York Yankees were the frontrunners back in March and they remained the favorites when play actually began at the end of July. However, the current standings in the AL East point in the direction of the Tampa Bay Rays.
Bet on 2020 MLB Futures at the Best Betting Sites
With 52 games in the books, Tampa Bay is 34-18 and leading the Toronto Blue Jays (26-25) by 7½ games. New York has made a move over the past two weeks with a current nine-game winning streak. The Yankees are now 30-21 overall and 3½ games off the pace.
The Chicago White Sox and Minnesota Twins are neck and neck at the top of the AL West standings. Chicago is 33-18 after winning seven of its last 10 games. Minnesota is three games back at 31-22 with a 5-5 record in its last 10 outings.
The Cleveland Indians are also in the mix at 28-22 through 50 of 60 games. They are 5 games off the pace set by the White Sox.
The Oakland Athletics have opened up a 7 game lead over the Houston Astros in the AL West. The A’s are 32-19 overall while the Astros have sunk to 25-26 with just four wins in their last 10 games.
Learn to Bet: MLB Home Run Props and MLB 1st Inning Props
Favorites to Win the AL Pennant 2020
Of the eight teams mentioned above, Tampa Bay and New York have the best odds of winning the AL at +350. There is quite a bit of value in going chalk with the Rays given the overall consistency of this team. The Rays are fifth in the AL in pitching with a 3.74 team ERA. They move to third when it comes to scoring runs with an average of 4.96 a game.
Next on the futures list is the Yankees at +350. This may still be the best team on paper. Yet, there is a better than average chance that New York misses the playoffs this season. The recent winning streak is encouraging but the competition in the AL for a postseason berth is rather fierce.
The value pick on the board could be Chicago as a +500 third-favorite. The White Sox are 2nd in the AL in total runs scored (268) and they are fourth in pitching with a staff ERA of 3.53. That is the kind of combination that wins championships.
Join GameAdvisers to Access Winning MLB Computer Picks
Lack of postseason experience could be an issue once the playoffs do get underway. The last time Chicago qualified for the postseason was in 2008. None the less, the White Sox appear to be the most balanced team in the AL this season.
Fourth on the board is Minnesota at +600. Oakland is next at +750 odds and then Houston is at +900 followed by Cleveland at +1200 betting odds. Toronto should also be thrown into the mix at +1800 odds, but a recent losing streak could cost them their season.
This deep into the season, it is easy to see why Tampa Bay is the new favorite. However, my money would be on the White Sox
