Someone has to win the American League Central. Despite the division being labeled the worst in baseball, at least one team will represent the Central in the playoffs.
Below we will use DraftKings Sportsbook to provide current World Series odds.
Favorites
Minnesota Twins -140
The Minnesota Twins are the favorites to win the division despite not leading the American League Central at the All-Star break. Minnesota leads the division in run differential at +27, but inconsistency within the lineup resulted in a 45-46 first-half record. Shortstop Carlos Correa, who only resigned with the Twins after failed physicals with the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets, has been awful. He is slashing .225/.299/.401, all of which would be career lows if the season ended today. With Max Kepler not slugging, Christian Vazquez not producing, and Byron Buxton not hitting, the Twins have been a disaster on offense. However, the pitching staff has been elite. Pablo Lopez, Joe Ryan, Sonny Gray, and Bailey Ober all have sub 4.00 ERAs. They could easily run away with the division if the lineup gets going.
Cleveland Guardians +130
The Cleveland Guardians hold a small half-game lead over Minnesota entering the All-Star break. Like the Twins, a lackluster lineup has hurt their overall record. Last year’s breakout players, Steven Kwan and Andres Gimenez, hit under .265 in the first half. However, superstar Jose Ramirez, with the help of Josh Naylor, has kept the offense afloat. The health of Triston McKenzie remains an issue, as Cleveland just moved the star pitcher to the 60-day IL. If he can get it right, the Guardians could rival Minnesota with a rotation headlined by him and Shane Bieber.
Darkhorse Candidates
Chicago White Sox +2500
The Chicago White Sox were one of MLB’s biggest underachievers in the first half. Despite Luis Robert Jr. playing at an MVP level (26 home runs), Chicago limped into the All-Star break at 38-54. The issue? Brutal pitching. Starter Lance Lynn went 5-8 with a 6.03 ERA in the first half, Aaron Bummer posted a 7.58 ERA despite pitching in 36 games, and Reynaldo Lopez got shelled out of the bullpen. The silver lining is that the trio of Lucas Giolito, Dylan Cease, and Michael Kopech ended the first half on a high note. If they can keep it going and shortstop Tim Anderson slugs better than a laughable .263, the White Sox can start their slow climb to the top of the division standings.
Detroit Tigers +3000
The young Detroit Tigers also have decent odds of winning the American League Central. They went 39-50 with a -86 run differential in the first half, but a bad division leaves the door open for the Tigers. Former mega prospect, Tarik Skubal, is healthy and pitching well, while Casey Mize could be nearing a return in late August. With Eduardo Rodriguez, Matthew Lorenzen, and Matt Manning throwing well, the Tigers look good in the pitching department. However, the offense has issues. Javi Baez seems beyond repair, but the return of Riley Greene leaves some optimism that he can help elevate those around him.
No Chance
Kansas City Royals +8000
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