The first half of the Major League season showed us that the American League is deep with teams. The Tampa Bay Rays lead in the super competitive American League East, and the Texas Rangers have surprised by leading the Astros in the AL West heading into the All-Star break.
Below we will use DraftKings Sportsbook to provide current American League winner odds.
American League: Heavy Favorites
Tampa Bay Rays +270
Houston Astros +390
It’s only fitting that the team with the best record in the American League is the favorite to make it to the World Series. The Tampa Bay Rays are 58-35 and +149 in run differential. Leading the charge is MVP candidate and All-Star Randy Arozarena. The Cuban outfielder has a team-high 58 RBIs and posted a .855 OPS in the first half. However, the starting rotation, a usual team strength, has been tested. Superstar Shane McClanahan is on the shelf with back tightness, Josh Fleming continues to battle back from an elbow injury, and Drew Rasmussen is out for the season.
The Houston Astros have the second-best odds to win the American League despite not leading their division at the All-Star break. At 50-41 and with fellow division competitors Seattle and Los Angeles struggling, they are nearly a virtual lock to make the playoffs. However, last year’s World Series winners need to get slugger Yordan Alvarez healthy to make a deep run in October.
Realistic Contenders
Texas Rangers +600
Toronto Blue Jays +800
New York Yankees +850
Baltimore Orioles +950
The Texas Rangers trail the Houston Astros in World Series odds despite leading them by two games at the All-Star break. It’s interesting, given that they have the deepest lineup in baseball, evident by their league-best 531 runs scored. Grabbing a running mate to use alongside starter Nathan Eovaldi at the deadline would skyrocket their value.
A trio of American League East teams come in next. With Tampa Bay a shoo-in for the playoffs, it’s tough to imagine a scenario where all three of Baltimore, New York, and Toronto make the playoffs. However, each is as deep as anyone in the American League field. The Orioles house a young and fun group of budding superstars, The Yankees, when healthy, are dangerous, and the Blue Jays are just waiting to take that next step.
American League: Darkhorse Candidates
Minnesota Twins +1200
Cleveland Guardians +1800
Someone has to win the American League Central. The Cleveland Guardians, at 45-45, currently hold the top spot, but there have been rumors of them selling at the deadline. That opens the door for the Minnesota Twins. They have a deep rotation, headlined by All-Star Sonny Gray, but the bats need to be more consistent. A deal or two at the deadline could help elevate them into actual contenders.
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