2020 MLB American League Pennant Odds
As fans and bettors agonizingly wait for sports to return it gives everyone a chance to think long and hard about their MLB futures wagers.
On the latest American League pennant odds at the Bovada Sportsbook, not surprisingly, the New York Yankees are heavy favorites at +150. And delaying the start of the season may actually be a good thing for the injury-ravaged Yankees.
No matter how long the start of the season is delayed Luis Severino is done for the year after requiring Tommy John surgery. However, some added rest could allow James Paxton (back), Aaron Judge (ribs), and Giancarlo Stanton (calf) to be ready for whenever opening day arrives. A shortened season could benefit Stanton, who has played more than 150 games only twice in his 10-year career.
Astros follow Yankees on AL pennant odds
Following the Yankees on the AL pennant odds are the defending AL champs, the Houston Astros, at +325. Justin Verlander will also benefit from the delayed start to the year after he had groin surgery this week that will sideline him for six weeks. Verlander and Zack Greinke are expected to carry the Astros rotation now that Gerrit Cole is gone, and as long as Jose Altuve, George Springer, Alex Bregman and Carlos Correa can still hit without the aid of a banging trash can that weight should be a little lighter.
The only other teams getting triple-digit odds on the AL pennant futures at the Bovada Sportsbook right now are the Minnesota Twins at +700 and the Tampa Bay Rays at +900.
The Twins' record-setting lineup of mashers added some more clout in the offseason by signing Josh Donaldson. The rotation will look different after adding Kenta Maeda, Homer Bailey and Rich Hill. Minnesota will likely get fewer games out of Michael Pineda, whose suspension won’t be shortened even if the season is truncated.
The Rays have three solid starters at the top of their rotation in Blake Snell, Charlie Morton and Tyler Glasnow. Tampa Bay added some power to their lineup with the additions of Hunter Renfroe and Jose Martinez, but a full season from rising star Austin Meadows could be the biggest impact on their lineup.
Athletics, White Sox value picks on board
And if you’re looking for value picks on the AL pennant odds list your best bets may be the Oakland Athletics and Chicago White Sox, both at +1200.
Oakland just seems to find a way to win and get the most out of their players year after year. Marcus Semien took a huge step forward last season and combines with Matt Olson and Mat Chapman to provide some pop in the A’s lineup. A return to form from Khris Davis would help a lot.
The White Sox have been rebuilding forever and have stocked their roster with a ton of young talent including Yoan Moncada, Luis Robert, Eloy Jiminez and Luca Giolito. The addition of veterans Yasmani Grandal, Edwin Encarnacion and Dallas Keuchel in the offseason might be the boost they need to get back into contention.