MLB Futures Bets: American League Central Picks (2023)
After breaking down the American League East, it is time to check in on the American League Central. In a division where the White Sox, Twins, and Tigers were all favored above them, the Guardians still took the AL Central by 11 games. Cleveland, the youngest team in the MLB in 2022, ran away with the division, going on to sweep the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card Series. They then battled the Yankees for five games before falling just short of American League Championship Series. Who will win the American League Central in 2023?
Best AL Central Division Winner Bet
Below are the odds of each American League Central team winning the division, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook:
1.) Cleveland Guardians (+140)
The 2022 division champions may have a clear lane to retake the crown in 2023. Both the White Sox and Twins had disappointing years, but they did attempt to retool for 2023. The Guardians did not sit idly, adding first baseman Josh Bell and catcher Mike Zunino. While both players have flaws, they bring power to a team that was 29th in the Major Leagues in Home Runs last season. Emmanuel Clase and James Karinchak have incredible talent and are among the best relievers in baseball. As for their rotation, Triston McKenzie and 2020 Cy Young winner Shane Bieber will look to continue their success in 2023.
2.) Chicago White Sox (+185)
Since the White Sox were the 2021 AL Central champions, finishing in second place and out of the postseason was not what fans expected in 2022. Injuries certainly played a part in their regression, as Luis Robert, Tim Anderson, and Eloy Jimenez failed to play 100 games. Jose Abreu, the White Sox 1st baseman since 2014, signed an offseason deal with the Houston Astros. Chicago did bring in a few talented free agents, signing Andrew Benintendi and Mike Clevinger. Clevinger does have allegations made against him that put his availability in doubt. Also, White Sox star closer Liam Hendricks is out for the foreseeable future after being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If there is good news for Chicago, they may have a future Cy Young winner on their roster in pitcher Dylan Cease.
3.) Minnesota Twins (+285)
Minnesota has struggled since winning the AL Central in 2020, failing to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. The Twins this offseason managed to improve their pitching rotation by trading for Pablo Lopez from Miami, but they did have to part ways with 2022 batting champion Luis Arraez. In addition, Minnesota was able to bring in catcher Christian Vázquez while also eventually resigning Carlos Correa. If the Twins want to compete in 2023, they need a full season out of their former first-round pick Byron Buxton. Buxton, who has played at an all-star caliber level during his career, has only been able to exceed 400 plate appearances once.
4.) Detroit Tigers (+2000)
Detroit ended 2021 on a high note, giving fans a lot to be excited about in 2022. There was tremendous fanfare surrounding rookies Spencer Torkelson and Riley Green, and the team was viewed by some as a potential dark horse to make the playoffs. Unfortunately, Detroit struggled offensively in 2022, ranking last in the Majors in runs and home runs. As for their pitching staff, they were below league average in earned runs and earned run average. The Tigers did not make much of an improvement to their 2023 offense, bringing back a similar lineup that they had last season. The bullpen will also have to overcome the losses of both Joe Jimenez and Gregory Soto.
5.) Kansas City Royals (+3500)
Kansas City did not do much this offseason but did manage to bring back fan-favorite Zack Greinke. The Royals also took a chance on former all-star closer Aroldis Chapman, who could be a potential trade candidate if he can get off to a hot start. The Royals have talent at the top of their lineup and will be hoping to see Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and M.J. Melendez build off their promising rookie years.
Prediction
The White Sox have a lot of talent but have too many question marks. The success of the Guardian’s pitching staff was not a fluke, and it may be enough to give Cleveland a second consecutive division title.
Pick: Guardians (+140)
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