The Cleveland Indians had owned the AL Central heading into last season winning it three straight times. Its reign did however come to an end after the Minnesota Twins became one of four teams to log 100+ wins. In doing so, they prevented the Indians from going back to the playoffs. That’s something the upstart Chicago White Sox will attempt to do in this abbreviated 2020 MLB betting season, and linemakers give them more than a puncher’s chance of pulling off the feat. The Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers don’t have a shot evidenced by their lofty returns on the divisional futures odds. While anything can happen, the division certainly looks like it’s a three horse race and nothing else. But which team offers the most value for MLB bettors? Let’s give it the ‘ol college try and see if we can’t weed out the winner of the AL Central.
AL Central Betting Odds
Minnesota Twins -130
Cleveland Indians +265
Chicago White Sox +285
Kansas City Royals +9000
Detroit Tigers +15000
Minnesota Twins -130
After winning no more than 85 games the previous eight seasons, Minnesota erupted both at the dish and on the mound to tally 101 wins and steal AL Central bragging rights away from the Cleveland Indians. The offense launched 307 home runs into orbit to destroy the all-time record for most home runs hit in a season. A total of 11 hitters went on to log a double-digit HR tally, and upper management just brought Josh Donaldson into the mix by ponying up some big money to acquire the veteran; he hit 37 home runs as a member of the Braves last season. Most importantly, the pitching staff finally figured out a way to get batters out with new pitching coach Wes Johnson calling the shots. Jose Berrios and Jake Odorizzi return as the top dogs of the rotation, while newcomers Kenta Maeda, Homer Bailey and Rich Hill round it out. The bullpen also returns intact after ranking 3rd overall in WAR (7.4). The Twins deserve to be the favorites to repeat as division champs.
Cleveland Indians +265
What on earth is going down in Cleveland these days? Since just coming short of winning the World Series back in 2016, owner Larry Dolan has done nothing but attempt to rid himself of payroll instead of take advantage of the superb pieces he already has in hopes of making another title run. While the rival Twins and White Sox tried their damndest to improve the overall roster this past offseason, Cleveland’s big signing came in the forms of Franmil Reyes, Cesar Hernandez and Domingo Santana. Though the Indians certainly have the talent in place to steal the division pennant back with guys like Francisco Lindor, Jose Ramirez, Shane Bieber, Mike Clevinger and Carlos Carrasco in tow, something just doesn’t feel right about Terry Francona’s squad heading into the regular season. Not having Lindor resigned just might be casting the dark cloud.
Chicago White Sox +285
The Palehose have finished third or worse in the division each of the last seven seasons, and linemakers predict that streak to reach eight in a row when taking the AL Central futures odds into account. However, they just might be selling Rick Renteria’s squad a bit short. Having missed out on the postseason in the 2010s, general manager Rick Hahn made it a point to go out and get guys that could possibly help the franchise put an end to that streak in 2020. Yasmani Grandal just might be the best hitting catcher in the game, and you could do a lot worse than having Edwin Encarnacion be your everyday designated hitter. The pitching staff is loaded with young talent; that’s why veterans Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez were brought in to help show them the way. Though the playoffs might not be in their future this season, you can bet your bottom dollar that the White Sox will be there numerous times over the next decade with the amount of young talent currently stockpiled. If choosing between Cleveland and Chicago giving the Twins a run for their money this season, it’s the White Sox every day of the week and twice on Sunday!
Kansas City Royals +9000
My how the mighty have fallen! Since going to the World Series and winning one in the 2014-15 seasons, the Royals have once again fallen upon hard times. Last year marked the second time in as many years that the franchise dropped 100 games. It enters 2020 with a new manager and owner, but little if anything was made to correct one of the least imposing rosters in all of baseball. Sure Whit Merrifield is a household name and both Jorge Soler and Hunter Dozier had blowup seasons a year ago, but the trio is far from enough to keep this team competitive game in and game out. Brad Keller is the rotation’s No. 1 pitcher, but he’s suited best as a No. 2. There’s not much else to get excited about behind him either. Good thing the Chiefs won the Super Bowl because Kansas City won’t have much to cheer about until the NFL season kicks off.
Detroit Tigers +15000
The Tigers won a grand total of 47 games last season. For all you math majors out there, that means they lost 114! This coming off successive 98-loss campaigns. The offense was in a word disgraceful in ranking dead last in runs scored per game (3.6) and second to last in OPS (.682) and home runs (149). In a season where home runs left the yard ad nauseum, the Tigers didn’t have a single player hit more than 15. While the additions of Jonathan Schoop and C.J. Cron could help in the power department, this offense is still going to stink out loud. Where Detroit might not be as unbearable to watch is on the bump where guys like Matthew Boyd and Spencer Turnbull pitched much better than their respective W/L records indicate. A fourth place finish would be an accomplishment for the rebuilding Tigers!
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