The American League East is expected to be absolutely loaded once again in 2017. The Boston Red Sox have set the bar as the clear favorites in the division. However, the Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore Orioles and even the New York Yankees have the potential to challenge for playoff spots. Here is a look at how to bet on the American League East this season.
The Favorite: Boston Red Sox
Odds To Win American League East: -120
The Red Sox will have to adjust without David Ortiz. However, even without Big Papi, their roster is absolutely loaded. Mookie Betts, Jackie Bradley, Dustin Pedroia and Xander Boegaerts will lead a talented offense. Andrew Benintendi’s arrival combined with Pablo Sandoval’s return could put it over the top. Remember, this was already one of baseball’s best offenses (led MLB in runs scored last year). Boston has a solid blend of power and speed that should put up big numbers once again.
Chris Sale joins a loaded rotation that already features reigning AL Cy Young award winner Rick Porcello, David Price and Steven Wright. Price’s elbow issues are something to keep an eye on. While the Red Sox will have some competition in the AL East, they should live up to its status as the favorite to win the division.
The Dark Horse: Baltimore Orioles
Odds To Win American League East: +900
Baltimore’s starting rotation isn’t above average by any means but if they can hold their own this team could surprise. The Orioles offense is absolutely loaded with Mark Trumbo, Chris Davis, Adam Jones and Manny Machado leading the way. Baltimore relied a little too much on the home run ball a year ago, so if they can generate more offense without the long ball they could be even more dangerous. Kevin Gausman, Wade Miley and Dylan Bundy won’t dominate, but if they can provide even mediocre pitching then they will give this group a chance to contend for a playoff spot. The Orioles enter this season as +900 long shots to win the division. If everything goes right for them they could surprise as a dark horse AL East title contender.
The Disappointment: New York Yankees
Odds To Win American League East: +500
The Toronto Blue Jays should contend with Boston for a division title. The Tampa Bay Rays are expected to remain in the division basement. That leaves the Yankees as the most likely disappointment in the AL East. New York is listed at +500 odds to win the division, which is better than both Baltimore and Tampa Bay. However, they are still a team in transition that will lean heavily on young players and key veterans that will fill in the holes.
Masahiro Tanaka has struggled to stay healthy while there is no guarantee C.C. Sabathia can pitch at a high level for a full season. Meanwhile, there will be a lot of pressure on Gary Sanchez, Greg Bird and Aaron Judge to produce as key players. The Yankees should post a similar total to the 84 wins they registered in 2016. However, that isn’t nearly enough to make the postseason so their fans hoping they will contend could be disappointed once again.
Best Regular Season Win Total To Bet: Blue Jays Over 85.5
The general outlook on the Blue Jays is that they are going to fall back a little bit after losing Edwin Encarnacion. However, remember that most people thought they’d fall off after losing David Price too. Encarnacion is a big bat but the Jays replaced him with a cheaper option. Kendry Morales hit 30 home runs last season and 22 the year before. More importantly, he did it while playing in a pitcher’s park in Kansas City. Now he’s in a hitter-friendly environment. And remember, Troy Tulowitzki wasn’t fully healthy last season. Between the two of them, they could replace Encarnacion’s pop.
Beyond that, people forget that the Jays’ strength these days is pitching. They led the American League in ERA last season and could be even stronger. Marcus Stroman looked great in the World Baseball Classic. Some people feel Aaron Sanchez could be a Cy Young candidate. J.A. Happ won 20 games last season while Marco Estrada was again solid.
This team is being undervalued a little bit. They won 89 games last year, 93 the year before and even won 83 in 2014 when they weren’t the contender they are today. Getting to 86 wins is quite manageable for them.
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