For the first time in 108 years, the Chicago Cubs are the defending World Series champions. Judging by the MLB futures odds, there is a good chance they will repeat as NL Central champions in 2017. Chicago is listed at -600 odds to win its division. The Cubs are the clear favorite in one of the most talented divisions in baseball, which is a testament to how good they have the potential to be. Here is a look at how to bet on the National League Central this season.
The Favorite: Chicago Cubs
Odds To Win National League Central: -600
One of the most incredible numbers from last year’s regular season is 71. Chicago went 71-1 when leading by four or more runs in 2016, including a 34-0 record at home. It’s incredible that the Cubs actually led by four runs or more in 72 games a year ago and the fact that they finished all but one of them is ridiculous. Chicago’s plus-252 run differential was the best mark in baseball since 2000. The Cubs led the majors in runs scored and runs allowed, which is a testament to how complete they are. The starting rotation is back with Jon Lester, Jake Arrieta, Kyle Hendricks and John Lackey all back. Meanwhile, the offense is loaded with Kris Bryant, Anthony Rizzo, Addison Russell and Ben Zobrist. Kyle Schwarber and Jon Jay makes them even deeper. The Cubs are on track to register at least 100 wins again if they can stay healthy. There is no doubt that Chicago should win the NL Central in 2017.
The Dark Horse: St. Louis Cardinals
Odds To Win National League Central: +600
The Cardinals still have arguably the second-most talented roster in the NL Central. The problem is the disparity between them and the Cubs could be even greater this season. Yadier Molina, Matt Carpenter, Kolton Wong and Stephen Piscotty will be leaned on to carry the offense. Meanwhile, Adam Wainwright and Carlos Martinez lead an impressive starting rotation. This roster would be talked about as a true contender in most divisions but they are stuck in the shadow of the Cubs in the NL Central. St. Louis should be an NL Wild Card contender. Just don’t expect them to knock off Chicago at the top of the division.
The Disappointment: Pittsburgh Pirates
Odds To Win National League Central: +1100
Pittsburgh has been talked about as another potential playoff team in the NL Central. However, the Pirates will be in tough to get back to the postseason dance. There have been plenty of conversations about how they need Andrew McCutchen to bounce back from a poor 2016 season. However, even if McCutchen is better it doesn’t guarantee Pittsburgh reaches the playoffs. The Pirates need more from David Freese, Gregory Polanco and Josh Harrison. Meanwhile, McCutchen and Starling Marte pretty much need to play at an MVP level. The starting rotation has talent but Tyler Glasnow and Jameson Taillon are both very young. Pittsburgh finished five games below .500 in 2016. It makes sense to expect them to be better in 2017, just don’t expect the Pirates to return to the postseason.
Best Regular Season Win Total To Bet: Brewers 70.5
The Brewers are a team that is rebuilding but 70.5 might be a bit low for them. Do they have a lot of question marks across the roster? Yes, of course. Their rotation is an issue beyond Junior Guerra and Zach Davies, their bullpen has concerns after Neftali Feliz and their outfield has holes. That being said, this is a team that has a bright future. There are a lot of stop-gaps that were plugged into the lineup. There are a lot of high-caliber prospects coming up right around the corner. Guys like Lewis Brinson, Ryan Cordell, Brett Phillips, Hiram Burgos, Josh Hader and Paolo Espino are all on the cusp of breaking through. Will this be an 80-win team in 2017? Definitely not. But with the Cincinnati Reds in the division and what looks to be a regressing Pirates side, the Brew Crew could be decent. 71 wins is a low bar for this team and it’s a bar that they should get over.
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