The Cleveland Indians registered 17 wins more than any other team in the American League Central last season. Judging by their sports betting odds to win the AL Central again (they’re the favorite at BetDSI Sportsbook), there is no doubt Cleveland will be the obvious favorite to finish atop the division once again in 2018. While manager Terry Francona promised his team will “return with a vengeance” this season, no other team in the AL Central has improved enough to think they can slow them down. Here is a look at each team’s odds to win the American League Central.
Cleveland Indians -650
Cleveland produced the best record in the AL last season but blew a 2-0 lead to the New York Yankees in the ALDS to finish another impressive season with more disappointment. However, this club is very capable of redemption in 2018 and getting back to the playoffs shouldn’t be difficult. Cleveland owns one of the best pitching staffs in the majors led by AL Cy Young award winner Corey Kluber. They also have an impressive offense that should be able to do more than enough to help this team challenge for a World Series. Despite playoff disappointments, Cleveland should be a safe bet to win the AL Central.
Minnesota Twins +350
The Twins surprised everybody by becoming the first team in MLB history to make the playoffs after losing 100 games the previous season. However, Minnesota lost to the Yankees in the AL Wild Card game and could be an obvious candidate for regression after failing to substantially improve its core roster in the offseason. The Twins could still win 80 games in 2018 but it’s unreasonable to expect this team to contend with Cleveland for an AL Central title.
Chicago White Sox +3300
The White Sox are coming off a 67-95 season and nobody expects them to completely turn things around in 2018 like the Twins did a year ago. Chicago hasn’t made the playoffs in 10 straight years and there is a good chance that postseason drought continues this year. Jose Abreu and Avisail Garcia are obvious trade candidates as the White Sox continue to try to get younger. The White Sox have some intriguing talent but not enough to contend for a playoff spot.
Kansas City Royals +5000
Kansas City hasn’t made the postseason since winning the World Series in 2015. It’s unlikely they are able to end that drought this season. The Royals are at a crossroads right now with some questionable depth and a relatively average farm system. Kansas City could still be a .500 team in 2018 but this team isn’t talented enough to contend for a division title.
Detroit Tigers +5000
Detroit is another team that will be passed on when it comes to predicting an AL Central winner this season. The Tigers matched the San Francisco Giants for the worst record in baseball last season and new manager Ron Gardenhire will have a tough time trying to get this roster to improve on its 64-98 record from a year ago. Detroit is at the start of a long-term rebuild and the franchise will preach patience to the fans with some trying years ahead. With Cleveland as the clear favorite in the AL Central, it won’t make much sense to wager money on the other four teams in the division as they appear destined to spend the year looking up at first place.
