While the baseball world waits for word on where Manny Machado and Bryce Harper will sign, the anticipation continues to build toward what should be an exciting 2019 season. With plenty of familiar faces in new places, it will be very interesting to see what kind of an impact they have on changing the overall MLB landscape this upcoming year. We did our best to identify the best bets to win the American League, National League and the World Series, as well as some smart value picks. Here is a look at what to expect heading in to the 2019 MLB season.
American League
Best Bet To Win American League: Houston Astros +350
Houston’s 103 wins a year ago were the second-most in the AL, trailing only the Boston Red Sox. If the Astros can even maintain that win total and Boston regresses even a little, it should be enough to elevate Houston to the top spot in the AL. The Astros should have the easier path to the No. 1 seed since they don’t play in the same division as the New York Yankees. It’s also important to remember that this Houston team is absolutely loaded with young talent. There might be some legitimate concerns about the state of their rotation over the long run. However, Justin Verlander and company should have enough left in the tank to help the Astros win the AL this season.
Value Pick To Win American League: Cleveland Indians +600
A lot of people are writing Cleveland off following a relatively quiet offseason in which the franchise opted not to chase any big-name free agents. However, the Indians still have a very solid core and a relatively easy path through their division. Whether or not it’s enough to win the AL will depend largely on if Cleveland can stay healthy. The Indians are being overlooked by plenty of experts heading in to the month of February and that makes them a smart value pick to win the AL at +600.
National League
Best Bet To Win National League: Los Angeles Dodgers +350
The Dodgers might already have the best roster in the National League. On top of that, LA is likely not done making moves with some intriguing options still on the board whether it be through free agency or the trade route. The Dodgers underachieved last year when they finished with only 92 wins. That should lead to more urgency from the outset of this season as LA trends upward. The Dodgers have the talent and depth to make a serious run and win the NL this season.
Value Pick To Win National League: Milwaukee Brewers +700
While LA is a smart money pick to win the NL, the Brewers might be the best value pick on the board based in part on their +700 price tag. It’s easy to forget that Milwaukee won the NL Central a year ago with 96 wins. While most aren’t sold on a repeat after a lot went right for them last year, the Brewers are still a very talented young team that added Yasmani Grandal and could still be in the market for a high-priced pitcher like Madison Bumgarner. At their +700 price tag, Milwaukee might be worth taking a flier on as an intriguing sleeper pick to win the NL.
World Series
Best Bet To Win World Series: New York Yankees +600
While Boston deserves to be the betting favorite in the AL, it’s impossible to overlook the Yankees as a legitimate World Series contender this year. New York wasted no time at all addressing its pitching staff and added Troy Tulowitzki and D.J. LeMahieu to shore up its infield. The most intriguing aspect of this pick is the fact that the Yankees can still make some major additions with the money they have left to spend. There is a good chance that New York isn’t done adding to it’s already impressive roster. At +600 odds, the smart money is on the Yankees to win the World Series.
Value Pick To Win World Series: St. Louis Cardinals +1800
The Cardinals made the biggest splash of any team so far this offseason when they added Paul Goldschmidt. St. Louis also added Andrew Miller to bolster its bullpen. The Cardinals have an impressive roster on paper and with so many talented veterans there is a very good chance they could surprise come October. At +1800 odds, St. Louis might be the best value bet on the board when it comes to picking potential World Series winners. A lot can change between now and then, but at their current price the Cardinals are an excellent value pick to win the World Series.
2019 Regular Season Win Totals
Angels 83.5
Astros 97.5
Athletics 83
Blue Jays 76.5
Braves 84
Brewers 83.5
Cardinals 88.5
Cubs 89
Diamondbacks 77
Dodgers 95
Giants 73
Indians 91.5
Mariners 74.5
Marlins 65.5
Mets 83.5
Nationals 88.5
Orioles 59
Padres 77.5
Phillies 83
Pirates 78.5
Rangers 70.5
Rays 85.5
Red Sox 95.5
Reds 77
Rockies 82
Royals 69
Tigers 67
Twins 84
White Sox 74.5
Yankees 96.5
