The Houston Astros disappointed big time when they failed to contend for the playoffs in 2016. After falling short of their goals, the Astros reloaded in the offseason and became a trendy favorite to reach the postseason in 2017. Houston has exceeded all expectations this year with 60 wins through their first 89 games. They own the best record in the AL – one win fewer than the Los Angeles Dodgers for the best record in the majors so far this season. It should be no surprise that the Astros are now the sports betting favorites to win the AL pennant. Here is a look at the best bets to win the AL pennant.
Houston Astros +200
Is Houston destined to reach the World Series? The Astros appear to be on a collision course with the Dodgers for the chance to compete for baseball’s greatest prize. Houston’s offense leads the majors in runs scored, batting average, OBP and slugging percentage. The Astros also own one of the best pitching staffs in the majors, which has delivered the fifth-best ERA in baseball this season. Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa have been outstanding once again. Meanwhile, George Springer, Marwin Gonzalez and Josh Reddick have all exceeded expectations. As long as Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers Jr. and an improved pitching staff can continue to perform at a high level, Houston will be extremely difficult to catch in the AL this season.
Boston Red Sox +300
After a slow start to the season, the Red Sox have really turned it on with the second-best record in the AL at the all-Star break at 50 wins. Chris Sale has lived up to all expectations since arriving in Boston. He is the biggest reason why the Red Sox rank fourth in pitching ERA. However, Sale hasn’t done it alone as David Price, Drew Pomeranz and Eduardo Rodriguez have pitched in to help Boston produce the second-most quality starts in the majors this season. Mookie Betts, Andrew Benintendi and Xander Bogaerts have come around to help the Red Sox offense climb in to the top-10 in runs scored. As long as this club stays healthy, Boston should have the best shot at challenging Houston for the AL pennant.
Cleveland Indians +375
Cleveland is another team that has started to turn things around over the past couple of months. The Indians reached 47 wins through their first 87 games and now own the best record in the AL Central. It helps that their division has been an absolute mess this year, but the real strength of this team has been a pitching staff that ranks third in the majors in ERA. Corey Kluber, Carlos Carrasco and even Mike Clevinger have been solid in the starting rotation. Meanwhile, Cody Allen and Andrew Miller have led one of the better bullpens in all of baseball. The Indians have a long way to go to catch Houston in the standings. The more likely scenario has them headed to the postseason as AL Central champions.
New York Yankees +600
After struggling the past couple of years, the Yankees are very much relevant again. Aaron Judge has taken the league by storm by hitting 30 home runs before the All-Star break and recording a .329 average over the first half of the season. Brett Gardner, Starlin Castro, Aaron Hicks and Gary Sanchez have rallied around him to help lead the third-highest scoring offense in the majors. Meanwhile, the pitching staff in New York has been better than expected as they have produced the seventh-best team ERA in the majors. A 3-7 stretch heading in to the All-Star break pushed the Yankees behind Boston in the AL East. However, they could rally back for a division title with a strong second half.
Kansas City Royals +1800
Kansas City has climbed back above .500 but it still seems like a stretch to consider them a contender for the AL pennant. That said, the sportsbooks still have the Royals listed at +1600 to win the AL, which is just ahead of the Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins. Kansas City still has a ton of ground to make up and they could end up being sellers before the trade deadline. It would take an absolute miracle for the Royals to catch the Astros for the best record in the AL.
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