With the 2017 MLB season right around the corner, now is the perfect time to take a closer look at the MLB regular season win totals posted at DSI. Heading into the season, the Chicago Cubs are the heavy favorite in the National League while the Boston Red Sox are the chalk in the American League. There isn’t much value there. However, there are some teams that we do like to overachieve and underachieve, so here are our best bets for the regular season win totals.
Washington Nationals
Regular Season Win Total Bet: UNDER 90.5
The Nationals are one of the most complete teams in the majors. However, the sportsbooks aren’t giving them the love they deserve. Washington posted 95 wins a year ago, and yet their futures wins total is set at 90.5. Max Scherzer, Stephen Strasburg, Tanner Roark and Gio Gonzalez make up a starting rotation that has the potential to be dominant. Meanwhile, Bryce Harper should bounce back following a sub-par season and he will have plenty of help. Daniel Murphy, Jayson Werth, Anthony Rendon and Trea Turner make up a solid core. Plus, the Nationals boosted their offense with the addition of Adam Eaton. Washington should contend for a National League East title in 2017 and it won’t surprise anybody if they finish with 95 wins or more.
Texas Rangers
Regular Season Win Total Bet: UNDER 84.5
Texas also finished with 95 wins a year ago. Like the Nationals, they aren’t getting enough love. The Rangers lost a couple of quality pieces in Carlos Beltran and Ian Desmond. However, Texas has one of the most talented core groups of prospects in the majors with Jurickson Profar and Nomar Mazara ready for the spotlight. Meanwhile, the Rangers signed Mike Napoli and will have a healthy Shin-Soo Choo back in the lineup. With Adrian Beltre, Rougned Odor, Jonathan Lucroy and Elvis Andres all back, the Texas lineup is absolutely loaded on paper. Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish are solid at the top of an above average rotation, while the bullpen could be marginally better. The Rangers might not be better than they were a year ago. However, they are still more than talented enough to post 85 wins this season.
Kansas City Royals
Regular Season Win Total Bet: UNDER 80.5
The Royals are one final team to strongly consider betting the OVER for in terms of their regular season wins total. Kansas City’s window to contend in the American League appears to be closing but they should be in the mix for a playoff spot this season. Mike Moustakas, Lorenzo Cain, Eric Hosmer and Salvador Perez make up a solid hitting core. Almost all of those guys are going to be free agents come next offseason and we know how players perform in the final years of their deals. They want to get paid.
Meanwhile, the Royals added Brandon Moss to their lineup and shored up their starting rotation with the additions of Jason Hammel and Travis Wood. Kansas City might not have enough pieces to win a World Series in 2017, but there is a good chance they will finish with 81 wins or more.
New York Mets
Regular Season Win Total Bet: UNDER 88.5
The Mets are getting a lot of love from the odds makers but there is reason to expect at least some regression from this club following last year’s 87-win season. New York turned a lot of heads with some surprising offseason moves and their lack of significant upgrades left a lot to be desired from management. Their inability to move Curtis Granderson or Jay Bruce in the offseason leaves them with a logjam in the outfield. They also failed to upgrade their infield. Their pitching staff is solid on paper but there is no guarantee they stay healthy. Matt Harvey has dealt with injuries and isn’t the same pitcher he was a year ago. Meanwhile, there are no guarantees their other arms can stay healthy. The Mets have the potential to be a playoff team but there are too holes to expect it to happen. New York is more likely to regress slightly, and fall short of 89 wins.
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