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Boston RedSox Chris Sale

MLB Betting Picks: American League Season Preview 2019


Best plays in the MLB futures market

From a fans perspective, the 2019 Major League Baseball season is the most intriguing and exciting in recent history.

The competition made shockwaves across the globe in the off-season, with three of the largest ever sports contracts awarded to the games most naturally gifted players in Mike Trout, Bryce Harper and Manny Machado.

With Opening Day just around the corner, we preview the American League to reveal our best MLB Betting Picks in the futures markets.

 

American League Contenders

Boston Red Sox: MLB Odds $3.75 

In 2018, Boston were one step ahead of every other team in the competition.

After powering their way to a 108 regular win season, their hot form continued into the post-season where they dismantled bitter rivals the New York Yankees, 2017 WS Champs the Houston Astros and then the Los Angeles Dodgers to claim the World series.

It is no surprise that the  Sox are leading contenders to defend their title this year.

When assessing betting odds, it is always important to look past the face value of a side’s starters and into depth charts and strength of a bullpen.

Last season, the Boston bullpen ranked fourth in the American League in relief ERA and third in relief FIP.

In the off-season, righty Joe Kelly inked a three-year deal with the Dodgers and closer Craig Kimbrel still remains on the market. Meanwhile, knuckleballer Steven Wright is sidelined until late June because of an 80-game suspension.

This leaves Boston with a bullpen of un-proven talent and individuals returning from injury.

Add to the fact that, the AL East is one of the toughest divisions in baseball and with the Yankees active in the off-season, a tough task is on the horizon for one of baseball's most vibrant teams.

The $3.75 odds on offer to win the American League looks way too short considering their roster challenges. Pass.

 

New York Yankees: MLB Odds $3.75

The Yankees had a brilliant 2018 when they made their way to a 100 regular win season, until it all came crashing down against old foes Boston in the playoffs.

It appears the embarrassment lit a fire at Yankees HQ and they responded in typical fashion, with a very active off-season.

They signed five major league free agents and swung two notable trades, all while losing only one significant contributor (setup man David Robertson) off their 2018 roster.

With arguably the most star studded line-up in the Majors in 2019, it appears that the only threat to a deep playoff run is injuries.

Unfortunately for Yankees fans, they have already reared their head before opening day. Ace pitcher Luis Severino was shut down until mid-April with a rotator cuff inflammation, whilst CC Sabathia is working his way back from knee and heart surgery and still isn’t fit.

As a result, the Yankees will need to rely on two rotational pitchers as openers over the first months of the season.

Luckily for the Pinstripes they have a favourable schedule to kick-start their campaign which will see them play 16 of their first 21 games against the rebuilding Orioles, Tigers, White Sox, and Royals 

Best to hold off on any early bets on the Yankees to see how their roster shapes up during the season.

 

Houston Astros: MLB Odds $4.00

Houston enter 2019 aiming for their third straight 100 win season. However, if they manage this feat without clinching a second World Series within the three year period, they will consider it a disappointment.

The Astros’ pitching stocks have weakened, losing three of their starting five pitchers in Charlie Morton, Dallas Keuchel and Lance McCullers Jr. For any other team, this would be enough to derail Championship aspirations.

The Astros are well positioned to withstand this blow however.

They still have the imposing combination of Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole at the front end. Wade Miley is new to the club, and Collin McHugh is set to return to the rotation after a highly successful 2018 stint in the bullpen.

The new additions to the starting five may take time to adjust to their new roles, but both have plenty of experience to help the Astros top their division yet again.

Another key part of the Astros' success revolves around Carlos Correa.

The 24 year old star has a career batting average (BA) of .305, an outstanding recordfor a shortstop. When the Astros needed him the most in their playoff push last year however, his stats dropped to a BA of .180. Although he was hampered by a  back injury, Houston expect more from their injury plagued young gun who has played in just 219 games over the past two seasons.

If Correa is able to return to his previous form, the Astros immediately rocket back into contention for another world series.

 

Minnesota Twins: MLB Odds $34.00

After a disappointing 2018, the Twins had plenty of money to spend and they used it to build around the club’s core.

They signed impact players in second baseman Jonathan Schoop, veteran right-hander Blake Parker, first baseman C.J. Cron, utility man Marwin Gonzalez and designated hitter Nelson Cruz.

These are all very capable players who can hit a very long ball.

The big question again for Minnesota is whether former top prospects Byron Buxton and Miguel Sano can deliver on their potential.

If the two finally find their groove in 2019, the Twins will go far and able to compete with the Indians in the AL Central.

Additionally, the Twins look to have solved their pitching problems with 25 year old All-Star Jose Berrios leading  their 2019 starting rotation. 

Berrios and Kyle Gibson are both coming off breakthrough campaigns, additionally there's plenty of upside in Michael Pineda, who will be returning after a season-and-a-half away from the big leagues.

After assessing this team, the $34 looks way over the odds and is great value to take a small bet on. For a further play the $4.75 offer for the Twins to take the AL Central looks a steal.

MLB Betting Pick  MLB Betting Pick - Minnesota Twins to win the American League @ $34

 

MVP Contenders

Mike Trout MLB Odds: $3

As expected, LA Angels center fielder Mike Trout opens betting as AL MVP favourite.

Trout’s presence on the field can never be underestimated and everyone knows what they will be getting out of his performances.

With the Angels unlikely to make a solid playoff push however, expect Trout’s performances to stagnate towards the end of the year as he battles minor injury niggles.

 

Mookie Betts MLB Odds: $6

Last year’s winner Mookie Betts comes in at second favourite.

The Red Sox outfielder made a big jump in his play and production last season and with the World Series champs likely to be dangerous again this year, a five-tool player in Betts is a great choice.

 

Alex Bregman MLB Odds: $13.5

A final MVP candidate worthy of discussion is Astros infielder Alex Bregman.

Following a World Series hangover, Bregman only came into form midway through last season when he rocketed into MVP contention with a hot streak to end the year.

If he continues where he left off this campaign and goes on with it, he can easily run away from his competition.

MLB Betting Pick MLB Betting Pick - Alex Bregman to be Amercan League MVP @ $13.5

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