The American League Central division is shaping up to be a thrilling race, with three different winners in the past three seasons. The Minnesota Twins claimed the division title in 2023, but they aren’t favored to repeat, as the Cleveland Guardians currently hold the top spot with odds of -145 at NJ online sportsbooks.
Twins and Royals Offer Value in a Tight Race
Minnesota and Kansas City are both trailing by 2.5 games, and they present intriguing value at DraftKings Sportsbook. With Cleveland offering limited value, let’s delve into the chances of the Twins and Royals catching up to the Guardians.
If you believe either team can get hot and overtake Cleveland, the odds are appealing, with Minnesota at +225 and Kansas City at +400 with the current betMGM bonus deal.
Current Odds to Win the AL Central
- Cleveland -145
- Minnesota +225
- Kansas City +400
Kansas City’s Surprising Surge
Kansas City has been a surprise contender this season. After winning just 56 games last year, the Royals have firmly positioned themselves in the race, winning five straight games. However, they face the second most challenging schedule in MLB for the remainder of the season, with opponents boasting a .530 winning percentage over the next 37 games.
Led by A.L. MVP candidate Bobby Witt and wins leader Seth Lugo, the Royals bolstered their roster at the trade deadline and should remain in contention. However, their tough schedule may prove difficult to overcome. Despite this, Kansas City boasts one of the best pitching staffs and offensive units in the American League.
The Twins: Consistent Contenders
The Twins, ranking sixth in offense and ninth in pitching in the A.L., have stayed competitive throughout the season. They face the 11th most challenging schedule in baseball, with opponents having a .503 winning percentage.
Guardians’ Strength Lies in Pitching
As for the Guardians, they possess the second-best pitching staff in the American League, anchored by lights-out closer Emmanuel Clase. MVP candidate José Ramírez will be a key figure down the stretch, potentially guiding Cleveland to the division crown.
World Series Odds and Wild Card Positions
Both the Guardians and Twins have the sixth shortest odds to win the World Series, at +1300, while Kansas City sits at +2200 with the latest sportsbook offers. With both the Royals and Twins currently in Wild Card positions, the World Series odds are enticing.
Kansas City: A Tempting Gamble
Of the three teams, Kansas City might be the most intriguing option. With Witt’s leadership and the trades they’ve made, the Royals could surprise in October. At +400 to win the Central and +2200 to win the World Series, they present a tempting gamble in a league where anything can happen—just look at how Texas beat Arizona last year in the World Series.
