Even though the Guardians currently sit in second place in the AL Central, the betting public is backing them as the favorite pick to win the AL Pennant. This surprising pick could be a combination of long odds, playoff performance in 2022, and a perceived weak AL Central division.
Let’s take a look at why the Guardians could be a legit contender for AL Pennant and which teams could rival them.
AL Pennant Odds
Here are the current AL Pennant odds, which were taken from BetMGM Sportsbook on May 2, 2023:
- Astros (+300)
- Yankees (+450)
- Blue Jays (+475)
- Mariners (+850)
- Rays (+1200)
- White Sox (+1200)
- Angels (+1500)
- Rangers (+1600)
- Orioles (+1800)
- Guardians (+1800)
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Most Popular Bet To Win AL Pennant
The Cleveland Guardians currently account for 16.3% of tickets to win the AL Pennant at BetMGM. However, the contrast between their betting support and listed odds (+1800) is stark, as Cleveland currently ranks tenth in the AL Pennant odds. The Guardians are second in the AL Central (14-15) at the moment, three games behind the Minnesota Twins (17-12). Since the Tigers, White Sox, and Royals seem to not pose a threat, the AL Central is essentially up for grabs.
Last year, the Guardians outperformed all expectations by outlasting the Tampa Bay Rays in the Wild Card. Even though the Yankees defeated them in the ALDS, the Guardians pushed one of last year’s favorites to the brink of elimination in a deciding fifth game. This kind of performance could be the reason bettors are putting their hard-earned money behind Cleveland to begin the season.
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Which Teams Are Next In Line?
For reference, the Yankees aren’t too far behind the Guardians when it comes to betting support. Here are the next most popular bets to win the AL Pennant, as represented by a percentage of tickets wagered at BetMGM:
- Yankees (12.3%)
- Orioles (11.4%)
- Blue Jays (11.3%)
- Rays (8.3%)
- Astros (7.0%)
A team to note at the very bottom of the following list is the Houston Astros. The reigning AL Pennant and World Series champs are rounding out the bottom of these contenders even though BetMGM has them listed as the favorite to win the AL Pennant (+300). Fans could be mourning the loss of Justin Verlander to the Mets, or perhaps the odds are too short for the betting public to consider placing a wager.
We’ll see how it all plays out, but one thing is for sure: the Guardians are a surprisingly popular choice among MLB bettors.
