2023 MLB World Series odds MLB futures pennant division odds win total odds preseason projections picks and predictions – Page 2

Best bets: 2023 Chicago Cubs World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Chicago Cubs World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

In 2022, the Chicago Cubs went 74-88, placing 3rd in the National League Central Division standings. The Cubs scored 4.06 runs per game while allowing 4.51. Chicago fans knew that they were in for a rebuild, but the club played well down the stretch and has now added some new pieces in what could be a rebuild on the double.

The Cubs signed free agent SS Dansby Swanson, who clocked a career-best 6.4 WAR last season. Swanson should help Chicago at the plate and in the field. He hit 65 doubles and 52 home runs over the last 2 seasons. Also donning Cubbies’ threads in 2023 will be OF Cody Bellinger — a former NL MVP reclamation project, 1B Eric Hosmer and DH Trey Mancini. So, perhaps the offense takes a significant step forward.

Let’s analyze the Chicago Cubs’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Chicago Cubs World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, March 23 at 11:40 a.m. ET.

Odds: +5000 (bet $100 to win $5,000)

Chicago is a middle-of-the-pack club at this price. Thirteen teams have shorter odds. The Houston Astros (+600) are the favorites, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (+700), New York Mets (+700) and New York Yankees (+750). The Oakland A’s have the longest odds at +40000. The Washington Nationals are next at +30000.

At +5000 , the Cubs have an implied probability of winning the World Series of 1.96% or 50/1 fractional odds.

PASS. Perhaps because the Cubs are a bit of a public team, they have been overplayed in this market. Peg this return as about 60% what it should be to match true probability.

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Chicago Cubs playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +320 | No -429

PASS. The St. Louis Cardinals and Milwaukee Brewers figure to be the top contenders for an NL Central crown. It seems unlikely a Wild Card would come from the division, so peg Chicago’s chances as about 10-to-1.

Chicago Cubs win total

Over/Under: 77.5 (O: -120 | U: +100)

Peg this as a fair number. The Cubs will be interesting, with some upside factors, but at this pricing on this number the lean is on the UNDER 77.7 (+100).

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To win NL Central Division

St. Louis Cardinals -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Milwaukee Brewers +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Chicago Cubs +650 (bet $100 to win $650)
Cincinnati Reds +6000 (bet $100 to win $6,000)
Pittsburgh Pirates +7000 (bet $100 to win $7,000)

PASS. Though a caveat — if I were a Cubs fan wanting to get down a future to have fun with, this is the slot I’d support. The NL Central is very much a 2-and-a-half-horse race, with the Cards and Brewers, the Cubs being half a horse (2 quarter horses?) and the Reds and Pirates being out to pasture.

Last year, Chicago did go 33-25, with a nifty 3.28 ERA from Aug. 5 on. Overall, the Cubs actually did what good teams do, in that they beat up on lesser clubs (37-30 vs. under-.500 foes). They had all kinds of problems against the Redbirds (6-13, minus-39 run differential) and most of the NL West. But Chicago held its own against Milwaukee (10-9) and did better than both the Brewers and Cards when facing the tough NL East (Chicago went 21-10).

So, its not entirely clear that this year’s schedule homogenization — fewer intra-division games) helps separate those 2 front horses by enough ground.

As an informed analytics gamble-nerd, I would want at least +850 on this play. If I went to bed every night in Cubs pajamas and wanted to have some fun money on my team, this is where the return gets kind of close to fair.

To win National League

Odds: +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)

STEER CLEAR. The implied odds here — 3.23% — are just too far north of where the Cubs’ true chances live.

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Best bets: 2023 Cincinnati Reds World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Cincinnati Reds World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

In 2022, the Cincinnati Reds were outscored by over a run per game (5.03 to 4.00) en route to logging a 62-100 record. The franchise’s 1st 100-loss season since 1982 came in what marked the beginning of a rebuild in Cincy.

Free-agent acquisitions OF/1B Wil Myers and IF Kevin Newman don’t figure to move the needle much on getting run production on par with what pitching and defense is expected to yield. Much youth will be on display as the Reds’ rebuild continues. Let’s analyze the Cincinnati Reds‘ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Cincinnati Reds World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Thursday, March 23 at 11:30 a.m. ET.

Odds: +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

Cincinnati has the 4th-longest odds to win the Fall Classic. The Oakland A’s have the longest odds at +40000. The Washington Nationals are next at +30000. The Houston Astros (+600) are the favorites, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (+700), New York Mets (+700) and New York Yankees (+750)

At +20000 , the Reds have an implied probability of winning the World Series of 0.5% or 200/1 fractional odds.

The 0.5% chance overestimates what these Reds are very likely to do this season. That is something quite similar to what they did a year ago. PASS.

Cincinnati Reds playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +1500 | No -5000

PASS: Figure “No” as being closer to the correct price here, but the tag is not worth our time.

Cincinnati Reds win total

Over/Under: 64.5 (O: -135 | U: +105)

RHP Luis Castillo is gone (Seattle Mariners), but the Reds do have a couple top-shelf starters in RHP Hunter Greene and LHP Nick Lodolo. The back end of the rotation will be a Double-A-to-MLB continuum of multiple arms auditioning for the future. Because this is a rebuild. And speaking of rebuilding …

The bullpen logged a 4.72 ERA last year. That was tied with the Pittsburgh Pirates for 28th in the league. Only the Colorado Rockies (4.85 ERA) were worse, and from an analytics standpoint, a case can be made that the Reds were the worst of that woeful triumvirate.

This is by no means a ringing endorsement for this club jumping into contender-ship, but the 2022 Reds got off to an awful 3-22 start. The also had sub-.400 months in June and August but they did pepper in a couple over-.500 months (May, July). Their overall runs-scoring profile made them a couple games unlucky. Getting closer to 67-70 wins this year would not be a surprise. That’s going to take some good health with Greene and Lodolo and a couple key bats.

Its also going to take holding one’s nose to participate in a 30-cent line. Consider a partial-unit play on the OVER 64.5 (-135). Better yet, see if that tag might fall to -125 and go in with closer to a full unit.

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To win NL Central Division

St. Louis Cardinals -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Milwaukee Brewers +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Chicago Cubs +650 (bet $100 to win $650)
Cincinnati Reds +6000 (bet $100 to win $6,000)
Pittsburgh Pirates +7000 (bet $100 to win $7,000)

Cincinnati’s implied probability of winning the NL Central is 1.64% or 60/1 fractional odds. More return would be needed to take this on: PASS.

To win National League

Odds: +9000 (bet $100 to win $9,000)

AVOID. The implied probability here is 1.1% (90-to-1). But we’re just not talking about a mid-70s-win team that can get hot or get lucky and make serious waves.

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Best bets: 2023 St. Louis Cardinals World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 St. Louis Cardinals World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

After a thrilling World Baseball Classic, the 2023 MLB season starts on March 30. Even though they aren’t mentioned among the top contenders in baseball, the St. Louis Cardinals could make some noise this season.

The Cardinals finished 2022 with a solid 93-69 record, but they were swept by the Philadelphia Phillies in the NL Wild-Card round. While St. Louis brought back most of its roster from a season ago, its most notable addition was C Willson Contreras, formerly of the Chicago Cubs

Let’s analyze the St. Louis Cardinals’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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St. Louis Cardinals World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, March 22, at 11:01 p.m. ET.

Odds: +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

The Cardinals enter the 2023 campaign tied with the Tampa Bay Rays for the 10th-best odds to win the World Series. Just ahead of the Cardinals in odds are the Seattle Mariners (+1500) and the Philadelphia Phillies (+1500).

The Houston Astros (+600) are the favorites, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (+700), New York Mets (+700) and New York Yankees (+750). The Oakland Athletics have the longest odds at +40000 with the Washington Nationals next at +30000.

The Cardinals have lost in the Wild-Card round 3 straight years, but this feels like a season where they’ll compete for a title. Despite having a middling rotation, backing the CARDINALS (+2000) has some value if you have a few dollars to use on future bets.

St. Louis Cardinals playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes -230 | No +190

The Cardinals have advanced to the postseason in 4 straight seasons and have made the playoffs in 9 of the last 12 years. Most projections have St. Louis winning the NL Central and there’s a good chance that helps them clinch a playoff spot again in 2023.

Despite the likeliness of the Cardinals making the playoffs again this season, AVOID taking either side of their playoff odds.

St. Louis Cardinals win total

Over/Under: 88.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

St. Louis went 93-69 in 2022 and finished with a 90-72 record in 2021. The Cardinals have won 90-plus games in 3 out of their last 4 seasons, and we’ll never know how many games they could have won in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

With the addition of Contreras, the Cardinals boast one of the best lineups in baseball, especially with reigning NL MVP 1B Paul Goldschmidt and 3B Nolan Arenado batting back-to-back. If St. Louis can get positive contributions from their pitching staff, then OVER 88.5 (-110) wins is a solid choice.

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To win NL Central Division

St. Louis Cardinals -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Milwaukee Brewers +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Chicago Cubs +650 (bet $100 to win $650)
Cincinnati Reds +6000 (bet $100 to win $6,000)
Pittsburgh Pirates +7000 (bet $100 to win $7,000)

The Cardinals have won the NL Central in 2 of the last 4 years and 5 of the last 10. St. Louis is 1 of only 3 teams in baseball this season with minus odds to win its division.

With division winners being a tossup because of potential injuries or other things, there’s no reason to take the Cardinals to win the NL Central at -120 odds. PASS.

To win National League

Odds: +1000 (bet $100 to win $1,000)

The NL certainly has a handful of talented teams that have a case to win the pennant in 2023. The Dodgers (+330), the Mets (+350), the Atlanta Braves (+400), the San Diego Padres (+425), and the Phillies (+750) have better odds to win the NL than the Cardinals.

With St. Louis being a dark horse team to win the World Series, the CARDINALS (+1000) to win the NL carries decent value.

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Best bets: 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Pittsburgh Pirates World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

Opening Day is set to take place soon after an action-packed World Baseball Classic captured the excitement of baseball fans. Ahead of the 2023 MLB campaign, the Pittsburgh Pirates are a team that doesn’t carry many expectations.

The Pirates concluded the 2022 season with a 62-100 record, which was tied for the 3rd-worst record in baseball. Pittsburgh added a few veterans in RF Andrew McCutchen, 1B Carlos Santana, and 1B Ji-Man Choi to their lineup, while also inserting LHP Rich Hill and RHP Vince Velasquez into its rotation.

Let’s analyze the Pittsburgh Pirates’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Pittsburgh Pirates World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, March 22, at 10:42 p.m. ET.

Odds: +20000 (bet $100 to win $20,000)

The Pirates are tied with the Cincinnati Reds for the 3rd-worst odds to win the World Series in 2023.

The two teams with worse odds than the Pirates are the Oakland Athletics (+40000) and the Washington Nationals (+30000). Teams like the Detroit Tigers (+8000), the Kansas City Royals (+10000), and the Colorado Rockies (+10000) are ahead of Pittsburgh in odds.

The Houston Astros (+600) are the favorites, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (+700), New York Mets (+700) and New York Yankees (+750)

The Pirates brought back McCutchen this offseason and added other veteran pieces to the batting order, but the pitching rotation leaves a lot to be desired. Even with a young up-and-coming player like SS O’Neil Cruz on the roster, just PASS on taking Pittsburgh to win it all, especially with LF Bryan Reynolds potentially being traded.

Pittsburgh Pirates playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +1200 | No -3030

The Pirates haven’t made the playoffs since the 2015 season. Pittsburgh isn’t remotely close to contention yet, but I would AVOID wagering on either side of the Pirates’ playoff odds.

Pittsburgh Pirates win total

Over/Under: 66.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

The Pirates recorded a forgettable 62-100 record in 2022 and a 61-101 record in 2021. Pittsburgh hasn’t had 67-plus wins since the 2019 season when the team went 69-93.

While the Pirates made tweaks to the lineup, it’s tough to trust the current pitching staff. With Reynolds potentially being on the trade block during the season, UNDER 66.5 (-110) wins is the choice with a win total in the lower 60s on the horizon again.

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To win NL Central Division

St. Louis Cardinals -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Milwaukee Brewers +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Chicago Cubs +650 (bet $100 to win $650)
Cincinnati Reds +6000 (bet $100 to win $6,000)
Pittsburgh Pirates +7000 (bet $100 to win $7,000)

The Pirates are heavy favorites to finish last in the NL Central, even behind the Reds, which is a good sign for taking the Under on their win total. Pittsburgh has finished 4th or 5th in the division in 6 consecutive seasons, and it’s hard to envision that changing in 2023.

With the Pirates not having much to look forward to right now, just PASS on taking them to win the NL Central.

To win National League

Odds: +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

The National League is loaded with a handful of teams that could contend for a World Series and it’s safe to say the Pirates aren’t among them. At best, Pittsburgh is the 3rd-to-5th best team in its division, let alone the entire NL.

Even though it would be a storybook finish for McCutchen in his return to the Pirates, AVOID taking them to win the NL in 2023.

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Best bets: 2023 Milwaukee Brewers World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Milwaukee Brewers World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Milwaukee Brewers won 86 games last season, just missing out on a National League Wild Card to the Philadelphia Phillies by 1 game after the grueling regular-season schedule. The Brewers had made the postseason the previous 4 seasons.

Milwaukee certainly has the pitching to make noise in the NL Central Division, especially if RHP Freddy Peralta can bounce back and give the team a full season after being limited to 17 outings due to shoulder issues.

The Brewers are looking to break back into the playoffs in 2023. Let’s analyze the Milwaukee Brewers’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and NL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Milwaukee Brewers World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, March 22, at 10:28 p.m. ET.

Odds: +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)

Milwaukee is tied with 5 teams for the 7th-shortest odds to win it all. The Houston Astros (+600) are the favorites, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (+700), New York Mets (+700) and New York Yankees (+750).

At +3000, Milwaukee has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 3.23% or 30/1 fractional odds.

The Oakland A’s have the longest odds at +40000 with the Washington Nationals next at +40000.

I like the pitching staff of the Brewers, but even for a chance to multiply your initial wager by 30 times, I think it’s tossing money away. The St. Louis Cardinals are going to be the class of the NL Central, and the Brew Crew will likely be behind the likes of the Atlanta Braves, Cards, LA Dodgers, New York Mets, Phillies and the new-look, high-spending San Diego Padres.

It will be another year of the Brewers being just on the outside looking in.

PASS.

Milwaukee Brewers playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes -110 | No -110

It’s a coin-flip bet that the Brew Crew will make the playoffs, and there is no real value to be had either way.

The team will run it back with LHP Wade Miley, who was part of the team’s rotation and playoff run in 2018, while also adding RHP Bryse Wilson from the division rival Pittsburgh Pirates. That helps bolster the rotation after injuries hurt the pitching staff tremendously, and was among the biggest reasons the team just missed a playoff spot.

But looking around the league, all of the other playoff contenders either bolstered their lineup, or already have a much better collection of offensive talent than Milwaukee.

Former Reds OF Jesse Winker was added from the Seattle Mariners, as well as up-and-comer C William Contreras. But they’re not major pieces, and Winker’s health is an unknown, as he had knee and neck surgeries during the offseason.

The top of the lineup could be good with OF Christian Yelich, SS Willy Adames, 1B Rowdy Tellez, Contreras and Winker. But it falls off precipitously after that, and doesn’t hold a candle to teams like Atlanta, L.A., Philadelphia, San Diego or even St. Louis.

Remember, too, that the Brewers traded All-Star RP Josh Hader to the San Diego Padres last season, and RP Justin Wilson (Tommy John surgery) isn’t expected to be ready until at least July. So RP Devin Williams will get 1st crack at the job, but there is uncertainty there, too.

Again, PASS, as I think the Brewers are just on the outside looking in without a major move to improve the lineup.

Milwaukee Brewers win total

Over/Under: 86.5 (O: +100 | U: -125)

The Brewers won 86 games last season, but they added a little bit of depth to the pitching staff, while bringing in a touch more offense.

At plus-money, there is some value in playing the OVER 86.5 (+100) wins. This isn’t a bad team, and it’s hard to believe that injuries will befall the starting rotation as much as in 2022. And even if it does, there is now a lot more organizational and veteran depth.

Contreras and Winker aren’t superstars, but their addition could give the Brewers a couple of more wins. This is the best value among all of the futures bets for Milwaukee. But know this, expect to sweat this bet out until Games No. 160, 161 or 162. It will be that close.

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To win NL Central Division

St. Louis Cardinals -120 (bet $120 to win $100)
Milwaukee Brewers +155 (bet $100 to win $155)
Chicago Cubs +650 (bet $100 to win $650)
Cincinnati Reds +6000 (bet $100 to win $6,000)
Pittsburgh Pirates +7000 (bet $100 to win $7,000)

Milwaukee’s implied probability of winning the NL Central is 39.22%, or 31/20 fractional odds.

Here is another value play. The Brewers were 7 games back of the division-winning Cardinals in 2022, so there isn’t a huge gap to close. And who’s to say perhaps St. Louis doesn’t experience the ugly injuries which crushed the Milwaukee pitching staff last season?

However, the Cardinals offense is still strong from top to bottom, with Japan’s WBC star Lars Nootbaar, C Willson Contreras, 1B Paul Goldschmidt, 3B Nolan Arenado, etc. The gap between the 2 teams can be closed significantly by a major injury to one of those key players.

To win National League

Odds: +1500 (bet $100 to win $1,500)

You have to make the playoffs to win the National League, and as mentioned above, I’m not feeling the Brewers to get into the postseason.

The outlook could change at the trade deadline this summer, if Milwaukee decides that it is a buyer and not a seller before July 31. However, with the current assortment of pitchers, Winker’s health uncertainty and a mediocre offense overall, there are better values to be had elsewhere.

AVOID.

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Best bets: 2023 Kansas City Royals World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Kansas City Royals World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

In 2022, the Kansas City Royals scuffled their way to a 5th-place finish in the American League Central Division. Kansas City got out of the gate slowly, falling 20 games under-.500 (17-37) by June 7. Things got better, but the Royals still finished more-than-a-run in the hole in their per-game scoring profile (3.95 runs for, 5.00 runs against) while posting an overall record of 65-97.

In 2023, the Royals will take the field under a new baseball administration. Manager Matt Quatraro will be filling out a nightly lineup card with many players who haave less than four lines of data on the back of their baseball card. K.C. picked up a few bench bats and a few arms in free agency but almost all are veteran reclamation projects. The Royals hope perhaps a few of those acquisitions pan out and they can help mentor the youthful ballclub.

Let’s analyze the Kansas City Royals’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Kansas City Royals World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, March 22, at 10:11 p.m. ET.

Odds: +10000 (bet $100 to win $10,000)

Kansas City is tied for the 5th-longest odds to win it all. The Oakland Athletics have the longest odds at +40000 with the Washington Nationals next at +30000. The Houston Astros (+600) are the favorites, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (+700), New York Mets (+700) and New York Yankees (+750)

At +10000 , the Royals have an implied probability of winning the World Series of 0.99% or 100/1 fractional odds.

So, if this season played out 95 times (to gain a little value), would Kansas City win a Series once? I don’t believe so, and it’s likely that 1 title in 500 iterations of the season may be still overestimating K.C.’s chances. PASS.

Kansas City Royals playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +1000 | No -3030

PASS: it is extremely likely the true probability lies between these tags.

Kansas City Royals win total

Over/Under: 69.5 (O: -115 | U: -105)

This club has some prospects like IF/OF Maikel Garcia, OF Tyler Gentry, SS Nick Loftin and RHP Alec Marsh to keep an eye on. The likes of DH M.J. Melendez and SS Bobby Witt, Jr., and 1B Vinnie Pasquantino are young players who have already produced at the Major League level, and they’ll be counted on to provide the core of this team moving forward.

And the Royals are in a mode whereby this team will scarcely be judged by wins. A 95-loss season could still be a successful one in developing this group. TAKE THE UNDER 69.5 (-105).

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To win AL Central Division

Cleveland Guardians +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Chicago White Sox +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Minnesota Twins +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
Detroit Tigers +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)
Kansas City Royals +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)

Kansas City’s implied probability of winning the AL Central is 2.44% or 40/1 fractional odds. More return would be needed to take this on: PASS.

To win American League

Odds: +8000 (bet $100 to win $8,000)

STEER CLEAR. Kansas City may well take a step forward this season but even that does not translate to more wins. And it very likely — more likely than 98.77% (the inverse of the 1.23% implied odds of the +8000 here) — will not include a trip to the Fall Classic.

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Best bets: 2023 Detroit Tigers World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Detroit Tigers World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The 2022 Detroit Tigers went 66-96, placing 4th in the American League Central Division. The Bengals ranked 30th in MLB in run scoring 3.44 runs per game) and 19th in run prevention (4.40).

Detroit did mange an 11-2 surge late in the season, has some likable members of the pitching staff and figures to get some regression bounce in its poor offensive numbers. The Tigers did not add much in free agency (31-year-old RHP Michael Lorenzen logged an 18-start 4.24 ERA for the Los Angeles Angels last year). But Detroit does have some solid pitching overall and young bats worth watching (1B Spencer Torkelson, OF Riley Greene).

Let’s analyze the Detroit Tigers’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Detroit Tigers World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, March 22, at 11:29 a.m. ET.

Odds: +8000 (bet $100 to win $8000)

Detroit is tabbed with the 7th longest odds to win it all. The Houston Astros (+600) are the favorites, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (+700), New York Mets (+700) and New York Yankees (+750). The Oakland A’s have the longest odds at +40000. The Washington Nationals are next at +30000.

At +8000, Detroit has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 1.23% or 80/1 fractional odds.

STEER CLEAR: that tag is closer to appropriate for the Tigers’ chances in the division. This is a club that may well be slightly improved, but the Motor City Kitties are going to play 24 more games outside the weak AL Central with this season’s new more homogenized MLB schedule. The World Series figures as a bridge too far.

Detroit Tigers playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +1200 | No -3030

Avoid the canyon between these prices, and that’s where Detroit’s true postseason probability lies. PASS.

Detroit Tigers win total

Over/Under: 70.5 (O: -105 | U: -115)

The Detroit pitching staff likely does not have a lot of upside, but it does sport enough consistent arms to keep the club competitive in enough games to perhaps grind out 74-76 victories.

The offense needs to bounce a bit, or there is still plenty of sub-70 risk. But in balance, the OVER 70.5 (-105) has value.

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To win AL Central Division

Cleveland Guardians +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Chicago White Sox +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Minnesota Twins +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
Detroit Tigers +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)
Kansas City Royals +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)

Detroit’s implied probability of winning the AL Central is 3.23% or 30/1 fractional odds. With Cleveland, Chicago and Minnesota being the standouts, figure that 3%-plus as being plenty sting on the book side. PASS.

To win American League

Odds: +5000 (bet $100 to win $5,000)

Same as with the other futures plays: not enough return here. Detroit figures as a decent Over play on some of the under-.500 types that could make a small step forward. But the Bengals don’t have the stripes to compete with the likes of the Astros, Yankees, Blue Jays and Mariners, let alone the tops teams in their own division.

PASS.

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Best bets: 2023 Minnesota Twins World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Minnesota Twins World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Minnesota Twins finished with a 78-84 record in 2022 and in 3rd place in the AL Central. It was a 5-game improvement over their 2021 finish.

The team brought in a few new additions this winter, with SS Carlos Correa being the biggest name to re-join the team. They also added starting pitcher Pablo Lopez, outfielders Michael Taylor and Joey Gallo, plus infielder Kyle Farmer.

Let’s analyze the Minnesota Twins’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Minnesota Twins World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, March 22 at 12:33 a.m. ET.

Odds: +5000 (bet $100 to win $5000)

Just 9 teams are listed with longer odds than the Twins to win it all. They currently have the same odds as the Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, and Los Angeles Angels.

The roster is stocked with players who offer quite a bit of upside but struggle to stay on the field. CF Byron Buxton may be the poster boy for this profile, and he is joined by starting pitchers Pablo Lopez and Tyler Mahle, who have a history of shoulder issues. RHP Sonny Gray always misses some time and RHP Kenta Maeda is making his return from Tommy John surgery.

The Twins could be dangerous if health cooperates, but they are deservedly a real long shot to win it all. It’s probably best to PASS on picking them to win the World Series.

Minnesota Twins playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +125 | No -150

After winning the division in 2019 and 2020, the Twins have finished with a losing record and missed the playoffs the last 2 seasons. They ended the 2022 season 14 games behind the Guardians in the division and 8 games out of the final Wild-Card spot. However, they did have a run differential of +12 on the year, which shows they probably deserved a better record.

Therefore, some positive regression is likely, and the team really made some solid additions that could further move the needle. This is a winnable division and YES +125 on a Minnesota playoff berth is worth a small wager.

Minnesota Twins win total

Over/Under: 82.5 (O: -135 | U: +105)

In addition to the names mentioned above with checkered health history, the team has a few others with injury concerns as well. Second-baseman Jorge Polanco (knee) and 1B Alex Kirilloff (wrist) are at risk of starting the season on the IL, and Correa failed a physical with 2 other teams before landing back in Minnesota. But they do have some capable, versatile players like infielders Nick Gordon and the aforementioned Farmer who can step in. The Twins will also get SS/OF Royce Lewis back sometime this summer.

This is a team that had a positive run differential in 2022 and has made some nice additions to the roster since then. Furthermore, they have the rotation depth to absorb at least one injury. SP Bailey Ober is currently the 6th starter, and he put up a 3.21 ERA across 11 starts last season. All told, this line seems fair, but we’ll side with OVER 82.5 (-135).

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AL Central odds

Cleveland Guardians +140 (bet $100 to win $140)
Chicago White Sox +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Minnesota Twins +240 (bet $100 to win $240)
Detroit Tigers +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)
Kansas City Royals +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)

The odds suggest there are 3 teams with a realistic shot at winning the division and no team stands out as a heavy favorite. It will be tough to overcome the 14-game cushion the Guardians had on them last season, but Minnesota deserved a better record in 2022 and it should be a much tighter race this season.

The White Sox are still hanging around as well, but they lost a big bat in Jose Abreu, a decent SP in Johnny Cueto, and will be missing closer Liam Hendriks for most or all of the season.

This is certainly one of the softest divisions in the league, one in which it may not even take 90 wins to come out on top. A small play on TWINS +240 is worth a shot.

Minnesota Twins AL odds

Odds: +2000 (bet $100 to win $2,000)

While Minnesota has a decent chance of playing into October, it’s hard to envision them making a deep postseason run. While they have some solid depth with both their pitchers and position players, they lack front-line starting pitchers and have injury risks up and down the roster. PASS on the Twins winning the AL pennant.

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Best bets: 2023 Cleveland Guardians World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Cleveland Guardians World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

The Cleveland Guardians went 92-70 last season and won the American League Central Division title, and then won a Wild-Card series over the Tampa Bay Rays.

Not much was expected against the heavily-favored, and deep-pocketed, New York Yankees in the AL Divisional Series, but the Guardians won 2 of the 1stt 3 games, pushing the Bronx Bombers to the brink. The Guardians bowed out in 5, but taking the Yankees the distance gives the fan base expectations heading into 2023.

The team added a big-ticket item in 1B Josh Bell on a 2-year, $33 million deal, and it added C Mike Zunino to the mix.

The Guardians hope to make another playoff run in 2023. Let’s analyze the Cleveland Guardians’ World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Cleveland Guardians World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, March 22, at 12:13 a.m. ET.

Odds: +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)

Cleveland is tied for the 12th-shortest odds to win it all. The Houston Astros (+600) are the favorites, followed by the Los Angeles Dodgers (+700), New York Mets (+700) and New York Yankees (+750).

At +3000, Cleveland has an implied probability of winning the World Series of 3.23% or 30/1 fractional odds.

The Oakland A’s have the longest odds at +40000. The Washington Nationals are next at +40000.

Taking the GUARDIANS (+3000) to win the World Series for a chance to multiply your initial wager 30 times is worth a small-unit bet, especially since this team has a very good chance to get into the postseason.

Cleveland Guardians playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes -150 | No +125

After spending rare big money on a free agent (Bell), expectations are high for this installment of the Guardians. The team has the pitching, and Bell joins a lineup thirsty for his power.

The 30-year-old Bell smacked 17 home runs and 71 RBI last season splitting time between the Washington Nationals and San Diego Padres. He was hitting a career-best .301 in D.C. before flaming out after his trade.

With Bell and Zunino joining a lineup with OF Steven Kwan, SS Amed Rosario, 3B Jose Ramirez, DH Josh Naylor, OF Oscar Gonzalez and 2B Andres Gimenez, this offense should make some noise, when healthy.

The Guardians are expected to make the playoffs, and it has the pitching to win this division for a 2nd consecutive season.

Cleveland Guardians win total

Over/Under: 86.5 (O: -130 | U: +110)

This team won 92 regular-season games last season en route to the Central Division title. After retaining Naylor and Rosario on 1-year deals to avoid arbitration, while inking SPs Shane Bieber, Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac and Cal Quantrill to similar deals, all of the pieces are back in place for another postseason run.

The Guardians also have one of the best young closers in the game in Emmanuel Clase, so don’t expect him to give any games away.

The Guardians didn’t really lose anything from last season’s division-winning team, while improving the lineup with Bell and Zunino.

Even if this team were to win 5 fewer games, and there is no reason to believe that will happen, it would still exceed this win total. Bet OVER -130.

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To win AL Central Division

Cleveland Guardians +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Chicago White Sox +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Minnesota Twins +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
Detroit Tigers +3000 (bet $100 to win $3,000)
Kansas City Royals +4000 (bet $100 to win $4,000)

Cleveland’s implied probability of winning the AL Central is 42.55%, or 27/20 fractional odds.

Chicago has added some nice pieces, and Minnesota and Chicago will also give chase. But Cleveland is in the driver’s seat in the division, thanks in large part to its depth in the rotation, solid offensive additions to an already strong lineup, and it’s dominant All-Star closer.

To win American League

Odds: +1300 (bet $100 to win $400)

OK, I’ll take a flier at 30/1 on an all-out World Series win, and I feel as if the Guardians are a solid bet to win the AL Central.

However, I am going really low on a World Series title. One would think, well then play Cleveland to win the AL, too, right? Wrong. There just isn’t as much value in this play.

The Astros (+260), the Yankees (+330), even the Blue Jays (+480) and Mariners (+750) have shorter odds, and are better bets. If this were in the neighborhood of, say, +2000, it would be a more enticing wager.

PASS.

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Best bets: 2023 Chicago White Sox World Series odds, win total and more

Analyzing the 2023 Chicago White Sox World Series odds, futures and projected win total with expert MLB picks and predictions.

After a disastrous season under Tony LaRussa, the Chicago White Sox have turned to Pedro Grifol to manage their turnaround.

The White Sox didn’t make many signings this offseason, but did find their new left fielder in Andrew Benintendi, who signed for 5 years and $75 million They also got a rotational arm in RHP Mike Clevinger, who signed a 1-year deal, although his status remains up in the air due to off-field issues.

The White Sox went 81-81 in 2022 and finished in 2nd place in the AL Central, 11 games behind the Cleveland Guardians. If Chicago wants to take control of the division, it will need to do so with offense as the Guardians and Twins look to reload in 2023.

Let’s analyze the Chicago White Sox’s World Series odds, along with their projected win total, playoff, division and AL odds as we make our expert MLB picks and predictions.

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Chicago White Sox World Series odds

Provided by Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports Scores and Sports Betting Odds hub for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, March 21, at 11:29 p.m. ET.

Odds: +3000 (bet $100 to win $3000)

At +3000, the Chicago White Sox are tied for 6th in the AL for World Series odds with their division rival Cleveland and 12th overall. They are behind the overall favorite Houston Astros +600, the New York Yankees +750, the Toronto Blue Jays +900, the Seattle Mariners +1500, and the Tampa Bay Rays +2000.

It will be difficult for the White Sox to get to the World Series in such a loaded AL. But if they are able to win the AL Central, they could gain needed momentum, and +3000 are not bad odds. While it isn’t a strong play, it could be a play worth risking a few dollars on.

Chicago White Sox playoff odds

Will they make the playoffs: Yes +125 | No -150

With such a strong league, it is difficult to see the White Sox making a playoff push in 2023. With Cleveland still ahead of them in the division and 3 AL East teams all looking to make moves, there is not much room for Chicago in the mix.

With Houston all but being given the AL West, the White Sox will also need to compete with a talented Mariners team if it hopes to finally break into the Wild-Card chase in September. The White Sox -150 to miss the playoffs is the only way to play this if you are looking for a small number which still offers excellent value.

Chicago White Sox win total

Over/Under: 83.5 (O: -110 | U: -110)

With LaRussa in charge in 2022, the White Sox were able to compile 81 wins. Minimal offseason moves shows the confidence management has in the roster along with new manager Grifol.

Although Kansas City and Detroit look ready to struggle in 2023, the ascension of Minnesota and the continued play of Cleveland could be too much for Chicago to handle if it hopes to raise its level from 2022.

Offense should not be an issue for the White Sox. But if the pitching does not improve, the White Sox will be going down in the standings instead of up. This will be a close call one way or the other, but the Over 83.5 looks to be the way to go for this Chicago team.

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To win AL Central Division

Cleveland Guardians +135 (bet $100 to win $135)
Chicago White Sox +170 (bet $100 to win $170)
Minnesota Twins +230 (bet $100 to win $230)
Detroit Tigers +2000 (bet $100 to win $2000)
Kansas City Royals +4000 (bet $100 to win $4000)

This division is closely bunched at the top with not much separation between the favorites. Chicago is squarely in the mix and with the odds being where they are at +170, a small wager is not a bad bet.

To win American League

Odds: +1300 (bet $100 to win $1300)

The White Sox might be a viable bet to win the AL in 2023, but is it worth it to make this wager?

Cleveland looks to be better positioned to win the division. This means Chicago will need to go the Wild-Card route. Philadelphia was able to do in the NL in 2022, but with a loaded AL it will be difficult.

If Clevinger remains on the roster and right-handers Lance Lynn and No. 1 starter Dylan Cease can provide innings, the pitching could match the offense and Chicago has a chance to make the playoffs where anything can happen.

So +1300 is a solid number for this team and a small wager is worth a look heading into the season.

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For sports betting picks and tips, check out SportsbookWire.com and BetFTW. Plus, try out the USA TODAY Parlay Calculator and please gamble responsibly.

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