Tag: World Series odds

How many games will the Pittsburgh Pirates win in 2020?

Analyzing the Pittsburgh Pirates’ projected win total for the 2020 MLB season, along with their odds to win the NL Central and World Series.

The Pittsburgh Pirates went 69-93 in 2019, finishing in the basement of the National League’s Central Division. Today, we focus on Pittsburgh’s 2020 regular-season win total and World Series odds. Do the Pirates have what it takes? Let’s analyze:

Pittsburgh Pirates 2019 wins

It’s easy to forget Pittsburgh was just one game under .500 (44-45) when the All-Star break hit last season. Through the end of May, the Pirates had a 4.88 team ERA, a .709 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage), and a 28-28 record. The pitching went sideways, and Pittsburgh went 4-12 from June 1-18. The Pirates would rally, going 12-5 over their last 17 games before the break, but the Bucs came out of the break losing four straight and 15 of 17 games, and that spelled the beginning of the end. The Pirates would finish 23 games under .500 (25-48) while registering a 5.51 ERA in the second half.

Pittsburgh Pirates offseason

The off-season has involved management change with Neal Huntington out and Ben Cherington in as general manager; Clint Hurdle is out, Derek Shelton is in as manager. OF Starling Marte was dealt to the Arizona Diamondbacks for prospects. It all spells a renewed commitment to rebuilding in Steel City.

Baseball season is right around the corner! Get some action on this season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM. Bet now!

Pittsburgh Pirates odds to win the NL Central

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Lines last updated at Monday, Feb. 17 at 4:20 p.m. ET.

The Pirates are +6500 to win the NL Central. The division odds boil down four teams from +200 to +400 … break … break …and then the Pirates. The play on Pittdsburgh winning the division isn’t advisable as there are too many real contenders to leapfrog and Pittsburgh doesn’t figure to be in spending mode to be competitive. The Pirates are expected to enter the season with a $69 million payroll. Only the Baltimore Orioles, at $65 million, are in line to have a lower figure.

Pittsburgh Pirates World Series odds

The Pirates’ +25000 odds put them in a group with the Seattle Mariners and San Francisco Giants at around the 25th or 26th choice among all 30 teams.

How many games will the Pirates win in 2020?

The Pirates head into the season with a projected win total of 69.5. Take the Under (-110). A new regime is set to take an approach through the draft and international free agency (the 16-year-old end, not the established Pacific Rim pitching end). A bit of a moderate-level arms race could pick up in the Central, further marginalizing the Pirates from the “core four” of the division.

Want some action on the MLB season or other sports? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1473]

How many games will the Chicago Cubs win in 2020?

Analyzing the Chicago Cubs’ projected win total for the 2020 MLB season, along with their odds to win the NL Central and World Series.

The Chicago Cubs had made the postseason four years in a row prior to the 2019 season. They went just 84-78 last year and finished third in the National League Central. They’ll try to bounce back and make the playoffs in 2020, but they’re not the powerhouse they were a few years ago. Today, we focus on the Cubs’ 2020 regular-season win total and World Series odds. Does Chicago have what it takes? Let’s analyze:

Chicago Cubs 2019 wins

The Cubs finished in the top 10 in runs scored and team ERA last season, but a late-season collapse doomed them in the playoff race. They finished the year 2-10 in their last 12 games, and not long thereafter, Joe Maddon was fired as the team’s manager. With a loaded lineup led by Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo, the Cubs were a huge disappointment in 2019.

Chicago Cubs offseason

The biggest change made by the Cubs this offseason was the hiring of David Ross to replace Maddon as manager. Otherwise, the roster doesn’t look all that different than it did in 2019. Bryant is still in Chicago despite trade rumors, as are Rizzo, Kyle Schwarber, Javier Baez and Jason Heyward. Steven Souza was also signed in free agency and Jason Kipnis inked a minor-league deal.

The bullpen was the focus of the offseason for the Cubs, as they added Dan Winkler, Casey Sadler and Jeremy Jeffress in free agency or trades.

Baseball season is right around the corner! Get some action on this season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM. Bet now!

Chicago Cubs odds to win NL Central division

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Lines last updated on Monday, Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m. ET.

The Cubs are the second-favorites to win the division, coming in at +250. The St. Louis Cardinals have the best odds at +210, while the Milwaukee Brewers are +260 and the Cincinnati Reds +380. In other words, it’s going to be a highly competitive race in the NL Central.

Chicago Cubs World Series odds

The Cubs are tied for the eighth-best odds to win the World Series this season at +2200 – behind the Cardinals (+1400) but tied with the Brewers. The Cubs need their rotation to come through if they are to be the last team standing, boasting names such as Yu Darvish, Jose Quintana and Kyle Hendricks.

How many games will the Cubs win in 2020?

The Over/Under for the Cubs’ win total is 86.5. They won at least 92 games each year from 2015-2018, but finished only 84-78 last season. It’s reasonable to expect the Cubs to go Over that total and make it back to the playoffs, especially if Darvish can stay healthy and lead the rotation.

Bet the OVER 86.5 (+105) with the plus-money. Chicago will be better than it was last season and has a great chance to win the division.

Want some action on the MLB season or other sports? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva and @SportsbookWire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1473]

How many games will the Washington Nationals win in 2020?

Analyzing the Washington Nationals’ projected win total for the 2020 MLB season, along with their odds to win the NL East and World Series.

The Washington Nationals prepare to defend their 2019 World Series title in 2020. Today, we focus on the Nationals’ 2020 regular-season win total and World Series odds. Do the Nationals have what it takes to repeat this season? Let’s analyze:

Washington Nationals 2019 wins

The Nationals finished second in the National League East behind the Atlanta Braves last season. They went 93-69 in the regular season and made the playoffs as a wild-card team. Their miraculous postseason run then started with a 4-3 home win over the Milwaukee Brewers in the National League Wild Card Game. The Nats went 50-31 at home and 43-38 on the road and finished the regular season with a plus-149 run differential for the second-best split in the NL.

Washington Nationals offseason

The Nationals chose SP Stephen Strasburg over 3B Anthony Rendon in free agency, allowing the latter to sign with the Los Angeles Angels while Stras re-upped on a seven-year, $245 million contract. 1B Eric Thames was brought in as a free-agent addition. Asdrubal Cabrera is expected to start the season as the everyday third baseman in place of Rendon. Starlin Castro is expected to split time with veteran Howie Kendrick at second base.

Baseball season is right around the corner! Get some action on this season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM. Bet now!

Washington Nationals odds to win NL East division

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 2 p.m. ET.

The Nationals are the second favorite in the NL East at +250. They trail the defending division champion Braves (+190) and lead the Philadelphia Phillies (+310), New York Mets (+330) and Miami Marlins (+25000) in what’s expected to be one of baseball’s tightest divisions. They’re a fine pick to win the NL East with the Braves remaining fairly heavy favorites following the disappointing end to their 2019 season.

Washington Nationals World Series odds

The Nats share the fifth-best odds to win the 2020 World Series at +1400.

They once again trail the Braves (+1100), and the New York Yankees (+350), Los Angeles Dodgers (+400) and Houston Astros (+550). They share odds with the Minnesota Twins and St. Louis Cardinals and are just ahead of the Philadelphia Phillies and Tampa Bay Rays (+1900).

The Nationals retain one of baseball’s best starting rotations. The offense takes a hit with Rendon leaving town, but Thames offers power and the ability to get on base. Youngsters Trea Turner, Juan Soto and Victor Robles should continue to improve. Washington is a good value as the defending champion.

How many games will the Nationals win in 2020?

The Nationals’ win total is set at 89.5. It represents a drop in 3.5 victories from 2019’s 93 wins. Washington has topped this 2020 projection in three of the last four years, but the UNDER 89.5 (+100) is the side to back with stronger seasons expected for the Phillies and Mets.

Want some action on the MLB season or other sports? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1473]

How many games will the Detroit Tigers win in 2020?

Analyzing the Detroit Tigers projected win total for the 2020 MLB season, along with their odds to win the AL Central and World Series.

The Detroit Tigers enter the 2020 season hoping to improve on a disastrous 2019 campaign. As they continue to rebuild, Detroit lacks big names and overall talent, and it’s hard to see the Tigers competing this year.

Today, we focus on the Tigers’ 2020 regular season win totals and World Series odds. Does Detroit have what it takes? Let’s analyze:

Detroit Tigers 2019 wins

Put simply, the Tigers were the worst team in baseball last year. They ranked dead last (30th) offensively, scoring a paltry 582 runs – 33 fewer than the 29th-ranked team. They seriously lacked power (second-fewest HRs), and their .240 team batting average did them no favors. Their ERA of 5.24 was third-worst in MLB, falling well below average with just 1,368 strikeouts.

Detroit Tigers offseason

As bad as Detroit was in 2019, the front office didn’t make wholesale changes to the roster or managerial staff. Ron Gardenhire is back as the manager, and while there are new faces in the starting lineup, they aren’t players who instill much confidence.

The Tigers signed 1B C.J. Cron and 2B Jonathan Schoop as free agents, adding some power to the lineup. RHP Ivan Nova also joins the pitching staff as a back-end starter, while Austin Romine figures to be the opening day catcher.

Baseball season is right around the corner! Get some action on this season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM. Bet now!

Detroit Tigers odds to win AL Central division

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Lines last updated at Friday, Feb. 14 at 3 p.m. ET.

To no surprise, the Tigers are extreme long shots to win the division. BetMGM has them at +25000, longest in the AL Central. With as good as the Minnesota Twins figure to be again and the Cleveland Indians always looming, it’s almost impossible to see Detroit competing.

Detroit Tigers World Series odds

Miracles happen in sports, but the Tigers winning the World Series this year won’t be one of them. They’re +100000 to win it all this fall, tied for the worst odds in MLB with the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City Royals and Miami Marlins. A team simply isn’t going to go from 47 wins one year to winning the World Series the next.

How many games will Detroit Tigers win in 2020?

BetMGM’s win total projection for Detroit is 56.5, tied with the Orioles for the lowest in MLB. In order for the total to go Over, the Tigers will have to win 10 more games than they did in 2019. That seems perfectly reasonable, even if the roster is underwhelming.

The Tigers have won at least 64 games each year since 2003, with the exception of last season, of course. The pitching should be improved, and the arrivals of Cron and Schoop will add some pop. The OVER (-134) is a good bet.

Want some action on the MLB season or other sports? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva and @SportsbookWire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1473]

How many games will the Arizona Diamondbacks win in 2020?

Analyzing the Arizona Diamondbacks projected win total for the 2020 MLB season, along with their odds to win the NL West and World Series.

The Arizona Diamondbacks are coming off a second-place finish in the National League West division in 2019 and look to return to the MLB playoffs this season for the first time since 2017. Today, we focus on the Diamondbacks’ 2020 regular-season win total and World Series odds. Do the Diamondbacks have what it takes? Let’s analyze:

Arizona Diamondbacks 2019 wins

The Diamondbacks went 85-77 last season but finished a resounding 21 games back of the NL West-champion Los Angeles Dodgers. They came up four games shy of a wild-card berth despite an impressive plus-70 run differential. It was Arizona’s third straight season finishing above .500.

Arizona Diamondbacks offseason

Free-agent LHP Madison Bumgarner was the Diamondbacks’ biggest catch of the offseason, luring him away from the division-rival San Francisco Giants. OF Starling Marte was also acquired via trade from the Pittsburgh Pirates to bolster the defense and offense. Manager Torey Lovullo returns for a fourth season in the desert.

Baseball season is right around the corner! Get some action on this season with an MLB futures bet at BetMGM. Bet now!

Arizona Diamondbacks odds to win NL West division

The Diamondbacks (+1000) are the second favorite in what’s always a competitive NL West. They lead the San Diego Padres (+1200), Colorado Rockies (+5000) and Giants (+10000) in chasing the incumbent champion Dodgers (-1000).

With LA being far too chalky to warrant a bet within the division, the Diamondbacks are a strong value coming off a second-place finish in 2019. They’re worth a small wager to protect against injuries derailing the Dodgers’ season.

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at Friday at 12:20 p.m. ET.

Arizona Diamondbacks World Series odds

The Diamondbacks and Padres share +4000 odds to win the World Series, despite Arizona having an edge in the division race. This makes the D-Backs the better bet to win it all in 2020.

While they haven’t won the World Series since 2001 (with Randy Johnson and Curt Schilling sharing the World Series MVP) their offense is stacked with a mix of power and speed, and Bumgarner and Robbie Ray lead the rotation. They’re worth a look for a World Series futures bet without much reasonable value beyond the +4000 cut-off.

How many games will the Diamondbacks win in 2020?

The Diamondbacks’ 2020 win total has been set at 82.5 entering the season with the OVER (-120) being the play. The Under (+100) is offering even-money, but the D-Backs have topped this projection in two of the last three seasons and finished 82-80 in 2018.

The Dodgers won last season’s head-to-head series with the Diamondbacks 11-8. It was a respectable mark for Arizona, as it should be able to rack up the bulk of its wins against the weaker teams in the division and around the rest of the National League. Marte and Bumgarner alone should add about six wins to last season’s total of 85, according to Fangraphs‘ WAR (wins above replacement).

Want some action on the MLB season or other sports? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1473]

MLB Futures Betting: 2020 World Series odds, picks and best bets

Predicting who will win the 2020 World Series, with MLB futures betting odds, picks and best bets.

The MLB futures odds for the 2020 World Series were shaken up again last week when the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers agreed to a blockbuster trade centered upon former AL MVP OF Mookie Betts. After a lengthy delay and a reworked deal which eventually saw the Minnesota Twins acquire SP Kenta Maeda in a separate trade with the Dodgers, we’re now set for spring training to begin Friday, Feb. 21. Below, we’ll look at the 2020 World Series odds, with MLB futures betting picks and tips.

2020 World Series favorites

New York Yankees pitcher Gerrit Cole, left, poses for photos with manager Aaron Boone at Legends Club at Yankee Stadium. (Photo Credit: Danielle Parhizkaran – USA TODAY Sports)

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated Tuesday at 1:40 p.m. ET.

New York Yankees (+350)

The Yankees, who had their 2019 season end with an American League Championship Series loss to the Houston Astros, head into 2020 as convincing favorites. They’re back to near full-health after a season that saw most regular starters spend a significant portion of the season on the injured list.

They also landed SP Gerrit Cole as the prize fish in free agency. He cements a rotation that ranked just 14th in baseball with a 4.31 ERA last season. It will be best to HOLD OFF on placing a bet on the Yankees, however, as SPs Domingo German (suspension) and James Paxton (injury) are both expected to miss the first half of the season. Hope for a poor start for the Bronx Bombers and jump on a double-digit number in May.

Los Angeles Dodgers (+400)

The Dodgers continue to retool in their quest to overcome postseason failures and win their first World Series since 1988. Betts joins a talented outfield with A.J. Pollock and Cody Bellinger, while Joc Pederson is set to open the season as the fourth outfielder following the failed trade with the Los Angeles Angels.

They’ll need a bounce-back season from LHP David Price, who was also acquired in the Betts deal. Still, he’s more than capable of being at least a steady No. 3 starter behind Walker Buehler and Clayton Kershaw. The Dodgers are the heaviest favorites of any team to win their division at -1000 to win the NL West. This may be the best number they’ll have all season.

Place a sports bet on the 2020 World Series winner at BetMGM.

2020 World Series longshots

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (27) throws against the New York Mets during the first inning at Great American Ball Park. (Photo Credit: David Kohl – USA TODAY Sports)

Cincinnati Reds (+3000)

The Reds head into the season with just the fourth-best odds to win the NL Central at +380. They trail the St. Louis Cardinals (+210), Chicago Cubs (+250) and Milwaukee Brewers (+260). These odds are likely to correct early in 2020 after the Reds went just 75-87 last season.

OF Nicholas Castellanos and 2B Mike Moustakas punch up the lineup, while SP Wade Miley and a full season of Trevor Bauer stock the rotation behind ace Luis Castillo. The bullpen should also be one of the best in baseball.

Chicago White Sox (+3300)

The White Sox have a great advantage by playing in what’s likely to be the weakest division in MLB once again. The Cleveland Indians no longer look like contenders and trade rumors continue to swirl around star SS Francisco Lindor. The ChiSox will need the Twins to fall back to Earth after an offensive explosion last season to have a shot at the AL Central crown. They’re a strong bet to win the division at +350.

On their own merit, the White Sox finally succeeded in adding some star power in free agency – 1B Edwin Encarnacion, C Yasmani Grandal, SP Dallas Keuchel – and traded for OF Nomar Mazara. Top prospects Eloy Jimenez and Luis Robert are also expected to play significant roles and be top contributors this season.

Want some action the 2020 World Series? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=1473]

2020 World Series: MLB futures betting odds, picks and best bets

Analyzing the 2020 World Series betting odds, with MLB futures picks, tips and best bets.

Major League Baseball spring training is just around the corner so it’s time to dive into the 2020 World Series odds and make our picks and best bets for who’ll be crowned MLB champions in late October or early November. Here’s a look at four teams with a chance to overthrow the Washington Nationals and become 2020 World Series champs.

2020 World Series favorites

Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies. (Photo Credit: Jeff Curry – USA TODAY Sports)

Odds courtesy of BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Odds last updated Tuesday at 1:30 p.m. ET.

Atlanta Braves (+800)

The Braves won a second straight National League East crown in 2019, but both seasons ended in disappointing NLDS losses. Last year’s early exit can be blamed largely on an injury to star 1B Freddie Freeman hampering the team’s offensive output. While 3B Josh Donaldson was allowed to leave via free agency this offseason, OF Marcell Ozuna was added and bolsters the offense.

Cole Hamels was the marquee addition to the pitching staff. The veteran cements a rotation led by Mike Soroka (21 years old), Mike Foltynewicz (27) and Max Fried (25). It would be best to monitor the Braves’ odds over the first 1-2 months of the season in hopes of catching a higher number if they get off to a slow start.

New to sports betting? A $10 futures bet on the Braves to win the 2020 World Series would return a profit of $80 should the Braves win it all.

Minnesota Twins (+1400)

The Twins landed Donaldson in free agency, and add him to a group that led MLB with 307 home runs in 2019. Pitching will again be the biggest question mark for the reigning AL Central champs.

The Twins’ path to the division crown remains relatively clear. The Cleveland Indians have taken a step back following the departures of starters Corey Kluber and Trevor Bauer, while the Chicago White Sox, Kansas City Royals and Detroit Tigers all have a long way to go to get into contention after finishing no fewer than 28.5 games back of the Twins last year.

Place a sports bet on the 2020 World Series winner at BetMGM.

2020 World Series longshots

Angels slugger Mike Trout. (Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox – USA TODAY Sports)

Los Angeles Angels (+3300)

Mike Trout should finally return to the postseason for the first time since the 2014 ALDS, and for just the second time in the three-time MVP’s career. Offseason additions of 3B Anthony Rendon, and SPs Julio Teheran and Dylan Bundy surround him with the best supporting cast he’s had to date.

Dual-threat Shohei Ohtani will also return to full health and has been cleared to lead the pitching staff.

San Diego Padres (+4000)

The Padres stand to be one of baseball’s most improved teams this year following additions of OF Tommy Pham and INF Jurickson Profar. Young prospects Fernando Tatis Jr. and Francisco Mejia have also graduated to full-time roles and will be big factors this season.

San Diego missed out on a much-needed top-tier starter in free agency, meaning the young Chris Paddack will lead a steady stable of veterans including Garrett Richards and Zach Davies. They’re stuck in the elite NL West, but they’ll push for a wild-card spot behind the Los Angeles Dodgers and Arizona Diamondbacks.

Want some action the 2020 World Series? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

[lawrence-newsletter]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2059]