Tag: World Series Picks

Best MLB bets to win the 2020 World Series

Looking at the MLB futures odds and making our picks and best bets to win the 2020 World Series.

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The 2020 MLB season is reportedly set to start Thursday, July 23, with the official Opening Day set for July 24, according to Bob Nightengale of USA TODAY Sports. The abbreviated 60-game season will leave teams with little room for error and helps level the competitive playing field. Below, we’ll look at the MLB futures odds and make our picks and best bets to win the 2020 World Series.

2020 World Series best bets

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Monday, July 6 at 3:10 a.m. ET.

Tampa Bay Rays (+2000)

The Rays have one of the deepest rosters in MLB and will benefit from being able to carry additional players, such as top prospect SS Wander Franco. Top-three starters Charlie Morton, Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow are one of the best three-man groups in the American League.

Manager Kevin Cash has proven to be excellent in bullpen usage and openers may be even more important this season than ever before. The Rays are well prepared for injuries or illness and won’t be derailed by the loss of one or two key players.

New to sports betting? A $10 bet on the Rays to win the 2020 World Series would return a profit of $200.

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Philadelphia Phillies (+2500)

The Phillies fell well short of expectations last season at 81-81 and a fourth-place finish in the National League East following the high-profile free-agent signing of OF Bryce Harper. Their 2020 odds have been set higher, even with the offseason addition of SS Didi Gregorius to cement the bottom half of one of the strongest batting orders in the NL.

SP Zack Wheeler was also added in free agency, while a bounce-back season can be expected from a healthier Jake Arrieta. Aaron Nola should once again contend for the NL Cy Young Award.

Also see: 2020 MLB Futures Odds: How many games will the Philadelphia Phillies win?

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Los Angeles Angels (+4000)

Reigning AL MVP OF Mike Trout may be more important than ever in the condensed season as no player in baseball can do more in just 60 games. 3B Anthony Rendon was signed in free agency fresh off of his 2019 World Series win with the Washington Nationals and adds some much-needed winning experience to a team that hasn’t made the postseason since being swept out of the AL Division Series against the Kansas City Royals in 2014.

Pitching depth will be tested once again, following another injury-plagued 2019 season. SPs Julio Teheran and Dylan Bundy were key offseason additions, while the dual-threat Shohei Ohtani will return to the mound in 2020.

Milwaukee Brewers (+4000)

The Brewers have the highest World Series odds of any 2019 playoff team. They had a busy offseason, which included the loss of C Yasmani Grandal to free agency, but 3B Eric Sogard and 1B Justin Smoak were key veteran additions. 2B Keston Hiura and SS Luis Urias will complement OFs Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich in full-time roles.

Want action on any 2020 MLB futures? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @EstenMcLaren on Twitter, and follow @SportsbookWire on Twitter and Facebook.

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

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2020 World Series Futures Betting: 3 sleeper bets to consider

Analyzing the 2020 World Series futures odds, with a look at three MLB sleeper teams worth a bet to win it all.

Players have reported to the league’s 30 spring training sites and Cactus League and Grapefruit League games are just around the corner. Let’s take a look at the MLB futures board and identify some sleepers worth a bet to win the 2020 World Series.

2020 World Series bets: New York Mets (+2000)

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Wednesday, Feb. 19 at 10 a.m. ET.

This is a nice price on a club that played .639 baseball (46-26) after the All-Star break last season. The Mets averaged a robust 5.2 runs per game over those final 72 games. Most of the pieces of that run-scoring puzzle are back — the biggest piece is 2019 NL Rookie of the Year Pete Alonso – and the offense is supported by solid pitching. A starting rotation which includes NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom, Noah Syndergaard, and Marcus Stroman is supported by a decent bullpen, and one that added Dellin Betances this offseason.

Analytics reveal a Mets squad whose 86 wins in 2019 don’t reflect a talent base which was closer to a 90-win level. More can be expected this season. A tough NL East is somewhat buoying these odds, and that’s fair, but in most permutations of a 2020 season playing out, something like a +1500 price would be more on target.

2020 World Series bets: Cincinnati Reds (+3000)

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All except the Pittsburgh Pirates could win the NL Central in 2020. Cincinnati’s offseason could best be described as shrewd and sneaky-aggressive with an eye toward winning ball games this season. Cincinnati was among the most active clubs this offseason. Free-agent additions Mike Moustakas and Nicholas Castellanos should help the Reds offense, and pitching is a team strength.

A ball club which under-performed on its runs and runs allowed won 75 games a year ago. A moderate amount of luck and some momentum playing out differently, and the Reds could well have won 84 games. Eighty-two or 83 wins is the real starting point for analyzing 2020, and that’s a solid base in an even division with a bottom feeder. In other words, those extra wins aren’t unattainable. St. Louis and Milwaukee won 91 and 89 games last year, respectively. Expect both to fall back a bit, and the Reds can be there to pick up the pieces and move forward.

2020 World Series bets: Minnesota Twins (+1400)

The Twins head into this season as the favorites to win the AL Central, but with the juggernaut Houston Astros and New York Yankees expected to continue their winning ways, Minnesota’s odds get squeezed a bit. A year ago, the Twins won 101 games and won the Central by eight games. Expect more of a challenge from the Cleveland Indians this season (they were a consideration for this slot but their +2200 price doesn’t bake in as much value).

The Twins were a bit too far over their skis in winning 101 games in 2019, but an otherwise quiet offseason was highlighted by the addition of 3B Josh Donaldson. Signing Donaldson moves another big bat — Miguel Sano — to first base, and it gives the Twins a solid, balanced lineup. The bullpen should be solid. It’s the starting rotation that brings the most question marks. José Berríos and Jake Odorizzi front a group that can at least get the Twins to the postseason. Having to get by the Astros or Yankees is what lifts the odds up over 10-1.

Want some action on the 2020 MLB season or other sports? Place a bet at BetMGM now. For more sports betting tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

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

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2020 World Series Futures Betting: 5 teams to bet

Analyzing the odds to win the 2020 World Series, with a look at five MLB teams with the best chances to win the title.

The 2020 MLB season is right around the corner and all 30 teams technically have a chance to be the last ones standing come October, but there are some with much greater odds than others. Here are five teams we’d bet to win the 2020 World Series, balancing the likelihood of winning it all and their relative futures odds.

2020 World Series bets to make: New York Yankees (+350)

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 5:30 p.m. ET.

The Yankees were bounced by the Houston Astros in the ALCS last year, the second time in three seasons Houston beat New York in the American League Championship Series. The Yankees led the league in runs, but their biggest weakness was the pitching staff, which combined for an ERA of 4.31.

They addressed that issue by landing SP Gerrit Cole in free agency, adding him to a rotation also featuring Masahiro Tanaka, Luis Severino and J.A. Happ – as well as James Paxton and Domingo German, who will return midseason.

The Yankees have arguably the best lineup in baseball with Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Gleyber Torres and DJ LeMahieu. If Cole doesn’t flop in the hitter’s paradise that is Yankee Stadium, and Severino can stay relatively healthy, the Yankees should have no trouble making the playoffs with their lineup. Even as the odds-on favorites, they’re a good bet to break through after three years of coming up just short.

2020 World Series bets make: Los Angeles Dodgers (+400)

The Dodgers are essentially the Yankees of the National League. They boast a star-studded lineup that just added OF Mookie Betts via trade with the Boston Red Sox, as well as a deep pitching staff with Clayton Kershaw and Walker Buehler at the top. David Price joined the rotation, too.

They’ve come close to winning a championship in the last seven years, winning the NL West each time, reaching the World Series twice and losing in the NLCS two times. They have the second-best odds to win it all this season and considering how consistent they’ve been this decade – at least 91 wins in seven straight years – they’re a great bet to win the division and make a deep playoff run.

Their lineup is a murderer’s row of sluggers, while Kenley Jansen is the shutdown closer needed to win in October.

2020 World Series bets to make: Washington Nationals (+1400)

The defending World Series champions are only tied for the fifth-best odds in their quest to repeat, which no team has done since the Yankees won three straight from 1998-2000. The fact they play in the daunting NL East doesn’t help their chances, needing to go up against the New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves all year.

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The loss of 3B Anthony Rendon to free agency hurts a lot, but OF Juan Soto is a star, Trea Turner is an outstanding shortstop when healthy and the rotation can rival any in MLB.

Stephen Strasburg, Max Scherzer and Patrick Corbin can carry the Nats back to the postseason, where pitching typically reigns supreme. There are questions in the bullpen, but those can be sorted out at the trade deadline, if necessary.

2020 World Series bets to make: New York Mets (+2000)

The Mets weren’t supposed to be this good this quickly, but after winning 86 games in 2019, they look like contenders in the NL East. That’s primarily because of their pitching staff, which is led by Jacob deGrom, of course, as well as Noah Syndergaard and Marcus Stroman.

Pete Alonso headlines the batting order, but Michael Conforto is poised for a big year and Wilson Ramos is one of the top catchers in baseball. As somewhat of a longshot, it’s worth putting some money on the Mets to win the World Series – even with as bad as they’ve been since the turn of the century.

2020 World Series bets to make: Chicago White Sox (+3300)

If you really want to set yourself up to cash in, look at the White Sox in the AL Central. Yes, the Minnesota Twins and Cleveland Indians pose threats to the White Sox’s potential breakthrough season, but the added benefit of beating up on the Detroit Tigers and Kansas City Royals helps their chances.

The White Sox have a ton of talent in their lineup, including Yoan Moncada, Tim Anderson, Jose Abreu and Eloy Jimenez. The veteran additions of Yasmani Grandal and Edwin Encarnacion provide juice in the middle, too.

The rotation is admittedly lacking top-end starters, but Lucas Giolito, Dallas Kuechel and Gio Gonzalez are proven in this league. Reynaldo Lopez was good in the second half of last season, improving his ERA from 6.34 to 4.29.

A lot needs to go right for Chicago to win the World Series, but the talent – particularly with its bats – is there.

Want some action on the 2020 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.

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2020 World Series Futures Betting: 3 teams not worth a bet

Analyzing the 2020 World Series futures odds, with a look at three MLB teams not worthy of a bet heading into the season.

The 2020 World Series futures odds are just about set as we prepare to head into the MLB regular season. The odds will continue to be adjusted throughout the spring, summer and fall until the 2020 world champions are crowned. Below, we analyze the 2020 World Series odds and highlight three popular MLB futures bets to avoid.

World Series bets to avoid: New York Yankees (+350)

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m. ET.

A $10 bet on the Yankees to win the 2020 World Series at +350 would return a profit of just $35 roughly nine months from now if the Bronx Bombers were to win it all. New York was able to cruise to a 103-59 record and top spot in the American League in 2019, despite injuries ravaging nearly the entire starting lineup at different points throughout the regular season. Much of the same lineup returns to health entering the 2020 campaign, and the Yankees landed the top prize of free agency in SP Gerrit Cole.

While Cole and a return to health for SP Luis Severino boost the starting rotation and strengthen the entire pitching staff behind a dominant offense, SPs James Paxton (injury) and Domingo German (suspension) are both expected to miss at least the first half of the season. OF Aaron Judge is also dealing with a sore shoulder to start spring training.

Hold off on placing your bets on the Yankees in hopes of more profitable odds in a few months, should they get off to a slow start. The current number is unlikely to go any lower until closer to playoff time.

World Series bets to avoid: Houston Astros (+550)

Whether they know what pitches are coming or not, the Astros are still loaded with talent, even with the loss of Cole to free agency. Justin Verlander and Zack Greinke will lead the rotation, while Lance McCullers returns after a lost season.

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Much like with the Yankees, the expectation is for the Astros to have more profitable odds in May or June. Star hitters Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa are likely to be berated with questions over the sign-stealing scandal on a daily basis and it will loom as a distraction in the early part of the season should they show any sign of early struggles. These odds will become more profitable before they drop any lower.

World Series bets to avoid: Cincinnati Reds (+3000)

The Reds have been one of the busiest teams of the MLB offseason. As usual with the offseason champions, the hype is at a high for a team that hasn’t made the postseason since 2013. The Reds haven’t won a playoff series since 1995, and their lost World Series appearance and title was in 1990.

The roster was bolstered with the additions of Nicholas Castellanos, Mike Moustakas and Wade Miley this offseason, but everything will still need to go right for last year’s fourth-place finishers in the National League Central. The St. Louis Cardinals, Chicago Cubs and Milwaukee Brewers aren’t quite the insurmountable hurdles they’ve been in recent years, but they still enter the league with the more proven rosters and as incumbent favorites in the division.

Want some action on the 2020 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.

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How many games will the Minnesota Twins win in 2020?

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

The Minnesota Twins come back in 2020 after a highly successful 2019 season that ended with another postseason series loss to the New York Yankees. Today, we focus on the Twins’ 2020 regular-season win totals and World Series odds. Do the Twins have what it takes? Let’s analyze:

Minnesota Twins 2019 wins

Minnesota was great in 2019, winning 101 games and finishing atop the American League Central by eight games. They were No. 2 in the American League in runs and hits, and they were No. 1 in total bases and home runs. They failed to win any playoff games, as they were swept in three games by the Yankees in the divisional series.

Minnesota Twins offseason

Minnesota added to its already potent offense by signing 3B Josh Donaldson in free agency. He hit 37 homers and drove in 94 runs last season for the Atlanta Braves. The Twins also added catcher C Alex Avila, which will help with their starting rotation, as he manages a rotation well and plays very good defense. They traded for starting pitcher Kenta Maeda and signed Homer Bailey and Rich Hill to bolster the rotation, as well. RPs Tyler Clippard and Sergio Romo were added to the bullpen.

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Minnesota Twins odds to win AL Central division

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports for a full list.
Lines last updated at Tuesday, Feb. 18 at 10:40 a.m. ET.

The Twins are the odds-on favorites to win the Central Division at -145. The Cleveland Indians are next at +250 and Chicago White Sox at +350. The Kansas City Royals (+15000) and Detroit Tigers (+25000) are huge longshots.

Minnesota Twins World Series odds

Minnesota is among the favorites to win the World Series. The favorites are the New York Yankees at +350, the Los Angeles Dodgers at +400 and the Houston Astros at +550. The Twins are in the next tier at +1400, the same as the St. Louis Cardinals and world champion Washington Nationals.

How many games will the Twins win in 2020?

The Twins, despite winning 101 games in 2019, have a very reasonable win total for 2020. It is 91.5, allowing for a nine-game drop to still hit the Over. They bolstered their rotation and will continue to have a dangerous lineup. With two doormats in the division in the Royals and Tigers, they will be able to pile up wins in divisional games. They are still the clear favorites to win the division and getting over 90 wins is a lock. This seems like as sure a bet as there is among MLB teams. Take the OVER 91.5 (-110).

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

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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