2023 AL Central Preview
The 2023 MLB season begins on 3/30, but spring training is already in full effect. The Guardians won 91 games last season, and they won the AL Central crown. No other AL Central team made the postseason last year.
Let’s take a look at the odds of winning the AL Central this season.
Odds to win the AL Central
Team | Odds to Win Division | Season Win Total |
Cleveland Guardians | +135 | 86.5 |
Chicago White Sox | +220 | 83.5 |
Minnesota Twins | +245 | 82.5 |
Detroit Tigers | +2200 | 70.5 |
Kansas City Royals | +3000 | 69.5 |
Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
The AL Central has been was the worst American League division last season by a long shot. The Guardians, with one of the youngest teams in baseball, won the division and played well in the Divisional Round before losing to the Yankees.
Still, no other team posted a record better than .500. Fast forward to 2023, and the Guardians (+135) are the favorites to win the division, with the White Sox (+220) and the Twins (+245) on their heels.
The Guardians’ biggest signing was Josh Bell, but as such a young team, Cleveland is expecting their young studs to continue to grow and develop, which based on last season, is a good bet to make.
The White Sox have the most talented roster in the division, and they signed Andrew Benintendi and Mike Clevinger this off-season. Still, their biggest moves were hiring Pedro Grigol as their manager and losing Jose Abreu in free agency.
The Twins resigned Carlos Correa to a 6-year $200 million deal, and they added catcher Christian Vasquez. The Tigers (+2200) and the Royals (+3000) are still rebuilding and are not seen as threats to win the division.
The Tigers made two minor signings in Matt Boyd and Michael Lorenzen, but they executed a big trade with the Phillies for a few MLB-ready bats. On the other hand, the Royals honed in on pitching, and they signed Jordan Lyles, Zack Greinke, Aroldis Chapman, and Ryan Yarbrough this offseason.
2023 AL Central Bets to Consider
Triston McKenzie, Cleveland Guardians, AL Cy Young (+3000) – McKenzie is an ascending pitcher with all the tools to be one of the best pitchers in all of baseball.
Lance Lynn, Chicago White Sox, AL Cy Young (+4000) – Lynn is in the best shape of his career, and he should be primed for a comeback from a down season last year.
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