The Houston Astros trailed the Texas Rangers for almost the entire season but caught them ultimately to win the American League West Division. The defending World Series champions opened as the betting favorite to win the MLB American League pennant in the 2023 playoffs. Postseason action opens with the Wild Card Round. The Tampa Bay Rays will face the Texas Rangers, while the Minnesota Twins take on the Toronto Blue Jays. The Baltimore Orioles and the Astros get first round byes.
2023 MLB Playoffs Betting Lines
2023 American League Playoffs
MLB Post Season Dates: Tuesday, October 3, 2023 through Saturday, November 4, 2023
2023 AL Pennant Odds
Houston Astros +190
Baltimore Orioles +270
Tampa Bay Rays +500
Minnesota Twins +700
Texas Rangers +750
Toronto Blue Jays +750
Houston Astros +190
Because of their popularity, the Astros are consistently overpriced. Houston finished barely in the black on the money line and actually lost -322 on the run line. Houston finished 90-72 with 83-74-4 over the total. The Astros remain one of the most complete teams in baseball. Houston had Bitcoin Betting marks of 5th for run production, 8th for earned run average, and 7th for bullpen ERA.
Designated hitter Yordan Alvarez has a strong season. Alvarez hit .293 with a .990 OPS. Alvarez totaled 77 runs, 24 doubles, 31 home runs, and 97 runs batted in.
Right fielder Kyle Tucker produced 97 runs, 37 doubles, 29 home runs, and 112 runs batted in. Tucker stole 30 bases. He hit .284 with a .886 OPS.
Closer Ryan Pressly saved 31 games in 37 opportunities. However, his ERA was 3.58 with a 4-5 record.
Baltimore Orioles +270
The Orioles were one of the biggest surprises in baseball for 2023. A painstaking rebuild is finally paying dividends. Baltimore finished 101-61 to win the American League East division. The Orioles were 81-72-8 over the total. The Orioles were the most profitable team on the MLB board this season. Baltimore was also a tremendous money maker on the run line. Baltimore ranked 7th for run production, 7th for earned run average, and 5th for bullpen ERA.
Right fielder Anthony Santander and third baseman Gunnar Henderson powered the Orioles. Each hit 28 home runs.
Closer Felix Bautista saved 33 games in 39 opportunities with a 1.48 earned run average and 0.92 WHIP.
Tampa Bay Rays +500
The Rays finished right behind the Orioles in the American League East. Tampa Bay finished 99-63 with 89-68-4 over the total. The Rays showed a solid profit in 2023 and were also a strong run line moneymaker. Tampa Bay finished 4th for run production, 6th for earned run average, and 11th for bullpen ERA.
The Rays remain the most unique club in baseball. Tampa Bay has a relatively tiny payroll and generates peanuts for revenue. Yet, they continue to be a viable pennant contender.
Minnesota Twins +700
Minnesota won the American League Central with a record of 87-75. The Twins were 80-74-7 over the total. The Twins ranked 10th for run production and 5th for earned run average. Minnesota ranked 15th for bullpen ERA. Despite their winning record, the Twins finished in the red with the moneyline. The Twins broke even on the run line.
The Twins are the least impressive American League pennant team. Minnesota took full advantage of a weak American League Central division.
Texas Rangers +750
The Rangers had a successful season, ending their long playoff drought. On the other hand, Texas blew what seemed to be a certain lock on the American League West. The Rangers were 90-72 and 81-69-11 over the total. Texas ranked 3rd for run production and 18th for earned run average. The Rangers ranked 24th for bullpen ERA. Texas broke even on the moneyline but showed a solid profit on the run line.
Gamblers will be concerned about the Rangers' late season fade and lack of playoff experience.
Shortstop Corey Seager is the man to watch, with 33 home runs, 92 runs batted in, 42 doubles, a .327 average, and 1.013 OPS.
Toronto Blue Jays +750
Toronto finished with a record of 89-73 with 70-82-9 under the total. Toronto ranked 15th for run production, 4th for earned run average, and 8th for bullpen ERA. The Jays showed a solid profit on the run line and were even more reliable against the run line.
Bookmaker 2023 American League Pennant Free Pick
The team that best combines ability and price is the Tampa Bay Rays.
Bookmaker 2023 American League Pennant Best Bet: Tampa Bay Rays
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