MLB American League Pennant Betting Online
In the 2025 American League Playoffs, there is a combination of established powers and some upstarts that could be staking a claim to the pennant.
The New York Yankees, a perennial playoff favorite that often comes up short when it matters most. Despite its massive payroll, the Yankees have only two AL pennants since 2003 and only one World Series title since 2000.
The Toronto Blue Jays don’t get a lot of attention, but they were the championship team in the American League East.
Meanwhile, the Cleveland Guardians came out of nowhere to steal a playoff spot and the American League Central title.
The Detroit Tigers started strong but faded alarmingly down the stretch, barely making the playoffs and blowing a 15-game lead to the Guardians in the AL Central.
In the Pacific Northwest, there is an intriguing upstart that has the potential to make a significant impact. For the first time since 2022 and only the second time since 2001, the Seattle Mariners are in the playoffs.
Seattle shocked the MLB gambling community by winning the American League West, perhaps ending the Houston Astros’ dynasty. Now they begin the 2025 American League playoffs as a surprise favorite.
MLB Betting Lines
American League Championship Odds: Seattle Mariners +200, Toronto Blue Jays +300, New York Yankees +360, Detroit Tigers +800, Boston Red Sox +800, Cleveland Guardians +900
Specifically, the American League is a notable example of the parity in Major League Baseball. Since 2015, the American League has seen seven different franchises win the pennant. The Houston Astros won four pennants in that span. Now the Astros are on the outside looking in.
Gamblers can’t afford to be too impressed with mega brands or big favorites, as history shows that there is not enough reliable betting value there.
In the wild card round, the Boston Red Sox face the New York Yankees, while the Detroit Tigers take on the Cleveland Guardians. Meanwhile, the Seattle Mariners and Toronto Blue Jays get a wild-card bye.
The Seattle Mariners are a team to watch in the American League. The reason is superstar catcher Cal Raleigh, who clobbered 60 home runs in 2025. Seattle provided solid betting value and closed strong to end the Houston Astros’ American League West dynasty.
The question is now whether Raleigh and his teammates can handle the playoff pressure and spotlight. Seattle will be aiming for its first pennant.
The New York Yankees may be old money and expensive, but they have the most playoff experience in the American League.
New York boasts the best player in the American League with home run king Aaron Judge.
Some gamblers believe that the Yankees did not put themselves into full gear, as they were saving some energy for the playoffs. New York is motivated to atone for their World Series failure against the Los Angeles Dodgers last year.
The Boston Red Sox used to get plenty of attention when they were winning pennants and World Series championships. This year it was quieter in Boston as the Red Sox recovered from a slow start to emerge as one of the most consistent teams in baseball.
Boston was a solid betting value, and sharp bettors preferred their more anonymous ways.
American League Pennant Winners (2000)
| YEAR |
WINNING TEAM |
LOSING TEAM |
| 2024 |
New York Yankees |
Cleveland Guardians |
| 2023 |
Texas Rangers |
Houston Astros |
| 2022 |
Houston Astros |
New York Yankees |
| 2021 |
Houston Astros |
Boston Red Sox |
| 2020 |
Tampa Bay Rays |
Houston Astros |
| 2019 |
Houston Astros |
New York Yankees |
| 2018 |
Boston Red Sox |
Houston Astros |
| 2017 |
Houston Astros |
New York Yankees |
| 2016 |
Cleveland Guardians |
Toronto Blue Jays |
| 2015 |
Kansas City Royals |
Toronto Blue Jays |
| 2014 |
Kansas City Royals |
Baltimore Orioles |
| 2013 |
Boston Red Sox |
Detroit Tigers |
| 2012 |
Detroit Tigers |
New York Yankees |
| 2011 |
Texas Rangers |
Detroit Tigers |
| 2010 |
Texas Rangers |
New York Yankees |
| 2009 |
New York Yankees |
Los Angeles Angels |
| 2008 |
Tampa Bay Rays |
Boston Red Sox |
| 2007 |
Boston Red Sox |
Cleveland Guardians |
| 2006 |
Detroit Tigers |
Oakland Athletics |
| 2005 |
Chicago White Sox |
Los Angeles Angels |
| 2004 |
Boston Red Sox |
New York Yankees |
| 2003 |
New York Yankees |
Boston Red Sox |
| 2002 |
Los Angeles Angels |
Minnesota Twins |
| 2001 |
New York Yankees |
Seattle Mariners |
| 2000 |
New York Yankees |
Seattle Mariners |
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