– Last Updated on April 6, 2020 11:30 am
MLB BASEBALL FUTURES ODDS – 2020 AL CENTRAL PREDICTIONS
Looking for 2020 AL Central Predictions? There are only three teams worth mentioning in an analysis of the American League Central futures market. The Twins, White Sox and Indians are the only three teams to really talk about for 2020. Honestly it’s my projection that the AL Central will be as lopsided as it was in 2019.
MLB Predictions – 2020 AL Central Handicapping Insight
Here’s a closer look at the 2020 AL Central.
Minnesota Twins 2020 AL Central Predictions
Twins AL Central Division Odds: -165
Minnesota Twins Win Total Odds: 92.5
World Series Odds: +2000
Minnesota leads the way but it’s a short favorite at 7/10. The Twins won the division last season with 101 wins and set a Major League record with 307 home runs as a team.
The offense probably can’t get any better than it was last season. Not only did most everyone stay remarkably healthy, they enjoyed career seasons too.
Then again, Mitch Garver hit 31 home runs in just 93 games and Luis Arraez, who posted a 123 OPS+ as a rookie, will get even more playing time in 2020. Miguel Sano, who hit 34 home runs last season, slots in at the eighth spot in the projected lineup.
I suppose the offense could improve a bit but there’s no question it has a lot further to fall, if things don’t go as smoothly as they did a year ago.
The starting rotation looks at least as good as last year’s, too. Kenta Maeda and Homer Bailey replace Kyle Gibson and Martin Perez, which looks good on paper. It also wouldn’t be surprising if either one broke down early.
Michael Pineda, who signed a second contract with Minnesota in the winter after posting a solid season in 2019, has 39 more games to serve in his suspension from last year, which could end up being half this season — or more.
Minnesota could fall as quickly as it rose and in a severely shortened season, the unexpected becomes more likely. I’m skeptical of laying such a price on a new power with two quality challengers behind it.
Cleveland Indians 2020 AL Central Predictions
Indians AL Central Division Odds: +275
Cleveland Indians Win Total Odds: 85.5
World Series Odds: +2800
The Indians and White Sox are both about 3/1 with some ‘books offering the Indians just shorter than that.
Cleveland has the best pitching in the division, even after dealing Corey Kluber. Shane Bieber and Mike Clevinger make a dominant 1-2 punch and the young arms after them give the rotation length.
Traditionally, it’s thought that hitting takes a little time to catch up to where the pitching begins a big league season. Some theories attribute it to the weather but it could just be that pitchers are well-rested and ready to go before hitters have their timing down.
If this is true, the Indians will benefit this season because half the games could be done before the offenses really get going.
Cleveland’s lineup is not great but it can manufacture runs and win close, low-scoring games in the early going.
Chicago White Sox 2020 AL Central Predictions
White Sox AL Central Division Odds: +275
Chicago White Sox Win Total Odds: 84.5
World Series Odds: +2500
But Chicago is the team that could take the biggest step forward and do what Minnesota did a year ago in winning this division.
The lineup is ridiculous with power from both sides of the plate and a nice blend of youth and experience.
Luis Robert, the favorite to win the Rookie of the Year in the American League, will hit down at the bottom of the lineup and will turn things over to provide his countryman, Yoan Moncada, with many more RBI opportunities than he had last year.
The pitching is where the White Sox may lag behind but, remember, Minnesota’s pitching isn’t anything special either.
Kansas City Royals Central Division Odds: +12500
Kansas City Royals Win Total Odds: 64.5
World Series Odds: +150000
Detroit Tigers AL Central Division Odds: +30000
Detroit Tigers Win Total Odds: 56.5
World Series Odds: +150000
CappersPicks.com 2020 AL Central Predictions
If the Indians simply can’t hang with the big bats and it becomes a two team race between the Twins and White Sox, I’ll take the Sox’ odds and the combination of Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel over whoever is still available for Minnesota in September/October.
The prices are pretty tight in the division, though. It will be a fun race to watch unfold but probably not the smartest one to lay anything big on.
What do you think of our 2020 AL Central predictions? Comments are welcome below.
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