MLB Playoff Predictions

All the rage right now will be on the start of the NFL season. For baseball lovers, however, the fall also represents an exciting time as the MLB playoffs begin. The playoffs can also be a great opportunity for smart gambler to make money betting on Major League Baseball. Let’s take a look at all the contenders and the best odds to win.

In the American League, the second wild card spot there are a number of teams in contention but Texas appears to be the favorite. If Texas is to make it though they do not have much of a chance in the playoffs. Their lineup is average with bats such as Prince Fielder and Beltre providing inconsistent success but their pitching and bullpen should prevent a playoff run. The Yankees are essentially locked into the first wild card spot and are a real contender behind a great lineup including players like Brian McCann, Jacoby Ellsbury, and, of course Alex Rodriguez. The Yankees ballpark also provides assistance to their many left handed hitters. If the Yankees can escape the wild card game, look for them to make a run.

The Houston Astros appear to have the AL West secured and should be considered a threat in the post-season. They combine Dallas Keuchel’s star arm with the great infield duo of Jose Altuve and Carlos Correa. The Astros could go on a similar type run the Royals had last year. The Royals bring back the majority of last year’s World Series Team and have one of the best bullpens you will ever see. It remains to be seen if their bats can stay hot enough to return to the World Series. The Blue Jays have to be considered the favorite in the AL behind a star studded lineup including Josh Donaldson and Jose Bautista. The addition of David Price makes this team great for World Series betting.

On the NL side, the Central division appears loaded. Madden has turned the Cubs around quickly behind prospects Kris Bryant and Anthony Rizzo. The team does have a tendency to strike out a lot which will comeback to haunt them. The Pirates appear to be the Cubs opponent in the Wild Card and feature great batters Andrew McCutchen and Starling Marte combined with a top tier pitcher in Liriano. The Pirates could make noise in the playoffs.

 

The Dodgers will probably have the worst batting lineup in the playoffs (assuming the hold off the Giants) but they have two major advantages over everyone else: Zach Grenkie and Clayton Kershaw. Two of the top 5 pitchers in the MLB will keep the Dodgers in every game; it remains to be seen if their hitting will come through. The Cardinals are the epitome of consistency this year. They have dominated all year with very good pitching and very good hitting alike. Unfortunately for them, consistency is often beat by a hot team in the playoffs. The Cardinals are not your best bet for MLB betting in the post-season.

 

The Mets, however, are. Assuming Harvey’s pitch count limit allows him to pitch in the playoffs their pitching rotation will be loaded. Also, the bats of Duda, Cespedes, and Wright has been great since the all-star break. The Mets have great pitching, and a hot offense- exactly what you look for in a World Series contender.