- The Yankees have clinched a playoff spot.
- Baltimore will settle for a wild-card berth.
- New York has the best record in the American League.
World Series odds make the New York Yankees the favourite to represent the American League in the World Series. The Baltimore Orioles will not defend their American League East crown, but they are still among the Fall Classic favourites.
The Yankees are within touching distance of a second division title in three seasons. Behind New York, the Baltimore Orioles have fallen six games back and will go into the wild-card round. The Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, and Toronto Blue Jays are out of contention as the final week of the regular season begins.
Here’s my analysis of the AL East betting landscape packed with baseball odds.
2024 AL East Betting: Best Odds, Props, Futures, Predictions
New York Yankees AL East Odds Off the Board
A 22-14 run has finally earned the Yankees some breathing space atop the AL East. New York finishes the year with series against the Orioles and Pittsburgh Pirates and will be looking to end the regular season on a high before a short break before the ALDS.
See ya’ in the Bronx 👋#RepBX pic.twitter.com/uCZh6IkFbH
— New York Yankees (@Yankees) September 22, 2024
This Yankees lineup is considerably more intimidating with Gleyber Torres’ improvement in the second half, a healthy Giancarlo Stanton, and the production of Jazz Chisholm Jr. I remain uncertain about how the rotation will fare in the playoffs, but the Yankees have a great chance to win their first World Series since 2009.
Baltimore Orioles AL East Odds Off The Board
After an excellent start, the Orioles have endured a mightily disappointing few months. They were a value option in a parlay bet of division winners alongside the Houston Astros just a few weeks ago, but they have fallen off the pace dramatically.
Since July 7, Baltimore is 29-37. That winning percentage over a full season would be the sixth-worst in the majors. This is not just a slump. It’s an alarming trend over almost 70 games, which doesn’t suggest the Orioles are capable of going on a deep run this postseason.
While the offence isn’t as destructive as it was earlier in the season, it’s the pitching which has been the real issue. Craig Kimbrel was designated for assignment, and the rotation has been subpar. There are big questions for the front office this winter.
Boston Red Sox AL East Odds Off The Board
Only five teams have a worse record than the Red Sox since the All-Star break. Boston’s hopes of a wild-card spot faded rapidly after the midseason hiatus. They are fighting to stay above .500 in the final week of the regular season.
This is the fifth time the Red Sox have missed the playoffs in the last six years. They are at risk of a third consecutive year below .500.
Tyler O’Neill is Boston’s most significant free agent this offseason – it will be interesting to see how willing the front office is to spend with Trevor Story’s contract still on the books until after the 2027 campaign.
Tampa Bay Rays AL East Odds Off The Board
The Rays’ offence has improved in September, but their wRC+ is still just 88. Meanwhile, their pitching has been excellent, sitting third in ERA this month.
Back at .500, Tampa Bay could yet overtake the Red Sox for third in the AL East, which would be an impressive achievement given the injuries they had to deal with.
Toronto Blue Jays AL East Odds Off The Board
It’s been a season to forget for the Blue Jays. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. getting scorching hot at the plate in the second half has at least provided some entertainment, but the Jays are facing some major decisions this winter.
Barring a major turnaround in the final week, Toronto will finish with the fourth-worst record in the American League.