In the American League, the New York Yankees and Houston Astros have the best AL pennant futures odds, and deservedly so after the way both teams have played over the last few years. In 2023, multiple teams will look to break into the group of elites in the American League, knocking the Astros and Yankees off their respective perches in the process.
2023 AL Pennant Futures & Betting Odds
| Team |  |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOU | +250 | +350 | +330 | +340 | +360 |
| NYY | +350 | +450 | +600 | +500 | +480 |
| TOR | +600 | +750 | +850 | +900 | +850 |
| SEA | +800 | +2500 | +2400 | +3500 | +3000 |
| TB | +900 | +275 | +300 | +280 | +260 |
| CLE | +1400 | +5000 | +3000 | +3500 | +4500 |
| CHW | +1600 | +12500 | +10000 | +10000 | +12000 |
| MIN | +1600 | +900 | +1000 | +900 | +850 |
| LAA | +2200 | +3000 | +2400 | +3500 | +2600 |
| TEX | +2200 | +750 | +850 | +650 | +700 |
| BAL | +3300 | +1800 | +1600 | +1800 | +2000 |
| BOS | +3500 | +4000 | +3300 | +5000 | +5500 |
| DET | +5000 | +30000 | +15000 | +25000 | +50000 |
| KC | +7500 | +50000 | +25000 | +50000 | +50000 |
| OAK | +20000 | +50000 | +50000 | +50000 | +50000 |
Now that you have seen what the Major League Baseball oddsmakers think of the teams in the AL pennant futures race, it is time to look at the top teams in the AL pennant futures market. There are two clear favorites in the chase for the pennant in the American League. But there are a few clubs beneath them that cannot be ruled out either.
Houston Astros
The defending World Series champions are the favorites to win the American League early this season. While the Houston Astros did lose Justin Verlander to the New York Mets in the offseason, they still have a lineup that can bludgeon even the best teams in the league. They also have a number one starter in Framber Valdez that could be the future of his position in the American League. So far this year, the Astros have overcome some injuries to Yordan Alvarez and Jose Altuve, and should be even better once everyone is healthy.
New York Yankees
Over the last few years, the New York Yankees have not been able to overcome the Houston Astros in the postseason. But they have the offensive firepower to change that at any time. If their pitching staff can stay healthy, and the duo of Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton can do the same, the Yankees will be one of the last teams standing in the American League. While the team has struggled as a whole early in the year, the pitching of Gerrit Cole could be a steadying force to help them weather the storm and continue to compete.
Toronto Blue Jays
Outside of the big two of the Astros and Yankees, the Toronto Blue Jays are near the top of the list of AL pennant futures favorites. Their batting order can rival the Yankees in terms of how explosive it is. But they were not able to get through the first round of the postseason last year, falling in the Wild Card round to the Seattle Mariners. Their pitching, led by Kevin Gausman and Yusei Kikuchi, has been a pleasant surprise early in the season so far to keep the Jays among the favorites in the AL.
Seattle Mariners
Baseball is simply better when the Seattle Mariners are good, as they should be able to at least challenge the Houston Astros for the AL West title. Seattle was swept by the Astros in last year’s Division Series, but all three of those games were decided by two or fewer runs. This team feels like it is on the cusp of doing something special, and those who want to bet on a team to win the American League at longer odds than those of the Astros and Yankees may want to look here, even if the M’s are off to a slow start as May has arrived.
Tampa Bay Rays
The Tampa Bay Rays will never play the most glamorous style of baseball. What they will do, though, is compete and frustrate the teams that they are competing with. Tampa’s been elite both offensively and with its pitching this season, and the Rays find themselves with the best record in baseball so far this year. The question is whether or not they can continue to play at this level.
AL Pennant Pick & Prediction
Houston Astros
While betting on the favorite may not be the most satisfying answer for bettors looking to wager on this year’s AL pennant futures odds, the Houston Astros have commanded that kind of respect. They should be able to overcome the loss of Verlander in their starting rotation, while their batting order is the most consistently dominant in the league. Expect Houston to represent the American League in the World Series again this year.
