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Twins’ 2019 AL Pennant Odds Fall to +510, Worst They Have Been Since May

David Golokhov

by David Golokhov in MLB Baseball

Updated Jan 6, 2023 · 5:49 AM PST

MLB Betting
The Minnesota Twins are just 12-15 in their last 27 games. Photo by Andy Witchger (wikimedia commons) CC License].
  • The Minnesota Twins started the year 47-22 but are just 12-15 since
  • The Twins are still hitting for power but their batting average has tapered off a lot
  • The Cleveland Indians are 22-6 in their last 28 games

The Minnesota Twins lead in the American League Central is down to just three games. Although they’ve been one of baseball’s biggest surprises this season, they’ve been struggling over the last month. Are their American League Pennant odds still a good bet to win, or is it best to pass on a team that looks like the magic is fading?

2019 American League Pennant Odds

Team Odds
New York Yankees +155
Houston Astros +185
Minnesota Twins +550
Cleveland Indians +800
Tampa Bay Rays +1300
Boston Red Sox +1400
Oakland Athletics +1400
Los Angeles Angeles +4500
Texas Rangers +5000
Chicago White Sox +30000
Baltimore Orioles +250000
Detroit Tigers +250000
Kansas City Royals +250000
Seattle Mariners +250000
Toronto Blue Jays +250000

*Odds taken 7/20/19

Twins Have Struggled Since Middle of June

The Twins were 47-22 on June 15th but have been a very different team since that point. After winning at a ratio of better than 2:1 up until that point, they have been below .500 since with a record of just 12-15.

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The issues have been related to their offense, as the team that led the Majors in runs scored in May (191) was just 13th in the category in June (142). They’re still clubbing home runs at a healthy pace but they batted .286 as a team in May (2nd-best mark). That slipped to .266 (ninth) in June.

Twins Unlikely to Acquire Reinforcements

One of the issues with betting on the Twins is we know that traditionally, this is a frugal franchise. Currently, this is a young team that’s on the rise and could possibly make a run in the American League. However, usually teams of this nature need a little boost when they swoon midseason.

If they get it, it can give them a second win. It shows that the front office believes in the team and gives them a vote of confidence. If not, a stellar first half can quickly turn into a second-half slump, and missing the playoffs altogether.

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The Twins are enduring some disheartening losses of late, including the bullpen blowing another late lead against the New York Mets this week. This team needs help but I have little faith management will do something other than minor tinkering.

Indians on the Rise

Speaking of bullpens, the team with the best bullpen ERA in the Majors is starting to come to life. The Indians trailed the Twins by double-digit games earlier this season but have closed the gap to just three games. They enter Saturday on a six-game winning streak and are 22-6 in their last 28 games.

We all figured that the Indians were the favorite in the American League Central before the start of the season but they struggled mightily out of the gates. They’re playing incredible ball right now and look like a team that’s going to track down the faltering Twins with no problem.

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You also have to like that the Indians upcoming schedule is a piece of cake. They’re facing Kansas City this week, then they go to Toronto and then have another four-game set with the Royals. They could have the division lead by the end of July.

What’s the Best Bet?

I’d completely pass on the Twins in this spot. They had a nice first half and do look like a team that will contend in the coming years, but I have no faith in them making the two or three moves they need at the deadline to really bolster this team.

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Instead, bet on the Indians as this team is being overlooked. Everyone thinks the AL is down to the New York Yankees and Houston Astros, but the Indians have excellent pitching and just might be able to take them both down.

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