On Tuesday, PointsBet was the first sportsbook to release MLB division odds for the upcoming 2020 season.
Ironically, Tuesday night brought the biggest news of the offseason, as the Yankees signed Gerrit Cole to a record-breaking contract, improving their futures odds across the board.
Most divisions have similar situations as last year when it comes to the odds. Both the AL and NL West feature the largest favorites, while the NL East has four contenders tightly bunched together.
2020 MLB Division Odds
AL East Betting Odds
By signing Cole, the Yankees jumped to odds-on favorites to win the AL East again. They've since become significant favorites, but that's not too surprising.
First off, -105 seemed like a bargain for a 100-win team that just signed Cole. In addition, PointsBet is a New Jersey book that likely took a bunch of action on the Yankees from local fans. Following the latest line moves, the Rays (not quite as popular as the Yankees) may hold some value for those who believe they can repeat their 2019 season.
Odds as of Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. ET and via PointsBet, where Action Network users can access an exclusive promotion to get a 200% deposit match (deposit $50, bet with $150).No strings attached. No rollover required.
AL Central Betting Odds
Last year, the Twins were between +300 and +400 to win the AL Central. After doing just that they're still not favored over the Indians, but oddsmakers are expecting a tight race.
Trade rumors regarding Francisco Lindor and Corey Kluber have been floating around recently, which would certainly lead to significant odds movement in the division.
AL West Betting Odds
The AL West has been a fluid situation thanks to the Cole and Anthony Rendon signings. Anyone who grabbed the Angels' opening line at +1000 is certainly happy with the value they got, while any early Astros bettors are kicking themselves.
It is believed that Los Angeles is still trying to add a front-end arm to its rotation, which could bolster the Dodgers' chances even more.
NL East Betting Odds
The Braves have separated themselves from the pack a bit, but the NL East is expected to be a four-horse race again this year. Last year, the market was high on the Phillies, as they added Bryce Harper, JT Realmuto and Andrew McCutchen.
The reigning NL East-winning Braves, who had the worst division odds (excluding Miami) at many books, proved they were the real deal, though. Early action indicates that some folks believe they can get the job done for a third straight year.
NL Central Betting Odds
The NL Central also has a handful of teams that could win the division, with the Cubs and Cardinals tied at +190 a piece. The Cubbies have been on a downward spiral ever since winning the World Series, with last year's absence from the postseason being the low point.
Their plans to get back to their contending ways are unclear at this point, but Kris Bryant trade rumors probably aren't the way to do it.
NL West Betting Odds
Lastly, we have the NL West — the most top-heavy division per the oddsmakers. Following the Manny Machado signing last year, the Padres were getting some serious hype, but ultimately fell about 10 wins shy of their preseason win total.
The oddsmakers think that they can take the next step this year (84.5 win total), but they'd likely need 90+ wins and an underwhelming Dodgers season to win the division.
