At the onset of the season, fans and gamblers were thrilled about the expanded wild card spots. Three American League clubs will get the coveted spots. Of course, the Yankees and Astros have their divisions wrapped up. In comparison, the Guardians are trying to hold off the Twins in the AL Central. But the biggest surprise with the baseball betting odds has been the Baltimore Orioles. Baltimore was expected to have another season of misery. Instead, they are in the thick of the hunt. And the most profitable AL team on the board.
2022 American League Wild Card Odds
Baltimore Orioles +600 to Make Playoffs, -900 to Miss Playoffs
Certainly, the Orioles have shown online wagering improvement in 2022. Baltimore is annihilating the payout window. Cause by being a large underdog that consistently beats the spread. Baltimore boasts the 4th best bullpen in baseball.
Toronto Blue Jays -550 to Make Playoffs, +400 to Miss Playoffs
Toronto ranks 6th in MLB for run production. But the Blue Jays have blown 19 saves this season. Vladimir Guerrero Jr has powered to 26 home runs.
Tampa Bay Rays -145 to Make Playoffs, +130 to Miss Playoffs
Yet again, the small-payroll Rays are defying the experts. Tampa Bay ranks 4th in MLB for staff earned run average. But Tampa Bay ranks 23rd for run production. And that inconsistency at scoring may be their downfall.
Boston Red Sox +550 to Make Playoffs, -800 to Miss Playoffs
Overall, Boston is one of the board’s biggest teases and money losers. Boston ranks 25th for earned run average, 23rd for quality starts, and 26th for bullpen earned run average.
Cleveland Guardians -145 to Make Playoffs, +120 to Miss Playoffs
Cleveland ranks 9th for earned run average and 7th for quality starts. Also, the Guardians rank 6th for bullpen earned run average. But they rank 16th for run production and 29th for home runs.
Minnesota Twins -185 to Make Playoffs, -135 to Miss Playoffs
At the beginning of the week, the Twins trailed the Guardians by two games in the AL Central. Of major concern is that the Twins rank 29th for quality starts and 15th for bullpen earned run average.
Chicago White Sox +110 to Make Playoffs, +120 to Miss Playoffs
On the whole, the White Sox are the most disappointing team in baseball. Chicago ranks a lackluster 21st for run production and 19th for earned run average. Correlate the disappointing 14 home runs by Jose Abreu. CWS ranks 22nd for bullpen earned run average.
Seattle Mariners -900 to Make Playoffs, +600 to Miss Playoffs
Late on, the Mariners have won seven of their most recent nine games. Seattle boasts the 7th ranked earned run average in MLB. Also, the Mariners rank 4th for quality starts and 1st for the fewest errors committed. But Seattle ranks 22nd for run production. Most important of all, the Mariners are one of the best values and most profitable clubs on the board.
SBG American League Wild Card Free Picks
In this situation, the Tampa Bay Rays are the most proven contender with the MLB odds. Tampa Bay never has the gaudy metrics. But they have a proven track record of getting into the playoffs.
SBG American League Wild Card Best Bets: Tampa Bay Rays.