The Washington Nationals 2017 betting preview should look eerily similar to their past few betting previews. With lots of talent and a good crop of top prospects, the Nationals should easily be able to top the NL East again in 2017. Their trouble hasn’t been the regular season, though. Trouble usually arises for this group of talented young men when they reach the National League Division Series. Failing to advance past teams that are seeded lower than they are twice in the last three years, the Nats seem to always hit a block when attempting to advance to the World Series. Washington has never been to the championship, but with some of MLB’s top prospects heading into 2017 and two potential rookies of the year, they’ve got the best chance they’ve had in a while. Below are all of the key factors that go into winning a World Series, including a Division and World Series betting preview.
The Boston Red Sox are the consensus best team in the American League. BetOnline sees them as slightly bigger threats than previous AL winners the Cleveland Indians, giving the Boston Red Sox +275 odds to win the AL. The loss of David Ortiz will be felt in the locker room and on the diamond. He had been the face of that franchise for more than a decade. But, with veterans Dustin Pedroia, Mookie Betts, and David Price, plus the recent acquisition of Chris Sale, the team should be able to make a deeper run in the 2017 season.
The Cleveland Indians +350 odds to win the AL prove that they are a close runner-up. With the addtion of slugger Edwin Encarnacion and another year of development for SS Francisco Lindor the Indians offense should be better than last years Pennant winners. The pitching staff is anchored by Ace Corey Kluber and looks to be just as dominate.
Rounding out the top three American League favorites to win are the Houston Astros with +600 betting odds. During the offseason, the club signed Josh Reddick to a $52 million contract, along with Carlos Beltrán who hit .295/.337/.513, 93 RBI, and 29 home runs last season.
When it comes to long shots of the American League, MLBPreview.com is noticing there are quite a few teams worth noting. The Minnesota Twins and Chicago White sox are tied with +5000 odds to win the AL. Considering that the Twins lost a record-setting 103 games last season, their odds could be worse. Of all the AL teams in the running, the Oakland Athletics +8000 odds to win the AL pennant are the worst in the league. That being said, the club signed relief pitcher Santiago who will be in good company amongst an already solid bullpen that consists of John Axford, Ryan Madson, Sean Doolittle, Ryan Dull, and Liam Hendriks. The Seattle Mariners won 86 games last season but ultimately missed the playoffs. The team will need pitching to take that step toward being serious contenders, but the with Seattle Mariners odds to win the 2017 ALCS Championship at +1400, they are still considered a dark horse team in the AL.