The 2024 MLB season is beginning to approach its business end, and teams that are in top form are beginning to eye up the grandest of prizes, the World Series. At present, the bookies make the Los Angeles Dodgers the favorites to do exactly that, pricing them as the +275 frontrunners. They currently have the second-most wins in the entire league after racking up 51 victories, just two behind the Philadelphia Phillies.
When it comes to the Red Sox, however, things are much bleaker than in California. The nine-time champions are currently whopping +9000 outsiders and after failing to reach the postseason in each of the two seasons, perhaps their primary focus should just be reaching the playoffs, rather than winning it all. They are of course a member of the stacked AL East, which is perhaps the toughest division in all of baseball. Here are their chances of topping the quintet this season, as well as the odds on their four rivals as well.
New York Yankees
The New York Yankees are the most successful side in World Series history, winning a whopping 27 championships throughout their storied history. They are however without a title in the last 15 years, one of their longest-ever droughts. This term though, they are leading the charge in their division with a record of 52-31.
The latest MLB spreads make them a short-priced -275 favorite to win out East, as well as making them a +450 second favorite for the championship behind the aforementioned Dodgers. And with good reason. Their pitching rotation is arguably the best in the league, anchored by ace Gerrit Cole. Their bullpen has also been reliable, with closer Clay Holmes converting most of his save opportunities.
On the offensive side, Aaron Judge continues to be a juggernaut at the plate, providing power and run production in abundance. The addition of young talents like Anthony Volpe has added depth to the lineup while key defensive contributions from players like DJ LeMahieu have also contributed to their impressive form throughout the first half of the campaign.
Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles were the surprise package last season, topping the AL East for the first time in almost a decade and picking up a mighty 101 wins, the second most in the MLB behind the Atlanta Braves. Unfortunately for them, their playoff venture ended at the very first hurdle when they were downed by the eventual champion Texas Rangers, but this term, they have aimed to continue in a similar vein of form.
The Orioles’ young talent has been instrumental in their success, with players like Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson revitalizing the team. Additionally, the Maryland-side side has a well-oiled offense that can manufacture runs in various ways, with Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays providing consistent production. Despite their strengths, Baltimore’s starting rotation lacks the depth and star power of the Yankees, which could become an issue as the season wears on, as demonstrated by their status as a live +175 outsider for the divisional title.
Boston Red Sox
The Boston Red Sox find themselves in third place with a record of 43-37 and they are well-positioned to secure a return to the playoffs. However, the bookies consider them no-hopers when it comes to a first AL East title since 2018, making them +15000 outsiders. The firepower of Rafael Devers has been essential throughout the first half of the current term and when the Red Sox bats get hot, he can score runs in bunches.
However, their pitching staff has been inconsistent with both the rotation and the bullpen struggling to find consistency. Defensive lapses have also cost the Red Sox in several close games, and tightening up their defense will be essential for any playoff push.
Tampa Bay Rays
While both the Yankees and the Red Sox – the two traditional heavyweights within the division – are amid their own respective droughts, the Tampa Bay Rays most certainly are not. They have reached the playoffs in each of the last five seasons. even reaching the World Series in 2019, albeit ultimately losing out to the Washington Nationals. Last season, they came within two victories of winning the division for the third time in four years but this season, they most certainly will not experience another triumph.
They are currently fourth in the division with a record of 40-41, holding a .494 winning percentage and facing an 11-game deficit. Despite their overall struggles, the Rays have promising young pitchers like Shane McClanahan who can dominate on any given day. However, his side has struggled with consistency this term, something which they have had in spades over the last half-decade.
Their inability to string together wins has kept them from climbing the standings, while injuries to the likes of Tyler Glasnow certainly haven’t helped.
Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are sitting at the bottom of the AL East with a record that reflects their struggles this season. They have also been playoff mainstays in the last few years, reaching the postseason in three of the previous four campaigns. But if their current form is anything to go by. They will be missing out this year.
Canada’s finest has plenty of star power, with players like Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Bo Bichette leading the way. However, they have only managed to bring a paltry 37 victories to Ontario so far this term, reflected in the bookies’ odds of +30000 for them to win the division.