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As preparations for a new MLB season are underway, betting on the actual outcome on the 2021 campaign is in full swing as well. One of the most popular MLB futures bets is on the odds posted to win each league’s pennant race and a trip to the World Series. Using BetOnline’s MLB futures board, here is a look at the top contenders in both the American League and National League 2021 pennant race.
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American League 2021 Pennant Futures<br />
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New York Yankees +260
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Chicago White Sox +425
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Minnesota Twins +900
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Toronto Blue Jays +900
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Oakland Athletics +1000
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The Yankees have been the perennial favorites to win the AL pennant for the past seasons, and this year is no different. However, the betting value in this team just is not there.
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New York's last trip to the World Series was in 2009. While the team has qualified for the postseason in five of the previous six seasons, it has never advanced past the AL championship series. They may be the most talented team in the AL this season, but the Yankees' recent track record drags down the value in their +260 odds.
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The betting public has been hot on the White Sox heading into the new season. They are the clear second favorites in the AL pennant race and clear favorites to win the AL Central. Chicago almost won the division title in last year’s shortened 60-game schedule with a record of 35-25. To take that next step forward, the White Sox have stockpiled quite a bit of talent throughout the roster. It is now up to veteran manager Tony La Russa to form this talent into a championship team.
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The Twins are more than capable of giving Chicago a season-long battle for the AL Central title. Toronto also has a good enough team to stun the Yankees in the AL East. Oakland remains the best bet to win the AL West.
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<b>Free Pick:</b> Take Chicago to win the AL Pennant at +425
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National League 2021 Pennant Futures<br />
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Los Angeles Dodgers +170
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San Diego Padres +500
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Atlanta Braves +600
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New York Mets +600
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St. Louis Cardinals +1400
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As defending World Series champs, you would expect the Dodgers to be favored to win their fourth NL pennant in five years. Los Angeles has also won the NL West eight seasons in a row to establish itself as the most dominant team in the National League for nearly a decade. With last year’s roster pretty much intact, this year’s pennant race appears to be the Dodgers against the rest of the field. Getting them at plus money is always a high-value wager.
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Interestingly enough, the biggest competition could come from within the Dodgers' own division, with San Diego primed to take another step forward in 2021. The Padres were able to keep things closer than expected over 60 games last season. With a few key offseason acquisitions such as Yu Darvish, Blake Snell, and Joe Musgrave, that gap is as close as it has ever been.
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Looking at the rest of the top contenders in the National League, Atlanta probably has the best chance to unseat the Dodgers outside of San Diego. The Braves have been one of the more consistent teams the last few seasons with three-straight NL East Division titles. They could have a battle on their hands this season with the much-improved New York Mets. Yet, I would still take Atlanta in that futures bet.
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<b>Free Pick:</b> Take Los Angeles to win the NL Pennant at +170
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