The App is Back! Don’t forget to download the NBC Sports EDGE app to receive real-time player news, mobile alerts and track your favorite players. Plus, now you can check out articles and player cards. Get it here!
Chicago White Sox to win the AL Central (+140)
Now is the time to hop on the Chicago White Sox train before it leaves the station.
Through 100 games, Chicago is 50-50 on the season and 3.0 games back of Minnesota (53-47) and 2.0 games behind Cleveland (51-49). The White Sox have watched its odds dwindle from its highest odds of -225 on April 18 down to the +140 we see today, per NBC’s Futures tracker.
Chicago reached +200 on June 18, so they are trending in the right direction. Currently, the White Sox are -150 to make the postseason, while the Twins are -120 and the Guardians are +225.
Editor’s Note: NBC Sports Predictor: Play for FREE and win huge jackpots up to $100,000! Download the app today.
Part of the reason behind Chicago being 3.0 games back of the AL Central and 3.5 back of the final AL Wild Card spot, while having -150 odds is the remaining strength of schedule.
The White Sox have the second-easiest remaining strength of schedule, per tankathon. Chicago’s opponents have a 46.8 winning percentage on the year, while Cleveland (.489) and Minnesota (.492) are 22nd and 19th.
Chicago has 20 combined games versus the Tigers and Royals remaining. Chicago is 11-7 on the ML (61.1%) versus those two AL Central opponents this season.
Versus Minnesota, Chicago is 4-6 on the ML (40%), but won four of the last five meetings (80%). Against Cleveland, Chicago is 5-8 on the ML (38.4%) but won four of the previous six (66.6%), so the White Sox have been trending upwards.
To end the season, the White Sox play the Tigers (6 games), Guardians (3 games) and Twins (6 games) in 15 out of the last 18 games. Only nine of those 18 games will come at home but second-half series versus the Orioles, Athletics, Rockies and Diamondbacks before that 18-game stretch could help pave the way for the White Sox.
At +140 odds, I am willing to buy a ticket for the AL Central Champion to be the Chicago White Sox.
Look for Chicago to improve on its 22-25 ML record (46.8%) versus teams with losing records as opponents will start brining up talent from the farm system, while Chicago attempts to streak for October baseball.
Pick: Chicago White Sox to win the AL Central (2u)
PointsBet is our Official Sports Betting Partner and we may receive compensation if you place a bet on PointsBet for the first time after clicking our links. CO, IL, IN, IA, MI, NJ, NY, PA, WV, and VA. only. 21+. T&C apply. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
