MLB 2018 Midseason Review & World Series Picks

As every team in the MLB fast approaches the 100-game mark, we are starting to get a much clearer idea of which teams will be taking a serious run as World Series Picks. Earlier in the season, I had predicted that we would see the same two teams, the Houston Astros, and LA Dodgers, go head to head once again in the World Series, but it’s now time to re-evaluate that selection. Things could yet take another dramatic turn or two before the end of the season, especially with the trade deadline just a couple of weeks away.

The team that lands Manny Machado, the most prized of all available players, might just get the nudge that puts them over the top. That’s a discussion for another time, though, so let’s instead focus on how I think things will play out in the AL and NL races.

MLB 2018 Midseason Review & World Series Picks

American League Preview

Division Leaders

East: Boston Red Sox
Central: Cleveland Indians
West: Houston Astros

Even with a major portion of the season still to play, I think we can safely predict 4 of the 5 teams who will be taking part in the postseason in the American League. The most obvious pick here is are the Cleveland Indians, as they already have a 5-game lead in what is arguably the weakest division in baseball. They should have this whole thing wrapped up quite quickly.

We are going to see two teams come out of the AL East, with the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees almost certainly making the postseason. Right now, it’s simply a matter of deciding who will be in the Wild Card game. It looks like the Yankees right now, with Boston opening up a 4 ½ game lead and playing some fantastic ball.

The Houston Astros are in front in the West and are playing some of the most consistent baseball of any team. They have a staggering +188 run differential, proving just how well rounded they are on offense and defense. The Mariners look like the team that could get the final Wild Card spot in the AL.

I think we are looking at an AL Championship game between the Astros and the Yankees, with Houston winning and moving on to the World Series.

National League Review

Division Leaders

East: Philadelphia Phillies
Central: Chicago Cubs
West: LA Dodgers

Things are not quite as clear-cut in the National League, as all 3 divisions are still wide open at this point. It is the Phillies and Braves who are duking it out in the East, with the Nationals still unable to break out. The young Braves look like a team in need of the break, and I think they come back recharged and ready to win the division.

The Chicago Cubs have spent much of the first half chasing down the Milwaukee Brewers, but now finally have their noses in front. I think the Cubs are there to stay, but I also believe that the Brewers will be in the Wild Card.

There is a very good battle going on in the West, just as there was last season when 3 teams from this division went to the playoffs. I think it will be the Dodgers who win the division, and I like the Rockies to come good in the second half to take the other Wild Card spot.

Nothing has changed from my earlier prediction this season, as I don’t see any team in the NL beating the Dodgers in series. It will once again be LA and Houston in the World Series, with the same outcome.

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2017 American League MLB Prediction for Midseason

Previous Betting News

We are just a few weeks away from the official half point of the 2017 regular season, where teams will be completing 81 of their 162 regular-season games. All clubs will surpass the 70-game mark this week. After this, the teams will have a break due to the All-Star Game on July 11th from Marlins Park in Miami. But we’re still a few weeks away from that… And with that said, here are two American League MLB betting predictions for the rest of the season.

2017 American League MLB Betting Prediction for Midseason

Yankees Will Miss Playoffs

To begin with, the New York Yankees are a big surprise as they are 38-29 entering this week and are tied with Boston atop the AL East. However, but I don’t believe this team makes the playoffs.

Plus, the Bombers got some bad news Monday as MLB’s No. 2 rated prospect, infielder Gleyber Torres, will have Tommy John surgery and miss the rest of the season. Although, the good news is that Torres isn’t a pitcher and it’s his non-throwing shoulder. But now you might not see him until late 2018.

Why Does This Matter in 2017?

At first, the Yanks were pondering calling him up to potentially take over at third base for struggling Chase Headley. Headley is hitting .244 with four homers and 29 RBIs in 62 games. His OPS is .694. He is in the third year of a four-year, $52 million contract. Torres entered the 2017 season as a consensus overall top-10 prospect.

This season, he’s batted .287/.383/.480 at the Double-and Triple-A levels with 23 extra-base hits in 55 games and good walk numbers. Torres, hitting .385 over the past 10 games, was making his case for promotion stronger each day. The Yanks originally acquired Torres from the Cubs as the key part of the Aroldis Chapman trade of July 2016.

Why Won’t the Yankees Make the Playoffs This Year?

Mostly, I believe the Yankees are going to miss out because of a struggling pitching staff, especially Masahiro Tanaka. They’re in a six-game losing streak and the purpose of having an ace, paying him $155 million, is to make sure losing streaks never mushroom to six games.

Although some may be excited about his last two outings, as he fanned 18 batters while walking three, yet his 6.34 ERA is easily the worst of his career. This is not a good sign at all for New York.

The Yankees don’t want to admit this, but Tanaka may never be what he was even though he’s just 28. His fastball isn’t what it was when he left Japan to join the Yankees in 2014, and his arm isn’t the same either because he’s been pitching with a partially torn UCL since September of ’14.

Astros Will Add Pitching

The Houston Astros have never won the pennant since moving to the American League and have never won a World Series dating to their NL days. This year might be their best chance, if they can trade for a front-line starting pitcher.

Rumors are there’s talk the team is heavily scouting Oakland’s Sonny Gray, although the A’s probably would jack up the price to trade Gray inside the division. Houston and Oakland have dealt previously, though, and Billy Beane is one of the few GMs who would consider a trade of significance to trade within the division.

Is Sonny Gray a good a trade for Houston?

Gray’s ERA is a little high at 4.44, but he has 53 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings. He has allowed only five homers and 17 walks. While these numbers don’t jump out to you, remember he is playing for a last place team.

He made his 2017 debut a month late thanks to a lat strain sustained early in the spring, and that first start was not good. He’s since recovered nicely. In the four starts following that debut, he gave up a total of seven earned runs. A rocky seven-run start followed those, but he’s made three consecutive quality starts since then.

Would This Be Enough for the Astros to Keep Winning?

Even though the Astros’ record is the best mark in Major League Baseball, their starting rotation has become a problem area due to injuries. Dallas Keuchel, Lance McCullers, Charlie Morton and Collin McHugh are all currently on the disabled list. There is an added bonus for the Astros if they pursue Gray.

He’s still under team control through 2019, and he’s only making $3.575 million this season. Houston no longer boasts an elite farm system, yet in theory it can offer up a package built around Francis Martes, Kyle Tucker, or David Paulino. Martes and Paulino are currently pitching for the big club because of all those injuries.

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Final MLB Betting Tips

There are many more teams in the American League that could make a late surprise before the midseason, but right now it’s a tough call. Once the All-Star Breakis done, we’ll have a better look on what’s to come. For now, keep your eyes out for MLB betting guides for the rest of season, as there’s plenty more to come. And remember, be sure to always have fun!