MLB Division Series predictions. MLB Playoffs odds, picks, best bets

Baseball fans have lucked out with how the MLB playoff bracket has broken.All four division series feature several highly intriguing storylines, including three sets of rivals squaring off and likely AL MVP Aaron Judge battling with probable runner-up Bobby Witt Jr.We’ve broken down each series and have best bets for the ALDS, NLDS and beyond.At +475 odds (bet365), the Royals are considered least likely to win the AL Pennant.

The Yankees are a worthy favorite in the AL, but I still lean with Kansas in this series at the price of +180, and am particularly high on their chances in the ALCS versus either the Tigers or Guardians. The Royals’ bullpen was a clear weakness early on, and over the entire regular season struggled to a 4.13 ERA.The unit was drastically better down the stretch, however, in part due to the acquisition of Lucas Erceg.Since Sept.

1, Kansas City relievers own MLB’s third-best ERA (2.77) that was lowered even further after 7 2/3 scoreless innings versus the Orioles in the wild-card round. Led by Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo, the Royals feature four high-quality starters who can create low-event matchups and is slightly deeper than what the Yankees are offering with Nestor Cortes sidelined. They also feature a ton of speed on the basepaths and are excellent defensively.Vinnie Pasquantino’s early return also makes the top of the lineup far more formidable. Backing the Royals to win the series at +180 is a reasonable option, as is looking for loftier numbers to back them in the series if they lose Game 1 in a tough pitching matchup for them (Michael Wacha vs Gerrit Cole). However, my favorite bet entering this series is backing the Royals to win the AL Pennant.

I believe they can surprise the Yankees in this series, and if they do, they will likely gain a lot of respect in the market prior to a very winnable ALCS. The Tigers seem to have something special going on right now, which makes them a tempting bet as an underdog against a Guardia...