***Here is the 2018 version of the article.
The Blue Jays have been in the hunt for the past two years reaching the ALCS each of the past two seasons before falling to the KC Royals and Cleveland Indians respectively. The Jays expectations remain as high as they’ve been since the early 90’s, with fans enjoying the taste of success that comes with consecutive deep postseason runs.
I wrote a similar article last season and although the Jays still have high expectations for the upcoming season, the odds seem to indicate that the team may have taken a step backwards in terms of the expectations of a World Series win, relative to the start of last year.
Below, I will be looking at the Blue Jays current odds to win the World Series, American League Pennant and the AL East division title. I will be using the odds from one of our top rated sportsbooks for Canadian bettors.
To Win World Series
- Blue Jays 22/1
The Blue Jays have the 9th best odds in the MLB to win the World Series this season. That’s compared to 9.5/1 last season when the Blue Jays had the third best odds heading into the season.
The Cubs and Red Sox are both currently listed at 5.50. The Red Sox being rated so highly to win the World Series is likely the reason why the Jays have such long odds compared to last year because they will be in tough with a lot of battles with the Red Sox throughout the season.
To Win American League Pennant
- Blue Jays 10/1
The Blue Jays were the favourites to win the American League last season, but that’s not the case this year with the Jays coming in behind the Red Sox, Indians and Astros.
To Win American League East
- Boston Red Sox 1.57
- Toronto Blue Jays 5.25
- New York Yankees 6.50
- Baltimore Orioles 8.50
- Tampa Bay Rays 19.00
The Red Sox are massive favourites to win the AL East. The Blue Jays are the second favourites, but the oddsmakers seem convinced that the Red Sox will finish atop the division this year. That said, if you think the Jays can hang with the Sox you’re getting some very solid odds and we’ve seen how a few key injuries or a team slump can change the outcome of a division quickly each season.
Regular Season Wins Over/Under
- Over 84.5 (1.87)
- Under 84.5 (1.87)
The Blue Jays over/under last season was 87.5 wins and they ended up with 89, which was necessary to qualify for the playoffs in the American League. It’s interesting that the Blue Jays are only expected to win 3 fewer games, but their odds to win the World Series and the AL East are so much longer. A lot of that has to do with the Red Sox being so highly regarded heading into the season this year.
You will notice that I did not give my predictions for any of the futures bets above. This is because I’m by no means a baseball expert and this article was simply meant to preview the odds and what chances the oddsmakers are giving the Blue Jays heading into the 2017 season.
Tagged With : Blue Jays betting • Blue Jays futures • Toronto Blue Jays