For those residing in the Chicago area, it may be hard to believe, but sports season is fast approaching.
This week, pitchers and catchers arrived at spring training, and Illinois sportsbooks are already offering MLB futures odds.
The White Sox and Cubs are set to kick off their seasons in early April. The White Sox have high hopes for a World Series win, while the Cubs seem more focused on cutting costs.
World Series chances in 2021
These are the 2021 World Series odds from leading Illinois operators.
As previously stated, the White Sox are optimistic about their future.
The Southsiders boast one of baseball’s most intriguing young cores, featuring Tim Anderson, Yoan Moncada, Lucas Giolito, Eloy Jimenez, and Luis Robert.
The Sox made some key upgrades by acquiring starting pitcher Lance Lynn and closer Liam Hendriks, although many fans wished they had invested more in the offseason.
Michael Kopech and Andrew Vaughn seem to have significant roles in the team.
And let’s not forget about Jose Abreu, the reigning AL MVP. The White Sox are stacked, to say the least.
PointsBet is most optimistic about Chicago’s chances, as Illinois sportsbooks are also providing odds for the winner of the AL Central division.
PointsBet has released the AL Central odds.
- White Sox of Chicago:- 150
- Minnesota Twins: +165
- Cleveland Indians: +750
- Detroit Lions: +4,500
- Monarchs of Kansas City: Five thousand and counting.
In Illinois betting, the White Sox are currently the frontrunners to win the division, with the Twins following closely behind.
Last year, the Sox finished with a record of 35-25 in the shortened 60-game season, which would have equated to a 94-win pace over a full 162-game schedule.
The loss of James McCann was a blow to Chicago, but the team has made significant improvements in other areas, increasing their chances of making it to the World Series.
What about the Cubs?
This winter, the headlines on the north side of town are not as exciting.
After Theo Epstein’s departure, promising baseball player Jed Hoyer quickly traded Padres ace Yu Darvish for a lackluster return.
Darvish had a phenomenal season last year, ending with an 8-3 record, a 2.01 ERA, and a Lash under 1.
Furthermore, the Cubs made the decision to not re-sign Jon Lester or Kyle Schwarber, both of whom were members of the 2016 World Series roster. While Lester may be past his prime, the choice to let Schwarber go was particularly perplexing.
The Cubs may have scored a bargain by signing Joc Pederson in free agency to step in if he can return to his 2019 performance level of a .876 OPS.
However, Pederson proved his worth by posting a .681 OPS in 2020.
Several Cubs players view 2020 as an abnormal blip, as stars like Chris Bryant, Javier Baez, and Anthony Rizzo all had their worst months that year. If the Cubs can make a strong comeback, they have the potential to be a serious threat.
The group is having an amazing season, and it could be their best one yet in Chicago.
The Cubs’ odds to win the NL Central at FanDuel are listed below:
- Cardinal of St. Louis: + 105
- Ohio area code 330: Red
- Producers in Milwaukee have increased by 380.
- Pittsburgh Pirates: 5,000 +
Children in Chicago: 400+
The Cardinals’ acquisition of Nolan Arenado sets them apart from the competition, especially in a NL Central division that seemed wide open before the offseason.
Personal player futures for the Cubs and White Sox
There is evidence of star power on both sides of the area.
DraftKings has labeled Mike Trout as the frontrunner for the AL MVP award. Let’s see where some White Sox players rank.
- Jose Abreu: 2, 500
- Yoan Moncada: 2, 500
- Luis Robert: 2, 500
- Yasmani’s grand total is now +3,000.
- Tim Anderson: 3, 300
- Eloy Jimenez: 3, 300
Mookie Betts and Juan Soto are currently the frontrunners for the NL MVP award with odds of +750. Additionally, a dozen Cubs players are also listed as potential contenders.
- Kris Bryant: 3, 000
- Anthony Rizzo: 3, 000
- Javier Baez: 3, 300
- Ian Happ: 4, 000
- Contreras, Willson: + 10,000
How about Cy Young for the White Sox pitchers?
- + 450 Lucas Giolito
- Lance Lynn is now at 1,700 strikeouts.
- Dallas Keuchel signed a contract worth $2.2 million.
- Dylan Stop: 4, 000
Moreover, the Cubs:
- Jake Arrieta: 6,000.
- Kyle Hendricks has a positive six thousand six hundred.
Darvish is up by 1,000 for interested parties. The Cubs’ progress seems uncertain as the year goes on.
It’s refreshing to shift our focus back to baseball. After the excitement of March Madness subsides, we can look forward to the long 162-game season ahead.
