2019 MLB Betting Predictions Post Deadline

We have passed the non-waiver trade deadline in Major League Baseball — with the Houston Astros considered the winners after picking up Zack Greinke for their rotation (although he did permit five earned runs in his first start for the 2017 World Series champions). You can still make trades in Major League Baseball, but the players have to clear waivers before they can be traded, so it takes just one block to keep a player from heading from one team to another. The Central Division races in each league are still tight — and the wild card races are still close, particularly in the National League. Even so, there are some predictions we can make for MLB betting enthusiasts as you make your futures wagers.

2019 MLB Betting Predictions Post Deadline

Updated #MLB Power Rankings – https://t.co/N8Jj9JxwAA

1. #LosAngeles (Dodgers) 2. #Houston 3. #NewYork (Yankees) 4. #Cleveland 5. #Minnesota pic.twitter.com/EMwyQ0NNhD — The Sports Haven (@TheSportsHaven) August 12, 2019

American League East: Yankees win

The biggest question for the Yankees is their starting rotation, as they added zero depth through the trade market, and they are still missing Luis Severino. However, Boston and Tampa Bay also stood pat, which means that there is little chance of them catching New York down the stretch.

American League Central: Indians win

Yes, the Tribe are still a couple games behind Minnesota, but they fixed their biggest problem — a sleepy offense — at the trade deadline, sending Trevor Bauer to Cincinnati in a three-team deal that brought them sluggers Yasiel Puig and Franmil Reyes. Jose Ramirez’s bat has woken up as of late, so the Indians’ offense should start taking off. Danny Salazar and Corey Kluber are on the way back to the starting rotation, so Cleveland has time to come back.

American League West: Astros win

There was talk about Seattle and the Angels threatening the Astros, and Oakland made a short run near the All-Star break, but Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve and George Springer have returned from injuries, and Yuli Gurriel is suddenly mashing balls all over the park. The rotation already had Justin Verlander and Gerrit Cole, so adding Greinke was just icing on the cake.

American League Wild Cards: Twins and Red Sox

Sergio and Romo and Sam Dyson are decent relievers for the Twins, but their starting rotation has seen Martin Perez and Jake Odorizzi struggle. The Twins still have the big bats they will need to hold off Oakland and Tampa Bay. Boston should get a solid August and September out of Chris Sale, and Eduardo Rodriguez looks solid on the mound as well. That should be enough to fend off the rest of the wild card contenders.

National League East: Braves win

Yes, Atlanta has seen Nick Markakis head to the injured list thanks to a wrist fracture, but Adam Duvall hit four home runs in his first five games after being called up to replace Markakis. Shane Greene could emerge as the team’s closer down the stretch, and Mark Melancon has emerged as a solid setup man. Adding Dallas Keuchel to the rotation was the piece the Braves needed.

National League Central: Cubs win

The Cubs, Brewers and Cardinals are all close to each other in a razor-thin division, but Milwaukee will falter without Brandon Woodruff. Yu Darvish and Jose Quintana are still struggling to put together extended runs as solid starters, but the return of Cole Hamels gives the Cubs some depth. Craig Kimbrel will bolster a bullpen that had gotten ridiculous.

National League West: Dodgers win

The Dodgers should have gotten a top reliever at the bullpen after giving up too much offense in the last two World Series. Once September comes, we should see Gavin Lux taking some hacks in the batter’s box, and starter Rich Hill could return.

National League Wild Cards: Nationals and Cardinals win

The Nationals brought in Danel Hudson, Roenis Elias and Hunter Strickland to bolster a bullpen that had an ERA near six, worst in Major League Baseball. They have big bats in Juan Soto and Anthony Rendon. But can Max Scherzer’s back heal? St. Louis should beat out Philadelphia in the other wild card, because Philadelphia thinks that Jason Vargas and Drew Smyly can save their starting rotation.