Why not? is a feature on The Touchback exploring bets with longer odds that could plausibly happen. This doesn’t mean these wagers are locks. They are simply ones where you can justify the risk. Today, we look at why you should bet on Los Angeles Angels to win the American League at +1500.
It looks like there will be a baseball season after all. With spring training underway, now is the ideal time to comb through the futures market. We’ve done just that and found a wildcard wager calling our name–a bet on Los Angeles Angels to win the American League at +1500 (Odds via Fanduel Sportsbook).
Yes, the Angels’ record with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani is unfathomably bad. But this team has way too much talent to not be in the Wild Card mix this season. Eventually, players have to stop being injured all the damn time. Los Angeles is sort of tempting fate on that by signing Noah Syndergaard and penciling him in as the number two starter.
That being said, the Atlanta Braves won the World Series after losing Ronald Acuña Jr. and Marcell Ozuna while also starting Drew Smyly 23 times. There is no reason the Angels can’t contend in the American League this season despite their warts.
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Should you bet on the Los Angeles Angels to win the American League at +1500?
If the MLB Wild Card era has taught us one thing, it’s that the best baseball team rarely wins the World Series. Everyone in the dance has a chance to be the champion.
So, can the Los Angeles Angels make it to the playoffs? They should be in the mix assuming good health. An extra team now qualifies for the postseason which boosts their chances out the gate. There are likely to be nine teams fighting for those spots in the AL, but with a whole slate of games against the suddenly terrible A’s, the path to 90 wins is there.
Los Angeles has enough offensively to not only get in but make some postseason noise. The bullpen is also surprisingly good. Raisel Iglesias was above average as the team’s closer last season. Aaron Loup, Ryan Tepera, and Archie Bradley are all capable setup guys. This appears to be an area of strength.
Starting pitching, on the other hand, is a total crapshoot. Ohtani putting in a similar performance to 2021 on the mound would be a nice foundation. Syndergaard shouldn’t be relied upon. Patrick Sandoval and Jose Suarez have a pulse. Maybe Michael Lorenzen can give them something.
It is not ideal, but the risk is baked into the odds. The Angels have enough to make a run in 2022. Why not take a chance by betting on them to win the American League when the odds are this good?
