By Larry Rupp
Opening Day of the 2022 MLB season is almost here. All of the action will get underway on Thursday, April 7, as MLB teams across the league once again fight it out to be the last one standing. Of course, the best way for them to secure a playoff berth will be to reign supreme within their own division.
That’s not going to be an easy goal to accomplish, though. There is more talent both at the plate and on the mound than ever before. Let’s take a look at three teams worth backing as division winners this summer, with all odds according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Milwaukee Brewers, NL Central (-135)
Other sportsbooks have these odds closer to -200, which makes jumping on them over at DraftKings a smart idea. The Brewers are well set up to win the National League Central division for the second year in a row simply due to their stellar starting rotation. Reigning Cy Young Winner Corbin Burnes and All-Star Brandon Woodruff are both coming off seasons in which they posted ERAs under 2.60 and racked up at least 211 strikeouts.
Not only that, but Milwaukee also rosters one of the best young closers in the game. Josh Hader’s fastball command makes him a nightmare for opposing batters to face. Just how far the Brewers can go will come down to their hitting. A bounce back season from outfielder Christian Yelich and big power numbers from newcomer Hunter Renfroe should launch this team deep into the postseason. Watch out for the Brew Crew.
.@Brewers hurler Josh Hader is @MLBNow's top reliever in baseball! #Top10RightNow pic.twitter.com/Q2pVi4OnAX
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) March 23, 2022
Toronto Blue Jays, AL East (+185)
There may not be another team in the league that improved as much as the Toronto Blue Jays this offseason. They simply addressed every position in one way or another. The addition of 2021 All-Star pitcher Kevin Gausman strengthens a rotation that already ranked 10th in team ERA last season. Meanwhile, the trade for two-time Platinum Glove third baseman Matt Chapman gives manager Charlie Montoyo a reliable fielder at the hot corner for the first time in years.
When it comes down to it, this lineup is filled with explosiveness from top to bottom. Slugger Vladimir Guerrero Jr. will look to keep building from his runner-up finish for AL MVP in 2021, while shortstop Bo Bichette will aim to keep stealing bases at a high rate. The presence of the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox is obviously scary. Those just teams cannot match the depth Toronto owns all over the diamond.
Everybody, please be seated.
— Toronto Blue Jays (@BlueJays) March 19, 2022
The movie is starting 💥 #PLAKATA pic.twitter.com/Fp8f723f6P
Philadelphia Phillies, NL East (+380)
Bettors looking to get a bit more bang for their buck and searching for a long shot winner should shift their attention toward the Philadelphia Phillies. This is the perfect time for them to end the Atlanta Braves NL East title streak given the departure of All-Star Freddie Freeman. The Phillies averaged a reliable 4.53 runs per game last season (No. 12 in MLB) and then balled out in free agency by adding a pair of established bats (Kyle Schwarber & Nick Castellanos).
The only thing holding the Phillies back from competing in 2021 was their horrible pitching late in games. Philadelphia has posted the second-worst bullpen ERA since 2019 (5.20). The signings of veteran arms like Jeurys Familia and Brad Hand should go a long way in fixing the issues. If the young relief pitchers can figure out how to get outs, then the Phillies have as good a shot as any team in the NL East to come out on top.
Absolutely. pic.twitter.com/7EmhcG3oxG
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) March 24, 2022
Picture Credit: Ian D’Andrea
