2020 MLB Team Over/Under Betting Predictions - Part 1

The 2020 MLB season is almost upon us with the teams already starting to pop leather and crack bats in Spring Training.

The offseason was dominated by the penalties from the Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal. Then there are also big names that went to new homes: Gerrit Cole to the New York Yankees, Mookie Betts to the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Anthony Rendon with the Los Angeles Angels.

As we wait for the official the start of the 2020 MLB season, let us take a look at the win projections for each of the 30 teams in the majors and predict if they will go over or under the total set by the top baseball online sportsbooks. Let’s do this by 10 teams, alphabetically, because we don’t want to hold you too long.

Here are our first set of predictions:

Arizona Diamondbacks

The Arizona Diamondbacks made moves in the offseason that makes us think that they want to do better this year and even contend. The Snakes signed left-handed ace Madison Bumgarner to beef up their pitching staff. Bumgarner is only 30 years old and he logged 207.2 innings last season with an ERA of 3.9 and 203 strikeouts while throwing for the San Francisco Giants.

Arizona also acquired centerfielder Starling Marte from the Pittsburgh Pirates. Marte is still capable of taking care of the midfield and he brings power and speed to the Diamondbacks. Arizona won 85 games last season and given the big moves they made during the offseason, I think this will be close but they should go over the total.

Prediction: Over 84.5

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves signed veterans Cole Hamels and Felix Hernandez to complete their starting rotation and also added closer Will Smith. The Braves said goodbye to third-baseman Josh Donaldson but were able to sign outfielder Marcell Ozuna.

They didn’t lose that much during the offseason and there is plenty of young talent on their MLB roster plus tons of talent in the Minors waiting for their number to be called. The Braves won 97 games last year and I don’t think they will drop to 91 wins this season.

Prediction: Over 90.5

Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles lost 108 games last season and without any notable trade chips, they were insignificant players during the offseason. They traded Jonathan Villar and Dylan Bundy plus lost DH Mark Trumbo via free agency. Baltimore signed free agents SS Jose Iglesias and RHP Kohl Stewart but generally, they are non-factors.

The good thing about Baltimore is that they have a farm system that is loaded with young talent. However, I think that talent is at least two years away from making an impact in the Majors. The Orioles won 54 games last season and while they can win two more games this season, I won’t take the risk here.

Prediction: Under 56.5

Boston Red Sox

The long-rumored trade involving Mookie Betts finally took place during the offseason. Boston traded Betts alongside David Price for Alex Verdugo, Jeter Downs, and Connor Wong. The Red Sox didn’t want to pay the penalty for exceeding the competitive balance threshold for the third straight year and giving up Betts and Price saved them $48M.

But while they succeeded in getting under the luxury tax line, it’s unlikely they will be better this season. They gave up their franchise player and also a useful pitcher. I think the Red Sox will go under 84.5 this season because they are busy retooling and re-stocking the farm.

Prediction: Under 84.5

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs didn’t do much during the offseason and I am not sure why. This was a team that went 84-78 last season and whiffed in the postseason. Maybe it’s because they are saving money to re-sign, extend or make escalating arbitration payments to the key players of the team that won a title for them in 2016.

Don’t get me wrong though. This team has enough talent to compete in the tough National League Central. However, given the moves that the other teams have made, and the Cubs’ inactivity during the offseason, I think that we’re going to see a repeat of last season for them. I’ll take caution here.

Prediction: Under 85.5

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox re-signed Jose Abreu to a three-year deal. The first baseman is a key figure in the Chicago clubhouse and keeping him was a good move for the team. The White Sox also signed DH Edwin Encarnacion, pitchers Dallas Keuchel and Gio Gonzalez, plus catcher Yasmani Grandal.

Add Chicago’s moves to a promising young core plus more talent in the pipeline and you have a recipe for success. With several teams in their division in rebuilding mode, I think the White Sox are primed for a big season, at least compared to last year.

Prediction: Over 84.5

Cincinnati Reds

While the Cubs were silent, the Cincinnati Reds were active during the offseason. The Reds signed Mike Moustakas from division rival Milwaukee. They also added Japanese outfielder Shogo Akiyama and the versatile Nick Castellanos. Then there are Pedro Strop and Wade Miley who should be able to make immediate contributions.

With these moves, there is no question that the Reds are going to be a factor in the National League Central. Cincinnati has already a solid starting group and they have more than enough young talent in the pipeline. I like where the Reds are going.

Prediction: Over 84.5

Cleveland Indians

After an injury-plagued season, Cleveland traded two-time AL Cy Young winner Corey Kluber to the Texas Rangers. The Indians got reliever Emmanuel Clase and outfielder Delino Deshields so the deal wasn’t that bad.

Their biggest move of the offseason as well, not moving Francisco Lindor despite all those trade rumors although they could wait until the trade deadline to optimize his trade value or may wait until next winter since’s he isn’t going to be a free agent anyway. Regardless of which route they take, I think they are thinking to rebuild or retool. I’d stay conservation here.

Prediction: Under 86.5

Colorado Rockies

Despite a 71-win season in 2019, the Rockies did little to none during the offseason Worse, they may have only angered franchise player Nolan Arenado in the process. Colorado didn’t trade the third baseman nor did they build a winning team around him.

The Rockies could trade Arenado before the July 31 trade deadline and if that happens, this bet would be a no-brainer. If they keep Arenado with this existing line-up, it’s not going to be much different from last year. But if Arenado stays and he is unhappy, then go for the under.

Prediction: Under 73.5

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers continued their rebuild by adding right-handed pitcher Ivan Nova, DH C.J. Cron, and second baseman Jonathan Schoop. These additions were good considering they didn’t have any big trade assets. Detroit wasn’t also in play to land the top free agents so, after the offseason, there is nothing spectacular about this team.

This team won 47 games last season and when a team doesn’t win too many games, you have to expect them to do better the following year. I think that the Tigers will have a better season and they will exceed last year’s win total but to exceed it by 10 games is too much to ask for this team.

Prediction: Under 56.5

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