The American League East has evolved into a two-team race between the Boston Red Sox and Tampa Bay Rays. But there are several smart value plays to make in MLB futures markets.

Those following MLB betting trends have seen the odds on the Red Sox shorten for several months since their offseason highs. The Rays are the defending AL champions and have enjoyed solid pricing throughout the season.

The New York Yankees, who were established favorites across most top sportsbooks and betting sites to win the AL East and AL pennant before Opening Day, now teeter on the brink of being sellers at the trade deadline. The Toronto Blue Jays have hung around to remain in the AL wild-card race, as well.

The Rays entered their three-game home series against the Yankees on Tuesday 1.5 games behind Boston in the AL East. Tampa Bay also jumped the gun ahead of the Friday trade deadline, nabbing veteran DH Nelson Cruz from the Twins last week. Cruz provides the Rays with power in the middle of their lineup and a veteran presence in their clubhouse.

The Rays and Red Sox also meet six times over the next two weeks, so the top of the division could look quite different by the middle of August.

AL East Postseason Odds

Here are the postseason MLB odds for each team in the AL East to win the World Series, the AL pennant, and to reach the playoffs.

Odds via DraftKings ➜ and FanDuel ➜, and are current as of publication. Check out our DraftKings sportsbook review and our FanDuel sportsbook review.

AL East Best Bets

There is value to be found even this late in the season, especially ahead of the trade deadline. Here are five betting plays to make in the AL East.

Blue Jays To Make Playoffs

Odds: +265 at DraftKings ➜

The Blue Jays are still generating buzz for their fans, and for Ontario sports betting followers. The Jays are not much of a value to win the AL East, even at +1600, given that they would have to leap over New York, Tampa Bay and Boston.

The team returns for its first “home” games in Toronto since 2019 on Friday. The best play on betting apps is clearly for Toronto to make the playoffs. The Jays are not out of the playoff race by any stretch, especially with 66 games to play.

Backers of this play at sportsbooks in Canada and elsewhere also won’t have to worry about the Blue Jays catching the Red Sox or Rays. Entering Tuesday play, the Jays are one of four teams within 4.5 games of the second wild card.

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Rays To Win AL East

Odds: +145 at FanDuel ➜

The Rays took the Dodgers to six games in the World Series last year, and are prone to overachievement. The team has already made one significant move in getting Cruz, and could surprise with another big-name pick-up at the deadline.

Full disclosure, we took the Red Sox to win the AL East at +2200 before the season. So this is a hedge play, as is backing the Rays to win the AL Pennant at +625 with FanDuel ➜. (See below.)

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Red Sox To Win World Series

Odds: +1200 at FanDuel ➜

This is a hedge play in combination with the Rays winning the pennant. The Red Sox are expecting Chris Sale to be ready by their next homestand, and could well pick up a bat (see Anthony Rizzo) in a trade-deadline deal.

The biggest challenge for the Red Sox will be avoiding a one-game playoff - given its potential downside. The Red Sox are starting to generate a 2013 vibe in Boston, given the team already has 33 come-from-behind victories. They are never really out of any game.

The Red Sox price to win it all will shrink if/when Boston clinches the AL East outright. The World Series value is exceptional given that Boston has the most wins in the American League with 62.

Yankees To Miss Playoffs

Odds: -155 at DraftKings ➜

This number is a great price given how consistently inconsistent the Yankees have played over their first 98-plus games. The Bombers are headed to St. Pete this week for a matchup with the Rays after being demoralized by the Red Sox in blowing a no-hitter and four-run lead in the same inning on Sunday.

There is too much quality competition for that second wild card to envision New York being able to outlast all of the other teams in contention.

AL East Team To Win AL Pennant

Odds: +135 at BetMGM ➜

This wager prices in both the Red Sox and Rays – two teams all but certain to reach the playoffs. And it gives you an additional hedge in case the Jays and Yankees somehow get hot in the fall.

There are some hidden gems in baseball futures markets and this is one of the best.

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