2023 MLB Win Totals Picks & Predictions
With less than 24 hours until the first pitch of the 2023 MLB season, it is officially time to finalize your best baseball futures bets. Each season, there is always a team or two that seemingly comes out of nowhere and shocks the baseball world. Similarly, there always seems to be a team that is a preseason favorite that winds up disappointing fans and missing the playoffs entirely. Which teams will surprise Major League Baseball the most in 2023?
Best MLB Win Totals Bet
Below are the odds of select MLB Teams and their win totals in 2023, courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook.
1) Arizona Diamondbacks (Over/Under 75.5 Wins)
2022 Recap
The Diamondbacks finished with 74 wins in 2022, a 22-game improvement over their dismal 2021 season. It also appears that the Diamondbacks have found a real ace in Zac Gallen, who racked up 192 strikeouts while posting a 2.54 earned run average in 2022. Arizona’s pitching staff finished in the bottom half of the Majors in ERA, strikeouts, and WHIP, while their offense was average at best, finishing 14th in the MLB in both runs and home runs in 2022.
What Changed?
With the impending addition of Corbin Carroll, baseball’s 4th-ranked prospect, the offense should get a much-needed spark. The rotation remains mostly unchanged, but an entire season of Ryne Nelson could be an improvement after his promising end to 2022. Arizona also added Andrew Chafin and Miguel Castro, which should improve their bullpen that finished bottom four in the National League. While outside of their control, the new MLB scheduling means that they will face the Padres and Dodgers fewer times, which in itself is a win.
2023 Prediction: 81-81 – OVER 75.5 (-105)
2) Cleveland Guardians (Over/Under 86.5 Wins)
2022 Recap
The youngest team in the Majors in 2022 now has another year to add to their resume, which also came with postseason experience. The Guardians won 92 games last season, running away with the American League Central. The Cleveland offense finished second to last in home runs but also struck out the least in the Majors. This focus on putting the ball in play without power is not as common in today’s game as in previous seasons, but it was successful for Cleveland. The Guardians also had a ton of success with their pitching staff, finishing top five in the American League in ERA and batting average against.
What Changed?
The Guardians added the bat of Josh Bell to their offense and signed catcher Mike Zunino, whose playing style is the opposite of the Guardian’s offensive philosophy last year. Injuries to pitchers Triston McKenzie and Sam Hentges could strain the Guardians pitching staff for the beginning of the season, but they have talent that can keep them afloat until they return. Cleveland did not lose any significant players during the offseason and should pick up right where they left off.
2023 Prediction: 90-72 – OVER 86.5 (-115)
3) Oakland Athletics (Over/Under 60.5 Wins)
2022 Recap
Oakland finished 2022 with just 60 wins but finished the season on a high note, winning their last four games. The Athletics struggled offensively all season, finishing last in the Majors in batting average and on-base percentage as a team. Oakland’s pitching staff did not do much better, ranking 24th in the majors in batting average against and earned run average. While their performance on the field has not been good, Oakland’s front office has tried to retool and rebuild. The A’s dealt Frankie Montas and Sean Murphy in two separate trades for a haul of young players to fill out their 2023 Major League roster.
What Changed?
Oakland has not added a lot of proven talent to their roster, having assembled a team full of rookies and journeyman veterans. Their opening-day pitching rotation is projected to have only one pitcher with more than one year of Major League experience, which could lead to dangerous results. While rebuilds are sometimes necessary, it can be challenging for a fan base, especially when the team makes questionable moves. Cristian Pache, one of the main pieces received by Oakland in their trade of Matt Olson, has been designated for assignment and could be traded within the next few days.
2023 Prediction: 55-107 – UNDER 60.5 (-130)
4) Los Angeles Angels (Over/Under 82.5 Wins)
2022 Recap
The team with two of baseball’s best players, Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, lost 89 games in 2022. After getting off to a hot start, the Angels faltered down the stretch leading to talk about whether or not they would trade their two-way superstar. The Angels’ offense had major flaws, as they led the majors in strikeouts and only hit .233 as a team in 2022. While their pitching staff also had issues, they did show some promise, finishing top 10 in the Majors in ERA and batting average against.
What Changed?
This is likely the last chance of having Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout in the same lineup, and the Angels have taken steps to take advantage of that. Coming off an impressive 2022 season, Tyler Anderson now joins the Angels’ pitching rotation, which already has Reid Detmers, Patrick Sandoval, and Shohei Ohtani. Adding Hunter Renfroe, Brandon Drury, and Gio Urshela will give the offense more power and the defense some added versatility.
2023 Prediction: 86-76 – OVER 82.5 Wins
5) Los Angeles Dodgers (Over/Under 95.5 Wins)
2022 Recap
The Los Angeles Dodgers have been the most consistently successful team in baseball over the past ten years, winning at least 90 games in each full season since 2013. The 2022 season was no different, with the Dodgers winning 111 games, a total that paced the entire MLB. The Los Angeles offense finished top five in most categories, including hits, batting average, and home runs. When it came to pitching for the Dodgers, they were the best in baseball. The Dodgers pitching staff led all of baseball in ERA, WHIP, and batting average against.
What Changed?
One of the more significant contributors to the success of the Los Angeles offense will not play for the Dodgers in 2023, as Trea Turner is now a member of the Phillies. Also, while not as productive as they were in years past, losing Cody Bellinger and Justin Turner will impact both the Dodgers’ lineup and clubhouse. To make matters worse, Los Angeles will also be without All-Star Walker Buehler, who is still recovering from his Tommy John Surgery and will likely not be a fixture for the 2023 Dodgers. The Dodger lineup is also more top-heavy than in recent years, with unproven and aging players getting more playing time. The same can be said for their pitching rotation.
2023 Prediction: 92-70 – UNDER 95.5 (-120)
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