Red Sox Have Fallen to Distant 3rd in AL East Odds

• The New York Yankees (52-28) have a 6.5 game lead in the American League East
• The Boston Red Sox won the World Series last year, but have struggled to keep pace with their division rivals
• The Yankees traded for AL home run leader Edwin Encarnacion and are expected to be busy at the trade deadline
  

  ---

One year removed from a dominant season that saw them capture the World Series, the Boston Red Sox have become an afterthought in the American League East.

2019 AL East Odds

Odds taken 06/26/19.

After blowing another ninth inning lead, the Red Sox are now nine games back of the New York Yankees in the AL East. Taking a quick look at the AL East odds you may be tempted to jump on them when you see the defending champion paying +750, but this is your warning – do not do it. The Yankees are winning this division and it’s time to make the investment and get your money in before the odds offer no value at all.

FINAL: White Sox 8, #RedSox 7

— Red Sox (@RedSox) June 26, 2019

Yankees Pulling Away From Rays and Red Sox

After adding American League home run leader Edwin Encarnacion and getting both bash brothers Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton back in the lineup, the Yankees can now officially lay claim to the best offense in baseball. Despite only making those additions recently, they rank fourth overall with 439 runs scored. They also are the new owners of the longest team home run streak in Major League history.

With this dinger by DJ LeMahieu, the New York Yankees have officially broken an MLB record with 28 consecutive games with a home run. pic.twitter.com/RMJB9AyROk

— CBS Sports HQ (@CBSSportsHQ) June 25, 2019

In addition to the awesome batting lineup, the Yankees have been dominant on the mound as well. They have a 4.04 team ERA which ranks eighth in baseball. One other thing to consider when it comes to New York, they’ll spend if they know they have a chance, which they definitely do. Expect GM Brian Cashman to be busy at the deadline, adding more talent just like he did Encarnacion.

Could Yankees Blow 6.5 Game Division Lead?

Could they? Sure. Will they? Highly unlikely. New York has 31 home wins which leads the American League, and their +97 run differential is best in the division and fourth best in all of baseball.

They are comfortable playing with a lead, and don’t forget that all of these gaudy stats were built before they got back to being 100% healthy (or close to it). They’ve won three straight and I expect many long win streaks to culminate in a division title and maybe even a World Series win.

Pick: New York Yankees (-525)