Diamondbacks and Red Sox Will Be Contenders In 2016

While spring training is taking place prior to the start of the 2016 Major League Baseball regular season, it is time to think about teams that have done well over the winter and could be strong contenders this year for a division, pennant or World Series title.

With the futures for the World Series, division champions and total wins already released, many bettors have a good idea of what teams might be strong entering the regular season.

During the offseason, many things can change – teams pickup up free agents, teams lose free agents and teams make trades to shore up a weakness or add to a strength.

Those teams helping themselves out the most in the offseason need to be factored into the betting equation when making picks for MLB both daily and when playing the futures.

The Arizona Diamondbacks want to win this year. When Tony LaRussa became a front office executive with the Diamondbacks, everyone knew the club would become more competitive. Last season Arizona won 79 games after winning just 64 the prior year. With Paul Goldschmidt leading the offense, Arizona signed Zack Greinke one of the league’s best pitchers and Shelby Miller another strong starting pitcher.

On most sportsbooks, Arizona is still predicted to finish third behind Los Angeles and San Francisco but do not rule out a better finish.

In the American League, the Boston Red Sox added personnel during the offseason that could push them to the top of the division.

Firstly, the Red Sox moved Hanley Ramirez a pickup last season to first base. Pablo Sandoval has lost weight and reported this season in better shape.

At the same time, Boston signed David Price giving them their ace in the pitching rotation. Added to that was the signing of Craig Kimbrel who is considered to be one of the top 2 closers in the game today.

A number of sportsbooks have Boston winning the AL East, while others have the Red Sox winning the AL Pennant.

What is certain is the team’s pitching is light years ahead of last season. Each starting pitcher can feel a slight relief of pressure knowing the spotlight will be focused on Price and not them.

Both bookmakers and bettors have the Chicago Cubs as the favorite to win this season’s World Series. However, the Arizona Diamondbacks could give them a run for their money in the NL and Boston could in the World Series if they meet there.