Yankees named early favorite to win AL East by Caesars Entertainment

Though the Yankees won’t open Spring Training against the Red Sox until Feb. 23, Caesars Entertainment has already given New York a slight edge over Boston for the AL East crown.

Depending on who you ask, the Yankees still need to make a few moves this offseason. Whether that’s signing superstar Manny Machado; a second relief pitcher such as Adam Ottavino, or trading for one of the few aces in the game like Corey Kluber — one would think the Yanks have a few hangups before overtaking the reigning World Series Champion Red Sox.

Not so fast! On Tuesday, Caesars Entertainment released their initial 2019 MLB season win totals — and wouldn’t you know it, the Yanks are predicted at an over/under of 96 1/2 victories — one more than the Red Sox.

Obviously, these are only the initial odds for the 162 game schedule that awaits and will fluctuate like the wind from now until October.

However, it’s interesting to see the Sox, a club coming off 108-54 regular season record, and a handy beating of the Yankees in the ALDS, not have a higher win expectancy. Could the potential loss of closer Craig Kimbrel have this much of an effect on the over/under or is it merely a case of impending World Series hangover?

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Though the Yanks bowed out of the postseason far too early for their fans, first-year manager, Aaron Boone fought off some early mismanagement of the bullpen, coupled with one significant injury to the 25-man roster after another to win 100 games.

While Boone may not have led his club to the ALCS, the way Joe Girardi did in 2017, many, including myself, expect Boone to push the Yankees to an even grander second season — now that he truly knows what to expect and more importantly, how to react while at the helm of the Bombers.

It could be argued that 96 1/2 wins are a bit conservative, considering some of the victory totals from last season (even the A’s won 97 games); however, still weeks away from pitchers and catchers reporting, Caesars’ preseason top victory getter is the Astros at 97 1/2.

As for some of the other clubs that come close to the Yanks’ over/under, the Dodgers are listed at 95 wins, Indians at 91 1/2, Cardinals and Nationals both at 88 1/2 and the AL East rival Rays at 85 1/2.

Naturally, some will point to Vegas slightly tipping the scales in hopes of bettors staying away from the favorite, but I choose to see the current odds signaling a successful Yankees offseason to date — one that has the chance to get even better.