MLB AL Central Division Odds (2026)

The following post features MLB AL Central Division Odds (2026).

The 2026 MLB AL Central division odds reflect how sportsbooks currently view each team’s chances of winning the division.

Read: MLB AL East Division Odds

Related: MLB AL West Division Odds

As the season unfolds, those odds will shift based on performance, injuries, and which teams can establish consistency in a tightly contested race.

So, how is the AL Central race shaping up for 2026? Here’s what you need to know.

MLB AL Central Division Odds (2026)

Below is a table displaying the odds for the MLB AL Central Division Odds (2026). Click here for the very latest odds (via OddsChecker).

Team Spotlights (2026)

Cleveland Guardians (+150)

With José Ramírez anchoring the infield, the Guardians have added relievers like Colin Holderman and Shawn Armstrong in the offseason to enhance pitching depth amid uncertainty in the bullpen. The key storyline is the maturation of their cost-effective core under stable management, positioning them to defend their title with improved late-game options. Bettors might eye their current +225 odds as balanced value, reflecting a proven track record in tight races without relying on big spending.

Detroit Tigers (+175)

Tarik Skubal headlines the pitching staff, with Riley Greene and Colt Keith returning as key young hitters, bolstered by offseason signings like reliever Kenley Jansen and re-signing infielder Gleyber Torres. A central storyline is the bounce-back potential of their lineup after a near-miss in 2025, with veteran arms adding stability to challenge for the crown. Their favorable odds make them an attractive bet for those anticipating a step forward in a competitive division.

Kansas City Royals (+220)

Bobby Witt Jr. remains the centerpiece, with Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo back in the rotation, while offseason trades for reliever Matt Strahm and outfielder Kameron Misner, plus signings like Lane Thomas, add outfield speed and bullpen support. The storyline focuses on their young talent, including prospect Jac Caglianone, continuing to develop into a playoff contender with enhanced versatility. At around +250 odds, bettors could find appeal in their upward trajectory, especially if these additions solidify depth for a division push.

Minnesota Twins (+3000)

Byron Buxton and Pablo López return as core pieces, with offseason additions like first baseman Josh Bell and trade acquisition Eric Wagaman aiming to shore up the infield after roster turnover. The key storyline revolves around a rebound from their 2025 woes, rebuilding offensive consistency and addressing injury risks. With odds around +210, bettors may see them as a viable underdog if these moves restore balance and propel a return to contention.

Chicago White Sox (+8000)

Luis Robert Jr. is a key returning asset in the outfield, with offseason signings like infielder Munetaka Murakami, pitchers Anthony Kay and Sean Newcomb, and outfielder Jarred Kelenic providing fresh talent amid the rebuild. The storyline centers on a maturing young core and incremental improvements to escape the bottom, focusing on fundamentals and development. Their long odds position them as a high-risk, high-reward longshot for bettors betting on unexpected progress in a shifting division.

MLB AL Central Division Winners (2016-Present)

The table below highlights every MLB AL Central division winner since 2016.

2025 AL Central Results

The 2025 AL Central division played out as a tight two-team battle, with the Cleveland Guardians edging out the Detroit Tigers by one game to secure the title after both teams hovered around .540 winning percentages throughout the year. The Guardians’ consistent pitching carried them through, while the Tigers’ late push fell just short, earning them a Wild Card spot as the only other playoff qualifier from the division. The Kansas City Royals hovered around .500 but couldn’t mount a serious challenge, while the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox struggled with subpar performances, finishing well below expectations amid roster changes and inconsistencies.

AL Central Team Overview (2025)

• Cleveland Guardians (88-74): José Ramírez delivered another stellar season with his power and leadership at third base, helping the team maintain a slim lead through strong defense and timely hitting. Their pitching staff’s reliability was key to fending off challengers and clinching the division in a close race.

• Detroit Tigers (87-75): Tarik Skubal excelled as the rotation’s ace with dominant outings that kept the team in contention all year, supported by a balanced offense that surged in the summer months. Despite falling one game short of the division, their resilience earned a Wild Card berth and highlighted emerging talent.

• Kansas City Royals (82-80): Bobby Witt Jr. continued his rise as an elite shortstop, providing dynamic offense and speed that powered several winning streaks and kept the team competitive. However, a sharp decline in overall hitting—particularly power production and situational performance—limited run support for an otherwise strong pitching staff, leading to a .500 finish despite solid underlying arms.

• Minnesota Twins (70-92): Byron Buxton offered flashes of brilliance in center field when healthy, but the lineup’s overall struggles and a shaky bullpen led to a disappointing slide. Key injuries and underperformance across the board contributed to their distant fourth-place outcome.

• Chicago White Sox (60-102): Luis Robert Jr. delivered athletic highlights in center field, while rookies Kyle Teel and Edgar Quero provided encouraging debuts behind the plate with strong contact and on-base skills, and shortstop Colson Montgomery flashed late-season power after his midyear call-up, offering glimpses of the rebuild’s potential amid ongoing challenges in pitching depth and consistency.