The Division Series will begin with Game 1 between the Chicago White Sox and Cleveland Guardians at 1 p.m. ET on Saturday at Progressive Field in Cleveland on TBS.
Get my White Sox vs. Guardians prediction based on the latest MLB odds:
White Sox vs. Guardians Prediction for Game 1 ALDS
- Guardians to win ALDS (-140)
I like the Guardians’ chances of defeating their division rival in the ALDS. I prefer their series price, though their odds to win Game 1 and the series at +110 could also be worth considering.
Although they didn’t win the AL Central, the White Sox bested the Guardians in the regular season, winning seven of the 13 head-to-head matchups. But that’s not very predictive, and Cleveland might be better suited for postseason success anyway.
The Guardians have an elite bullpen, ranking third in the AL in ERA (3.53) and second in FIP (3.70) during the regular season. Cade Smith is one of the best closers in the game, posting a Stuff+ of 114 with a 2.75 FIP in 70 appearances.
With the AL having an extra day off in scheduling throughout the series, the Guardians can lean on their bullpen advantage over the White Sox.
However, there are other reasons to like the Guardians this postseason compared to previous playoff runs.
The emergence of rookie left-hander Parker Messick (2.56 ERA) and right-hander Gavin Williams (3.76 ERA) gives Cleveland a strong top-of-rotation combo. Messick gets the nod in Game 1, while Williams takes the bump in Game 2.
Cleveland has been held back by its lineup in previous postseasons, but the offense enters October in great form this time around. Since Aug. 1, Cleveland has ranked fourth in wRC+ and sixth in runs scored.
Prediction: Guardians to win ALDS (-140)
White Sox vs. Guardians Odds: ALDS, Game 1
- White Sox moneyline: +125
- Guardians moneyline: -150
- Total: 7
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