Two AL Central win totals stand out heading into 2026, and both offer real value. Kansas City quietly won 82 games last season and now adds ballpark changes that could boost an already improving lineup. With a strong rotation and young bats ready to take the next step, the Royals look built to clear 81.5 wins. Meanwhile, the White Sox surged late in 2025 and enter this season as the youngest team in baseball, loaded with hungry talent and intriguing additions like Munetaka Murakami. If their growth continues, Chicago has a clear path to eclipse 66.5 wins.
1
4.9/5 Review Rating
$1,250 Welcome Bonus
Bet Live on Your Favorite Sports
Earn More with Rebel Rewards!
2026 MLB Win Totals
Are we in for another MVP caliper season from Bobby Witt Jr.?
You can find all of these great MLB Futures odds on Lucky Rebel. Get a $1,250 deposit bonus & 50 Slot Spins when you sign up!
I could be overselling myself on the Royals because of the renovations to Kauffman Stadium, bringing the fences in nearly ten feet and shortening the porch in right field. However, this is a team that won 82 games last year. They were 47-50 in the first half, then closed the season 35-30. At one point, they were pushing for a playoff berth late in the year, but as soon as I grabbed the 10-1 price for them to reach October, they fell apart.
In 2026, Kansas City gets year two of potential future star Jac Caglianone, who struggled in his first season in the big leagues. The 23-year-old right fielder was called up in June, played 62 games, hit under .160, and crushed seven home runs. Now the 6-foot-5, 250 pound left hander has a hitter friendly ballpark to call home. He should benefit, and so should the rest of this lineup. Maikel Garcia, Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, Salvador Perez, and Caglianone should be a nightmare at home.
I have harped on this for what feels like two months, Pasquantino should finish with 40 home runs, if he stays healthy. The 6-foot-3, 250 pound first baseman crushed 32 home runs in 2025 in his first full season in the big leagues. In 2024, during his first full season as the starting first baseman, he played 131 games and hit 19 home runs before his year was cut short by a broken thumb.
The rotation should be extremely solid again. Last season, the Royals ranked 6th in team ERA at 3.73. Kansas City was also 3rd in runs allowed in the first five innings at 2.13. At home, they were even better, allowing under two runs in the first five.
With the only real threat in the AL Central being Detroit, the Royals should benefit from playing the majority of their games against the Twins, Guardians, and White Sox. Matching last year's win total should not be a sweat. OVER 81.5.
The first win total I have locked in, the Chicago White Sox to go over 66.5 wins. It is hard to recall a more fun team to watch in the second half of the 2025 season than the Chicago White Sox. Despite finishing with just 60 wins last season, they were nearly .500 after the All Star break, winning 23 of their 47 games. That record was better than the Dodgers, Mets, and Astros over the same stretch.
This is a very young team with talent spread throughout the roster. It is the youngest team in baseball, with an average age of 26.1. The entire group is fighting to make a name for itself, and there is nothing more dangerous than hungry players trying to prove they belong.
Chicago also added quality pieces. Japanese infielder Munetaka Murakami brings serious pop to an already exciting young lineup, while Luisangel Acuna strengthens the infield. On the mound, Sean Newcomb was the most notable addition. The left hander posted a 2.73 ERA and 1.35 WHIP across 92.1 innings last season.
I debated taking the under on Murakami's home run total, which is set at 25.5. Coming over from Japan can be a difficult transition. He has real power and hit plenty of home runs during his time in NPB. However, MLB pitching is a completely different animal.
In the end, I decided to root for him and his team instead of betting the under and asking him to prove it. I would rather quietly support the new White Sox slugger than sit there hoping he falls short of his number.
Overall, Chicago should be a very fun team to watch, and fans may finally have a reason to head to the Southside, other than for the best ballpark food in America.
Interested in More Content
Get FREE Picks and Props Weekly
Sign up for
THE WEEKENDER NEWSLETTER
Follow me on X @C_marchio2 for all of my picks and sports opinions!
Be sure to check out all things Betting News on X and Twitch!
While you are at it go get some merch at our Betting News Store!
In need of a sportsbook? Check out one of our favorites below and sign-up for a bonus!
1
4.9/5 Review Rating
$1,250 Welcome Bonus
Bet Live on Your Favorite Sports
Earn More with Rebel Rewards!
2
4.8/5 Review Rating
Up to $250 in Free Bets + 100 Spins
$10 Cash Bonus w/ Code BNEWS
Fastest Payouts
3
4.7/5 Review Rating
10% Daily Cashback
10% Weekly Cashback Every Thursday
Get VIP Rewards for Your Sports Bets
4
4.6/5 Review Rating
Bonus Code: WELCOME1000
Monthly Cash Prizes
Vast Lines and Games Selection
5
4.5/5 Review Rating
$250 in Free Bets with First Deposit
Same Game Parlays
Frequent Odds Boosters
6
4.4/5 Review Rating
Best Prop Bets Selection
Boosted Odds on Parlays
One of the Oldest and Trusted Sites
7
4.3/5 Review Rating
125% Promo Bucks Up to $2,500
100% Cash Bonus Up to $2,000
Weekly Rebates!
8
4.2/5 Review Rating
Reduced Juice for Spreads & Totals
Fast Crypto Deposits & Payouts
Winners & High Rollers Welcome!
9
4.1/5 Review Rating
Anonymous Crypto Betting
125% Welcome Bonus
Great Live Betting Selection
10
4.0/5 Review Rating
Fast & Easy Payouts
Best Deposit & Free Play Bonuses
Largest Selection of Sports & Games
Check Out All of Our Resources at Betting News
