Aaron Hicks Yankees Red Sox
Aaron Hicks #31 of the New York Yankees hits a double to right center field to drive in a run in the second inning of a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Boston Red Sox at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 23, 2019 in Fort Myers, Florida. The Red Sox won 8-5. Joe Robbins/Getty Images

The New York Yankees might not have made the big splash in free agency that fans were hoping to see, but the team is still expected to have a big 2019 MLB season. Even after failing to sign the likes of Bryce Harper, Manny Machado or even Patrick Corbin, the Yankees are favored to lead the majors in wins.

New York is tied with the Houston Astros with 7/2 betting odds to have the league’s best record. They are followed by the defending champion Boston Red Sox and World Series runner-up Los Angeles Dodgers, who share 11/2 odds.

The Cleveland Indians have 8/1 odds to win the most games just two weeks shy of Opening Day.

Even though the 2018 season was a disappointing one for the Yankees, the team managed to go 100-62 in the regular season. It was New York’s best record since 2009 when they last won the World Series.

The Red Sox defeated the Yankees in four games in the ALDS before taking care of the Astros in five games in the ALCS. Boston had a historic year by going 108-54 in the regular season and 11-3 in the playoffs.

Boston wasn’t very active this offseason. They re-signed starter Nathan Eovaldi and lost reliever Joe Kelly to the Dodgers. The Red Sox haven’t re-signed closer Craig Kimbrel, who remains a free agent.

New York spent the bulk of their money on pitching by re-signing C.C. Sabathia and J.A. Happ. The team lost reliever David Robertson but brought back Zack Britton and added Adam Ottavino. The Yankees also traded for starting pitcher James Paxton.

Instead of giving Machado a $300 million contract, the Yankees gave short-term deals to infielders Troy Tulowitzki and DJ Lemahieu. Tulowitzki will start at shortstop as Didi Gregorius recovers from Tommy John Surgery.

The Yankees will have to overcome injuries if they hope to avoid a slow start. Luis Severino will miss a few weeks in addition to his Opening Day start with inflammation near his shoulder. C.C. Sabathia is expected to start the year on the injured list. Center Fielder Aaron Hicks is dealing with a back injury.

The Astros finished ahead of the Yankees with 103 wins in 2018, winning over 100 games for the second straight year.

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