As of Tuesday, there were eight American League teams listed in the baseball odds provided by William Hill that had 6-to-1 or better odds to win their division. For the Yankees, the most indispensable player — the one whose loss would most hurt their division-title chances — is Gleyber Torres. The other seven:
Los Angeles Angels: Shohei Ohtani
Mike Trout is the majors’ best player. But Ohtani gives Los Angeles a chance to have an ace — plus a designated hitter with a .500 slugging percentage.
Oakland Athletics: Marcus Semien
Oakland rises with many interchangeable parts, but the left side of its infield — Semien and third baseman Matt Chapman — are brilliant players. The nod goes to Semien for indispensable while playing the more important position.
Houston Astros: Justin Verlander
With Gerrit Cole gone and Lance McCullers Jr. returning after missing a season following Tommy John surgery, the 2019 AL Cy Young winner becomes more vital. Verlander is healed from March groin surgery.
Cleveland Indians: Francisco Lindor
And the clock is ticking on how long Cleveland is holding onto its best player, who is getting more expensive and becomes a free agent after next season.
Tampa Bay Rays: Austin Meadows
The true answer is no one because no club works harder to not be beholden to one individual. But for a team with so many interchangeable offensive pieces, Meadows has the highest ceiling as an offensive performer.
Minnesota Twins: Taylor Rogers
There is so much lineup depth that Minnesota could withstand any loss. The rotation got deeper with Homer Bailey, Rich Hill and Kenta Maeda joining Jose Berrios, Jake Odorizzi and Michael Pineda (currently suspended). Rogers, though, might be the best closer you’ve never heard of.
Chicago White Sox: Lucas Giolito
He emerged as an ace last year, and even with Dallas Keuchel signed, the White Sox do not have enough quality rotation depth to live without their No. 1 guy.