by As the baseball season is only a few days ahead there is a lot of possibilities on how this season will turn out. I will predict each division winner as well as wild card teams. I will also predict how some middle of the road teams will do.
NL East: Philadelphia Phillies
This team had 82 wins last season and they look to build on that to finally make that playoff run they hoped for when signing Harper in 2019. With the additions of a few power bats the Fighting Phils look like they are in prime position to take the East.
NL Central: Milwaukee Brewers
This division is currently a giant mess. The Pirates are the Pirates, the cubs are reloading, Reds are re-shaping their roster, and the Cardinals are hoping they can put together a complete season. The Brew crew has the best pitching staff in the division as they hope for Yelich to get back in 2018 form. If they can get the bats cracking the Brewers may be able to compete for a title.
NL West: LA Dodgers
You must feel bad for the NL West, The Dodgers are revamped and ready go after grabbing the best first baseman that was available. The Dodger’s pitching staff is the biggest question mark, which being said they still have a better staff compared to most of the NL west. Look for the Dodgers to run away with the division early.
NL wild card: NY Mets, San Diego Padres, and St. Louis Cardinals
I know I left the Giants off this list but hear me out… these three teams have loaded rosters and will have a chance to win their divisions. The Mets have one of if not the best one two punch in baseball ever with a solid lineup that looks to make up for last years mess. Padres look to avenge their end of the season collapse after they looked like a championship team most of the season. Cardinals have a great roster, if they can play consistent baseball they can be a very dangerous group. But as we know in baseball it is not how you get there but what you do when you get there.
NL Champions: LA Dodgers
This is a no brainer no one has a roster that can equal that of the Dodgers.
AL East: Toronto Blue Jays
This team has the least amount of experience compared to the Yankees, Rays, and Red Sox but boy does this team look good after a 90 plus win season. You must give credit to the Blue Jays front office; they built a contender not just for the division but for the championship. It won’t be easy for the Jays; they have the toughest division in all of baseball this year.
AL Central: Chicago White sox
This division is a mess just like it’s NL counterpart. After the White Sox it is a huge mess with teams struggling to put together a roster that can compete. The Tigers may surprise the Sox as they have made some moves on their young roster to try and compete. They should be able to run away with it after the all-star break.
AL West: LA Angels
The Astros have controlled this division for years as the Angels have looked up to where they believe they can eventually go. If Trout and Ohtani can stay healthy it’s going to be hard to believe that anyone in their division can match them with star power. If they can’t at least make the playoffs this year many will stop believing in the hype of Trout and Ohtani.
AL Wild Card: Boston Red Sox, Tampa Bay Rays, And the Houston Astros
I’m sorry Yankee, Mariners, fans I know you’ll be mad at me but the AL east is to strong and I can’t get behind the formula behind the Yankees roster. The Yankees load up the roster with right hand power hitters who strike out at an insane rate.. The Red Sox have a lineup of great hitters who can find a gap or put one into the used car lot over the monster. The Astros are as strong as usually and can make a run back to the World Series. The Rays pitching staff looks dominant once again with a strong lineup with hitters from the 9 to 1 hole.
AL Champions: White Sox
This one is hard to predict because it can be anyone in this league. The White Sox are out for revenge, and they believe the World series is theirs for the taking. As much as wanted to say the Red Sox are winning the AL ill try to not be biased for once. I could see the Jays and Rays also fighting to get to the world series. No matter who it is we are going to see some fun series in the AL playoffs this year.
Predictions: Pirates take small step forward
Yes, I know they still stink but there could be a light at the end of the tunnel. The Pirates have their two stars in center and third base with a few solid players that can be key pieces on a 70 plus win team. Chavis is a standout to me, a solid first baseman who can play in different spots. Hayes and Reynolds will look good all year as we wait for the 6’7 short stop Oneil Cruz to make his debut. They will not have a winning record but finishing 3rd or 4th in their division could be possible.
Yankees struggle bad
I’m not a big Yankees guy to say the least. This lineup has 9 of the same players all trying to hit the ball 400 feet while striking out 3 times a game. That’s not a winning formula with how dominant the pitching has been the past few years. The Yankees must compete with 3 other teams that look strong this year and one of them have to be the odd man out.
Tigers take a big step up
They will not be a playoff team this year, but they will look strong and scare some teams. Second place in the division is a good goal for the Tigers depending on how the guardians are this season. A few good free agent signings and young prospects are a solid mix for the Tigers on their quest to compete for a playoff spot.
Braves take big step back
After losing Freeman it will be hard to find someone that can step into the void that is left at first base. The Braves will fight for a wildcard spot and might even get it but I feel this team just won’t be able to stay on top and repeat.
Bobby Dalbec has a big season for the Sox
Bobby D had an okay season with the Sox last season. He showed glimpses of what he could be but couldn’t do it every day. This year Dalbec takes a huge step up and becomes a key slugger for the Red Sox. Look for him to possible move to right field once Triston Casas is called up.
