MLB Preseason Divisional Predictions

AL East

Red Sox

Yankees

Blue Jays

Rays

Orioles

The Red Sox return the best offense in baseball and a star-studded pitching staff. Fresh off their World Series win, they’ll look to return hot as they are led by Mookie Betts and JD Martinez. Their easy four wins over the Dodgers showed they can live up to the hype after a league-leading 108 regular season wins. The Yankees could push into first place if a few key free agents come to New York. Manny Machado and Bryce Harper’s holdouts have kept fans on the edge this off season and should shift the whole universe once they sign.

AL Central

Indians

White Sox

Twins

Royals

Tigers

The Indians are quite obviously the most talented team in the AL Central. Their rotation of Kluber, Bauer, and Clevinger will throw hitters for a loop through all 162. With Lindor and Ramirez’s soar in power over the last few years, the boys from Cleveland will have no problem putting crooked numbers on the board. Getting past the Red Sox, Yankees, and Astros is going to be tough in the postseason.

AL West

Astros

Mariners

Angels

Athletics

Rangers

The Astros, like the Red Sox, have that unique combination of offense and pitching that could lead them to another championship. Their infield of Altuve, Bregman, and Correa along with outfielder George Springer are a proven crop of talent that should continue their dominance at the plate.

NL East

Braves

Phillies

Met

Nationals

Marlins

The Braves return a strong group of young prospects. They have a decent group of arms and are looking for a breakout season from shortstop Dansby Swanson. Sophomores Ozzie Albies and Ronald Acuna should continue mashing. Acuna, after being pulled up midway through the season, belted 26 bombs (at a pace of 38 per 162 games). Ozzie, despite being 160 pounds, hit 24 dingers and should produce more with a few adjustments to off speed.

NL Central

Cardinals

Cubs

Brewers

Pirates

Reds

After signing Goldy this offseason, the Cards will be the powerhouse offense of NL Central. They also possess a solid relief staff of Andrew Miller and Jordan Hicks who have been two of the hardest pitchers to hit off of the last few years. Miller’s 6’7 frame produces upper 90’s from a low arm slot on the left side with a slider from hell. Hicks’ fastball sits anywhere between 100-103 with the occasional 105. Oh, by the way, his low 90’s breaking balls are sure to make plenty of hitters look stupid this year.

NL West

Rockies

Dodgers

Giants

Padres

Diamondbacks

While the Dodgers are still stacked, the Rockies may break through to the top of the NL West as they possess one of the best offenses in the MLB. Trevor Story, Charlie Blackmon, Nolan Arenado, and hopefully Brendan Rodgers (top 10 prospect in minors) can provide some pop in the leagues “smallest” ballpark.