Opening Day is here, and the 2024 MLB season should be another exciting one after the Rangers topped the Diamondbacks in an unexpected World Series last October. Let’s get right to with predictions for this year.
American League
AL East: Orioles
The Orioles have worked themselves into near-powerhouse status, and they added former NL Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes in a trade with the Brewers—and have top pitching prospect Jackson Holliday set to join the team at some point in 2024. The combination of an exciting young lineup paired with the pitching staff makes for a scary combination.
AL Central: Twins
The Tigers are a sleeper type of team to watch for, but the Twins are the understandable AL Central favorites. A huge storyline to watch is the health of Byron Buxton, who would give a massive boost to Minnesota if he can stay on the field defensively and in the batter’s box for a full season.
AL West: Rangers
The defending World Series champions could have a slow start pitching wise, but the elite offense will hopefully keep them afloat deep into the summer when Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer are hopefully back for the stretch run.
AL wild cards: New York Yankees, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays
There are high hopes for the Yankees this season after acquiring superstar outfielder Juan Soto from the Padres—but hopefully Gerrit Cole (elbow) can get on the mound soon. The Astros have been there and done that, and they figure to be squarely in the AL West mix. And the Rays always seem to find a way to compete.
National League
NL East: Phillies
This looks like a two-team battle of National League titans within the same division, but the Phillies get the slight edge as a determined club after getting upset by the D-Backs last NLCS. The Braves might have more of an eye toward clicking in October after Philly knocked them out each of the past two postseasons. Also, health permitting, I like either Bryce Harper or Trea Turner to win NL MVP.
NL Central: Cubs
Craig Counsell moved from the Brewers to the Cubs, and it could lead to a big power shift within the NL Central. Chicago finished strong last year but just missed out on the playoffs, and they could have an influx of young talent hitting the majors this year. Re-signing Cody Bellinger after his 2023 resurgence was huge.
NL West: Dodgers
Most have the Dodgers and the Braves as the top two teams in baseball entering the season. Los Angeles added Shohei Ohtani, who will of course only hit this season after elbow surgery; but there’s already major controversy with the Japanese superstar with the betting investigation. Overall, the Dodgers are just too good and should win their 11th NL West title in 12 years.
NL wild cards: Atlanta Braves, Arizona Diamondbacks, St. Louis Cardinals
It’ll be an upset of both Atlanta and Philadelphia aren’t playing postseason baseball. The Diamondbacks repped the National League last season and are a good pick to again be in the World Series picture. There are a ton of intriguing teams, including the Reds, but the offseason additions for the Cardinals might help them get back on track following a highly disappointing 2023.
World Series
Phillies over Orioles
The Braves and Rangers were nearly the picks in their respective leagues. If the bullpen is on, the Phillies arguably have the MLB’s most well-rounded team when paired with an extremely deep offense and a strong starting staff anchored by Zack Wheeler and Aaron Nola. For Baltimore, they’ve built things the right way and are in position as legitimate championship hopefuls ahead of Opening Day. Ultimately, I think the battle-tested Phillies get over the hump and win it all in 2024.
Initial Power Rankings
1. Atlanta Braves
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
3. Philadelphia Phillies
4. Texas Rangers
5. Baltimore Orioles
6. Houston Astros
7. Tampa Bay Rays
8. Arizona Diamondbacks
9. New York Yankees
10. Toronto Blue Jays
11. Seattle Mariners
12. Minnesota Twins
13. Chicago Cubs
14. San Diego Padres
15. Cincinnati Reds
16. Milwaukee Brewers
17. San Francisco Giants
18. St. Louis Cardinals
19. New York Mets
20. Boston Red Sox
21. Cleveland Guardians
22. Detroit Tigers
23. Miami Marlins
24. Los Angeles Angels
25. Pittsburgh Pirates
26. Kansas City Royals
27. Washington Nationals
28. Colorado Rockies
29. Chicago White Sox
30. Oakland Athletics