As the offseason nears its final stage, it’s time to reflect on the upcoming 2025 season and what lies ahead. The 2024 season taught us that any team can turn things around and make it to the promised land. The Kansas City Royals are the best example of a team that quickly flipped the script, going from the bottom of the standings to a successful postseason team with tons of promise for the future. Led by a historic MVP season from their shortstop Bobby Witt and a revitalized pitching staff, headlined by Lugo, Ragans, Wacha, and Lorenzen, the Royals turned their record around from 56-106 to 86-76 in just one season. This proves that anything is possible in baseball — if you put the right team on the field, even years of bad luck and struggles as a bottom feeder can turn into success.

In the National League, a year after the Mets tore down their billion-dollar roster by trading Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer to the AL West, no one expected the insane second-half run that would see them come just two games short of the World Series. Although they fell short of the eventual World Series champions, the Mets put up a strong fight and are ready to prove to baseball that their success wasn’t just a fluke. With their newest addition, Juan Soto, now on the squad, the Mets are primed for another playoff push.

With spring training just over a month away, let’s evaluate each team and where they might land in the standings if the season were to begin tomorrow.

• National League East

*DW= Division Winner

*WC- Wildcard

1. Phillies 91-71 DW

The Philadelphia Phillies are a dangerous team and one not to be reckoned with. After finishing first in their division and earning a first-round bye, their playoff hopes were quickly cut short by the Mets in the NLDS. Despite losing that series due to some pitching hiccups, it cannot be overstated how strong the Phillies’ rotation looks heading into 2025.

Leading the charge is NL Cy Young favorite Zack Wheeler, who once again proved to be one of the most valuable pitchers in baseball. Wheeler posted a 16-7 record with a stellar 2.57 ERA, racking up 224 strikeouts over 200 innings, good for a 158 ERA+, making him 58% better than the league average. Aaron Nola remains a workhorse in the rotation, starting all 33 games and nearly reaching the 200-inning mark, showcasing both durability and consistency.

The Phillies’ rotation depth doesn’t stop there. Young southpaws Ranger Suárez and Christopher Sánchez combined for 6 WAR, posting a 23-17 record and a 3.40 ERA across 331.2 innings. Both were instrumental in the Phillies’ early-season pitching dominance. To further strengthen an already formidable rotation, the Phillies acquired Marlins ace Jesús Luzardo. While Luzardo didn’t have the season he envisioned in 2024, joining a winning environment like Philadelphia could help unlock his full potential.

Offensively, the Phillies are loaded with star power. Bryce Harper, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and J.T. Realmuto form a dangerous core that requires no introduction. Their offensive prowess, combined with an elite pitching staff, makes the Phillies one of the most well-rounded teams in baseball. After their early playoff exit last season, the Phillies are poised for another deep postseason run, fueled by both talent and determination.2. Braves 90-72 W.C

For many teams making zero moves in the offseason usually is a cause for concern but not for these Atlanta Braves. Last year in 2024 the Braves were hindered by injuries but hope to regain their most dangerous weapons in time for the 2025 season. A year after winning NL MVP and creating his first 40/70 club Ronald Acuna Jr suffered another season-ending injury by tearing his UCL. He only managed to play 49 games before going down and in that small sample, Acuna was hardly better than the league average reflected in his 101 OPS+. With a normal offseason, Acuna hopes to ramp up in time for opening day. 

As for the other missing link, Spenser Strider only managed 9 innings before going down for Tommy John surgery. Strider’s best season came in 2023 when he went 20-5 with 281 strikeouts for the 104-win Braves. The Braves also have a healthy Chris Sale on their team who after winning the CY Young and Triple Crown looks to add on with another stellar season. The Braves are a really good team but we’ve just witnessed a season of the Braves true weakness; injuries.

3. Mets 89-73 WC

If the 2024 season proved anything, it’s that the Mets aren’t here to play. After a disappointing season that left them at the bottom of the standings with little hope for postseason success, they fought their way to the NLCS, competing fiercely against the Dodgers. This Mets team has grit, and they’re showing they won’t stop until they’re back on top. With the addition of generational talent Juan Soto to pair with Francisco Lindor at leadoff, the Mets are looking like a serious contender in 2025.

Finally, it has happened: Pete Alonso signed a two-year deal to stay with the Mets, with an opt-out after the first year. The deal is worth $54 million, with $30 million coming in his first year. Despite a long and tense negotiation, Alonso is back, and he’ll be the highest-paid first baseman in terms of AAV. This pairing of Lindor, Soto, and Alonso gives the Mets a potent offensive trio that could dominate the league.

David Stearns and the Mets are at it again, buying low on the pitching market in hopes of finding the same success they did with Luis Severino and Sean Manaea in 2024. The Mets brought back Manaea on a three-year deal, but the signings of Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes have raised some eyebrows. Holmes, who hasn’t started a game since 2018, will be transitioning back to the rotation after a solid 3.14 ERA and 30-save season as a closer for the Yankees. If Holmes can handle the larger workload, there’s hope he could find similar success as Michael King (now with the Padres) and Seth Lugo (now with the Royals).

Montas, on the other hand, has more experience as a starter but has struggled in recent years. His 2024 campaign saw him post a 7-11 record with a 4.84 ERA over 150 innings. With pitching coach Jeremy Hefner working with him, there’s hope that Montas can turn things around and contribute to the Mets’ pitching staff in 2025. If the Mets can piece together their revamped roster and have these reclamation projects work out, they could be poised for another October run.

4. Nationals 76-86

The end of the rebuild might be near for the Washington Nationals. After back-to-back 71-91 campaigns, the team is looking to prove they’re ready to contend again. The roster is still largely unproven, with much of the team composed of players under 25 years old. Their youthful outfield trio of Dylan Crews, Jacob Young, and James Wood forms one of the youngest starting groups in MLB, giving fans plenty to be excited about for the future.

While this model predicts only a modest five-game improvement for 2025, it’s a step in the right direction. The Nationals are likely still at least a year away from true contention, but they’ve made small but impactful moves to improve their roster. They traded for Nathaniel Lowe to bolster their first base position and added Josh Bell as their designated hitter, bringing back a familiar face who was a key part of their lineup during his previous tenure with the team.

In addition to these moves, the Nationals have also worked to reshape their pitching staff. They reunited with Trevor Williams, who will provide depth and stability in the rotation and signed Jorge Lopez to strengthen their bullpen.

While these acquisitions won’t make the Nationals immediate contenders, the team has the potential to be pesky and difficult to face in 2025. Their competitive spirit, combined with their developing talent, could lay the foundation for future success. Though they might not be a playoff team yet, the Nationals are positioning themselves for a promising future and could surprise many with their improvement this season.

5. Marlins 60-102

The Miami Marlins find themselves in a frustrating cycle, seemingly entering another rebuild after just emerging from one. It’s both sad and pathetic to witness a franchise struggle to maintain competitiveness for any extended period. Despite the bleak outlook, there are reasons for optimism, particularly when focusing on the young, scrappy players who could become the foundation for future success.

Once celebrated for their young and dynamic pitching staff, the Marlins now face significant challenges on the mound. The rotation, which was once their hallmark, has become woefully weak. The return of Sandy Alcantara from Tommy John surgery after missing the entire 2024 season provides a glimmer of hope. However, expectations must be tempered as he works to regain his pre-injury form.

One of the most exciting players to watch is Xavier Edwards, a dynamic talent with the potential to electrify the Marlins’ lineup. In his limited sample size last season, Edwards hit over .300, showcasing his contact skills and speed. Looking ahead, he aims to replicate that success with another .300 season while setting his sights on stealing over 40 bases, with an ambitious goal of reaching 60. Edwards’ development will be a key storyline for the Marlins, as his aggressive baserunning and consistent hitting could inject much-needed energy into the team.

While the Marlins’ immediate future appears grim, the emergence of young talent like Edwards offers a reason to stay invested. The path back to relevance may be long and arduous, but building around promising players could eventually lead to sustained success. For now, Marlins fans will have to endure the growing pains, hoping that this new wave of talent can finally break the cycle of perpetual rebuilding.

• National League Central

1. Brewers 87-75 DW

The Brewers once again demonstrated their winning formula, securing another division title and proving they know how to build a successful team without overspending. Prioritizing defense and speed has paid dividends, as they captured their second consecutive team Gold Glove award.

The Brewers’ defense was anchored by Bruce Turang, who, despite being a below-average offensive player (85 OPS+, .688 OPS), showcased his value with 53 stolen bases and Gold Glove-caliber defense. On offense, William Contreras emerged as their star, earning a Silver Slugger and finishing in the top five for NL MVP. Contreras posted an impressive slash line of .281/.365/.466 with 23 home runs, 92 RBIs, and a .831 OPS, leading the team in nearly every offensive category.

The Brewers’ pitching remains their most formidable asset. Even after trading Devin Williams to the Yankees, they continue to field a dominant bullpen. Closer Trevor Megill had a breakout year, recording a 2.73 ERA and 21 saves. A key to Milwaukee’s pitching success lies in their ability to constantly develop unheralded relievers into impact players, a strategy that has drawn comparisons to the legendary Trevor Hoffman. This approach helped them lead MLB in saves (53), demonstrating the depth of their talent.

With their well-rounded roster and proven system, the Brewers are poised to be a major threat once again this season.

2. Reds 86-76

The NL Central is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in baseball, with every team harboring legitimate aspirations of claiming the top spot. The Cincinnati Reds, coming off a 77-85 campaign, are looking to turn the page with significant changes. One of the most impactful moves was hiring Terry Francona as their new manager. Francona, a two-time World Series champion, is best known for breaking the Curse of the Bambino with the 2004 Red Sox and taking the Cleveland Indians to Game 7 of the 2016 World Series. His leadership and experience could be the key to reinvigorating Cincinnati’s ballclub and energizing its fan base.

The Reds have also made bold moves on the roster front. With a logjam of talent in the middle infield, the team traded second baseman Jonathan India to the Kansas City Royals in exchange for starter Brady Singer. Singer provides much-needed depth to a rotation that posted a team ERA+ of 108 last season. The pitching staff is anchored by Hunter Greene, who had a breakout year in 2024. Greene delivered an impressive 6.3 WAR, starting 26 games and finishing with a 9-5 record and a 2.75 ERA, establishing himself as one of the premier arms in the league.

On the offensive side, Elly De La Cruz is a player to watch. The electrifying 6’5″, 200-pound shortstop is coming off a stellar season that included 25 home runs and a jaw-dropping 67 stolen bases, contributing significantly to his overall WAR. De La Cruz’s ability to impact the game both at the plate and on the basepaths makes him a cornerstone for the Reds’ future.

As the Reds gear up for the 2025 season, the combination of veteran leadership from Francona, promising young stars like De La Cruz, and improvements to the rotation could propel them into October contention. The NL Central race will be one to watch, and Cincinnati is positioning itself to be a serious player in the mix.

3. Cubs 85-77

The NL Central remains a division up for grabs, and the Chicago Cubs are making their case to break through. With their last playoff appearance coming in 2018, the Cubs are hungry for October baseball, and their offseason acquisition of Kyle Tucker signals their intent to contend. Tucker, a three-time All-Star, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove winner, and 2022 World Series champion, brings a combination of talent, leadership, and postseason pedigree to Wrigley Field. His presence adds a sense of urgency and expectation to a team that has often lacked consistency in recent years.

Despite the excitement, skepticism surrounds whether the Cubs can fully deliver on their potential. While newly hired manager Craig Counsell is one of the most respected minds in baseball, transforming this team into a playoff contender is no small feat. The Cubs have undeniable talent, but doubts linger about their ability to execute in a highly competitive division.

On the mound, the Cubs boast one of the more intriguing rotations in baseball, with a collective 124 ERA+ that ranked among the best in the league. Shoto Imanaga, in particular, took MLB by storm in his rookie season, earning an All-Star nod with a dominant 15-3 record, 2.91 ERA, and 173 innings pitched. Imanaga’s emergence was unexpected, especially compared to his fellow Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who signed a $325 million contract but struggled with durability, finishing 7-2 with fewer innings pitched. Alongside Imanaga, Justin Steele, Jameson Taillon, and Javier Assad round out a rotation capable of competing with the best.

Offensively, the Cubs are led by Tucker, but they also feature strong contributors like Nico Hoerner and Dansby Swanson, who anchor the middle infield with elite defense. The lineup has the potential to produce, and with their balanced roster, the Cubs could be a formidable force.

The Cubs recently traded for their former closer Ryan Pressly and made a move to acquire Ryan Brasier after he was placed on waivers by the Dodgers. Brasier posted an impressive 1.89 ERA with the Dodgers before being waived as the team brought in Kirby Yates. These bullpen additions provide much-needed depth and experience, potentially solidifying the Cubs’ late-inning reliability.

Ultimately, the Cubs’ success hinges on their ability to play up to their potential. The pieces are there—a strong rotation, reliable defense, and a superstar bat—but the road to the playoffs is never easy. Whether Counsell can get this team over the hump remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Cubs control their destiny. Whether they seize it or let it slip through their fingers is a storyline worth following. While it feels wrong and somewhat disrespectful to rank them this low, given their talent and recent moves, their inability to reach the postseason since 2018 and their lack of a playoff win since their 2016 World Series Game 7 victory cannot be ignored. Third place in the NL Central seems like a respectable projection for now, though anything can change once the season unfolds.

4. Pirates 76-86

The Pittsburgh Pirates continue to be a frustrating franchise, stuck in a cycle of mediocrity despite having one of the best pitchers in baseball, Paul Skenes. While Skenes is projected to have another dominant season, possibly becoming only the second player in history to win the Cy Young Award after securing Rookie of the Year honors, the rest of the roster simply doesn’t inspire confidence.

Skenes is expected to post a stellar 14-6 record with 212 strikeouts and a 6.0 WAR, cementing his status as the team’s undisputed ace. However, the Pirates’ reliance on Skenes to carry the pitching staff is concerning. Mitch Keller and Jared Jones round out the “three-headed pitching machine,” but their projections indicate more of the same inconsistency. Keller is forecasted to go 11-10 with a 3.95 ERA and 184 strikeouts, while Jones is slightly better with a 10-9 record, 203 strikeouts, and the same 3.95 ERA. David Bednar remains a solid closer, projected for another 20+ save season, totaling 29 saves, providing stability at the back end of the bullpen.

The real issue lies with the offense. Beyond Bryan Reynolds, who remains the Pirates’ only legitimate offensive threat, the lineup lacks depth and star power. The team hasn’t signed a player to a multi-year deal since bringing in Ivan Nova in 2016, showcasing the ownership’s unwillingness to invest in building a competitive roster. This lack of commitment severely limits the team’s potential, leaving them reliant on unproven prospects and average veterans.

Ownership’s frugality has been a recurring theme, and it’s hard to envision the Pirates making any significant strides without a shift in philosophy. Even with a potential Cy Young season from Skenes, the Pirates’ ceiling remains disappointingly low. Their minimal offensive production and overreliance on a few key pitchers will likely keep them from being serious contenders.

In the end, while Paul Skenes offers a glimpse of brilliance, baseball is a team sport, and one superstar can’t carry an entire franchise. Unless the Pirates make meaningful changes, both in their front-office approach and on the field, they’ll remain mired in mediocrity for the foreseeable future.

5. Cardinals 75-87

This voodoo magic won’t hit the Cardinals hard as they look to spend another year in the gutter. It will be close and honestly will only be decided a few games to separate from the Pirates but I just don’t see the Cardinals being any good this season with a lot of their opponents being more stacked against them. The Cardinals are trying to cut payroll and I simply just do not see them being higher than fourth especially if they trade away their stars like 3B Nolan Arenado, SP Sonny Gray, or even close Ryan Helsley who racked up an NL-leading 49 saves last year. Maybe there is a world where they are successful but I just don’t believe they’ve fixed themselves and put themselves in a window to succeed today.

• National League West

1. Dodgers 109-53 DW

This team is the juggernaut of Major League Baseball. They’re the Goliath to baseball’s David. There’s no getting past this team unless a miracle happens. I don’t usually predict teams to win 100 games, much less 109, but with what the Dodgers have done this offseason—on top of being reigning World Series champions—109 wins is entirely possible. Honestly, even breaking the all-time single-season win record (116 wins by the 2001 Mariners) isn’t out of the question.

Leading the charge is Japanese MVP Shohei Ohtani, fresh off winning his third MVP award and first in the National League. He’s preparing for his first season pitching with the Dodgers. Ohtani, the first DH to win the award, posted video game-like numbers: 54 home runs, 130 RBIs, 59 stolen bases, and a slash line of .310/.390/.646/1.036. Now imagine that power being added to a lineup featuring veteran .300+ first baseman Freddie Freeman and generational talent Mookie Betts, who’s making a comfortable switch back to the infield. The Dodgers also re-signed Teoscar Hernández, brought in Michael Conforto, and extended Tommy Edman.

Edman, by the way, came over in the same trade that landed Michael Kopech, and both played crucial roles in last season’s biggest moments. But the Dodgers didn’t stop there. They also signed 22-year-old Japanese phenom Roki Sasaki, who finished 2024 with Chiba Lotte posting a 10-5 record and a 2.35 ERA. Sasaki, too young to enter free agency, had to go through the minor league posting process, meaning every team had a shot at him. But as always, he chose the Dodgers—because everyone goes to the Dodgers. It is frightening but the hype is real with this young kid. So much so that I see Roki winning the Rookie of the Year award. Still needs to adjust to MLB pitching and longevity but when the time comes I know promise will show for the kid. 

Oh yeah and if that wasn’t enough, the cherry on top is the addition of two All-Star closers, Tanner Scott and Kirby Yates, who combined for a ridiculous 1.17 ERA.

JESUS CHRIST. THIS TEAM IS LOADED WITH ALL-STARS. How can anyone beat this? You have to credit Andrew Friedman, who said he didn’t want to buy in July, so he just went out and got everyone this offseason.

And don’t even start with, “If other teams spent money, the Dodgers wouldn’t get everyone.” That’s blatantly false. Other teams are always in negotiations for star players—it’s just that everyone wants to play for the Dodgers. They’re the most attractive team in baseball, ruining everyone else’s chances at landing top talent.

If you thought the Dodgers were dangerous over the last decade, just wait. They might never lose again.

2. Diamondbacks 88-74

I originally thought the Padres were going into this season as the second-best team but I just do not see that anymore. After the MLB approved John Sielder as majority owner of the Padres there is minimal hope they will succeed in a tough NL West with the new front office trying to cut costs and corners as much as they can. The Diamondbacks however are a team ready to compete again and after making it to the World Series back in 2023 they look better than ever. Newly acquired ace pitcher Corbin Burnes looks to hold down the rotation as the ace of the staff. He will be playing a vital role in an already pretty deep rotation for Arizona. Corbin Burnes is projected for around 200 strikeouts, a 16-6 record, and a 3.55 era though Fangraphs and statistics usually are slightly underwhelming to the performance the pitcher will bring for the season. Pair that with Zac Gallen who is projected for a 14-6 season, 186 strikeouts, and 3.63 with Merril Kelly who projects to go 12-6, 145 strikeouts, and 3.87 eras it looks like the D-Backs are in safe hands for their rotation. 

As for the offense, the Diamondbacks scored 826 runs in 2024, which was the most in the MLB and they also averaged 5.7 runs per game which was also the most. The DBacks are excited for another season of Ketel Marte and Corbin Carroll, a combo that features incredible base stealing in Carroll (40 stolen bases) and a power threat with Marte (35 home runs). Don’t forget Ketel finished 3rd in MVP and if it wasn’t for another great player in his division he could have won the MVP. After losing out on their star and best defensive first baseman Christian Walker the club was quick to replace his talents with Josh Naylor who although not as productive defensively makes up with his offensive metrics. He hit over 30 home runs and had over 100 RBIs for Cleveland last year not to mention Eugenio Suarez who put up similar production for the DBacks. I think the DBacks are going to be an existing team this year and they are ready for the challenge in the west.

3. Padres 85-77 WC

The Padres were poised for a great season in 2025 but after ugly distractions in the front office that caused a legal dispute between the late Peter Sielder’s wife Sheel Sielder and Peter’s brother it seems likely they won’t be able to replicate the talent they had last season. It’s truly unfortunate as John Sielder who is now the majority owner of the team is taking a different more conservative approach financially for the team. After lucrative deals given out to practically their entire infield and Fernando Tatis they are destined to cut expenses and cut corners as much as they can.

Despite the challenges, the Padres have plenty of star power. Rookie of the Year winner Jackson Merrill made a big splash, posting a 4.4 WAR, a near-.300 average, .500 slugging, 24 home runs, and 90 RBIs. Pairing Merrill with franchise cornerstones Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr, plus three-time consecutive batting champion Luis Arraez, sets the Padres up for another promising year.

The Padres are going to ease it now and we may see a Padres team we haven’tseenm in quite some time one that manages their money well and one scared to give out large sums of cash to players. I originally had them at second but I just do not believe this ballclub is capable of playing to that standard in a tough NL West division, especially with all the moves their counterparts ahead of them have made. To fill the void of Jurickson Profar leaving for Atlanta they signed Connor Joe and Jason Heyward as supplement back-end talent to share time in the corner spot. Sounds like a disaster waiting to happen especially given they are open about trading Dylan Cease and other notable names as well.

4. Giants 83-79

The Giants pretty much except for their stellar 2021 season have always been a middle-of-the-pack organization and I just don’t see them getting any higher than fourth place with the toughness that lies ahead. That didn’t stop them from making moves as the first move under the new Buster Posey regime has inked star shortstop Willy Adames to a 7-year 182 million dollar contract, the team announced on Tuesday. It’s the largest contract in Giants history, surpassing the $167 million deal in 2013 for Buster Posey, who was recently named the team’s president of baseball operations. The Giants are also looking hopeful for a rebounding season from Jung Ho Lee who was their best free-agent pickup in the 2024 offseason. Although he dealt with injury he is a high on base guy with a high average that I believe will surely play a significant role in Oracle Park. Matt Chapman is another player to be excited about after in his first season in San Fran had a 7 WAR season with a terrific glove at third that won him his third gold glove. Pair that with 27 home runs and 98 runs and you have the perfect player to be on the third base side.

The Giants also have Logan Webb, an anchor in their staff who will play a serious role in 2025 as he has in the past. Logan has led the league in innings pitched for the past two seasons. I believe another great year is in the books for Webb. The Giants also took a flyer on veteran 42-year-old Justin Verlander who will enter his 20th season this season. Hope he can rebound but the Giants aren’t worried as he is the guy to win the CY Young in two consecutive healthy seasons last winning the award at age 39 years old in 2022. But that was 3 years ago so the world is not entirely sure about the production the old man can put up but it is worth seeing for a team with minimal expectation to compete this year. I wish the Giants all the luck but unfortunately, it doesn’t seem to be the case this year.

5. Rockies 53-109

The Rockies are a miserable team and are one of three teams to have zero percent chance of getting to the playoffs. This team has no promise and it is a pitching nightmare in Coors not much to do with high elevation.

• American League East

1. Yankees 95-67 DW

After making it to the world series the Yankees are poised for another great season. Yeah they lost Juan Soto and that sucks for the team but let’s not forget before Yankee fans bitch and moan, the guy never owed your team anything. He spent one year with the organization and helped boost this team from a hopeless October absence to a legitimate World Series contender. The Yankees will always be the team he spent the least amount of time with but don’t worry the cross-town big brothers will take care of him. Anyway, if there was ever a moment where a fire was lit under Cashman’s behind it was the moment Soto signed with the Mets. From there the pivot began and it started with inking LHP Max Fried to an 8-year deal that will take him to his age 38 season. Cashman also made lofty trades for closer Devin Williams and Cody Bellinger to fortify the holes in the staff and for Williams to strenghen an already strong pitching staff. Devin Williamsandd Max Fried have the lowest era since 2021 in their respective roles. Fried will be paired with Gerrit Cole, Carlos Rodon, ROY winner Luis Gil, and Clark Schmidt. Not to mention the Yankees signed Paul Goldschmidt to a one-year 12 million dollar deal as a bridge gap before they go big in the 2026 offseason on Munetaka Murakami, a Japanese first baseman who plays in Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). The Yankees are considering Murakami as a long-term solution at first base. 

Although I am a Mets fan I can say this team is one of the clear best teams in the AmericanLeaguee and if they’re not the first best they are the second best. The Yankees are also rewarded with the best player in the AmericanLeaguee with right fielder Aaron Judge. Who put up historic video game numbers on the heel of a great Juan Soto season? It also looks like the Bronx could be saying bye-bye to pitcher Marcus Stroman who looks to be packaged in a trade hopefully for another defensive offensive threat, someone who has also spent a lot of time playing with Goldschmidt. Pair that with Jazz Chisholm who is poised for a 20/30 (hr/sb season) alongside defensive wizard Austin Wells and an aging veteran DH in Stanton and there could be some magic in the Bronx.  

2. Red Sox 93-69 WC

This is a bold move but with the direction this team is headed, it looks like they’re in for a successful season. A trio of top prospects is poised to make their debut with Marcello Mayer, Roman Anthony, and Triston Campbell all succeeding with flying colors in triple AAA. I am excited for this team to finally prevail with the prospects they havewaitingg in the corner. Roman Anthony was rated the #1 hitting prospect in MLB and Campbell was rated #7 overall for the MLB pipeline. Don’t forget Jaren Durran who had an 8 WAR season for these last year after hitting for a high average and a lot of doubles looks to be a threat on the base path. Triston Casas is another stud who is projected for a 30-hun season alongside the face of the franchise Rafael Devers who is projected for 31 home runs, 89 RBIs, and 89 runs. If the Yankees don’t pull off a trade for Nolan Arenado he will fit perfectly in Fenway as that will allow the Sox to expend Devers to DH and trade Yoshida out of Boston.

The Red Sox are also looking forward to a new revitalized pitching staff led by new ace Garrett Crochet who will anchor the top of the staff after he had a stellar season for the horrible white sox where he had 4.1 WAR in 146 innings paired with 209 strikeouts. A season where he isn’t at an innings limit will do the stud major justice plus being able to work with pitching genie Andrew Bailey who did terrific work turning the staff around last year is poised for another year at a successful turnaround. Pair that with Walker Buehler who is known for his years with the Dodgers and looks to head up thenortheastt to command this rotation and add serious depth. The Red Sox are also going to have Liam Hendriks back for the season as a closer. I know the Red Sox faithful have been through a lot over the past 7 years since theirWorld Series run in 2018 but I truly believe that will change this year.

3. Orioles 90-72

The Orioles are in the middle of an exciting time for their franchise. After making it into October last season with a 91-71 record they look to compete again and look to be dangerous across the base paths. Gunnar Henderson is a stud who after finishing fourth in MVP conservations with a season that had him hit .281 with 37 bombs, 92 RBIs with an OPS+ of 157 is looking to add to his already impressive resume. Pair that with Adley Rutschman who though had a down year still had 3.4 WAR due to his great defense. Among that Colton Cowser who finished fourth in ROY and the plethora of offensive talent like Samuel Basallo and Coby Mayo, they look to be a threat in the east. They also did some damage in the free agent market adding a plethora of outfielders from Ramon Laureno to Dylan Carlson to their best new offensive weapon in Tyler O’Neil who slashed 30 home runs with just 99 hits for the Red Sox last year. There is a blockage of veteran stars taking over time from their prospects so expect a trade to take place.

One area the Orioles need to focus more attention on is their pitching which sadly after losing their ace in 2024 they have yet to truly fill the void. Yeah, they made moves but how much is a 41-year-old Charlie Morton going to play a role for this team besides being an inning eater and for a contending team having a guy to plug in as just an inning eater who is just a little above league average won’t play as well an unproven Japanese pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano who hasn’t played a game in the majors and his only experience pitching against MLB players came in the WBC in 2017. He should have been in the majors after the 2022 season but opted to stay in Japan so I’m not sure how much we can trust a 35-year-old pitcher where the comparison to Japanese baseball is similar to that of double AA to triple AAA. Besides the two question marks Grayson Rodriguez and Zach Eflin promise to lead this staff to contention combine for 24 wins and a 3.80 ERA. They will play a big role alongside Felix Bautista coming back as the closer it looks to be another fruitful season for the O’s they just need to get over the hump of the teams ahead.

4. Blue Jays 84-78

After the Blue Jays made moves to bring in longtime rival Anthony Santander to be their everyday left fielder alongside the additions of defensive second baseman Andres Gimenez who is one of the best fielders in all of baseball as their new second baseman and the addition of Jeff Hoffman to their bullpen plus bringing in veteran Max Scherzer to a one year deal it feels like the Blue Jays should be more at the top of their division competing for the best but I just do not see that to be the case. Vladmir Guerrero Jr who had a terrific 2024 season going 30 home runs with 103 RBIs for a .323 average has had contract negotiations stalled after he rejected a $450/12 deal the team offered to extend the hometown hero it looks like this could be the last season of Vladimir in Toronto. I do not blame the Jays for being super aggressive in the offseason even after coming in second for the likes of Pete Alonso, Juan Soto, and Roki Sasaki they remained a serious team to bring in vital talent to their organization. I just simply do not see them being that successful as this team has until the trade deadline to prove they are serious or else many of their players could be repping another jersey as the team prepares for the future.

On the bright side, their rotation which is their clear bright spot is led by Kevin Gausman who is projected to go 12-9 with almost 200 strikeouts and a 3.80 ERA alongside innings eater Chris Bassit who is projected for 11-10 and a 4.10 era. Plus the addition of Max Scherzer could either be good for the team or quickly turn south as his past track record of staying healthy and consistent is far out of the window of logical possibilities. Regardless, I believe this is a good team I just don’t see them going far in the season. It could go either direction for the team but projecting them to be better with the success of the top three teams ahead is just utter blasphemy.

5. Rays 81-81

The Rays known for trading away any players with any sort of value have done just that in the last year with trades sending Randy Arozarena to Seattle and Jeffrey Springs to Sacramento it feels like any player for this team that has any sort of value will go away quickly as the Rays prepare for the future and get ready to fill the holes left by their veterans for their prospects. Their main weapon ready to be called up is Carson William who has over 1,359 at-bats in the minors, he has maintained a .256 batting average, hitting 62 home runs, driving in 228 runs, and stealing 83 bases, resulting in an .831 OPS. Other notable names are Xavier Isaac, 1B, 21: Ranked as the Rays’ No. 2 prospect and No. 51 overall, and Brayden Taylor, 3B, who is ranked as the Rays’ No. 3 prospect and No. 67 overall. 

As for their pitching which has always been a major positive of the team is shaping up to be a formidable unit, blending returning talent with emerging prospects. Shane McClanahan is expected to be ready for spring training, aiming to return to his All-Star form after recovering from injury. Jeffrey Springs also returns to health, poised to be a key contributor to the rotation. Shane Baz made a promising comeback, posting a 3.06 ERA over 14 starts, while Zack Littell transitioned successfully to a full-time starter role, recording a 3.63 ERA across 29 outings. Ryan Pepiot seized his extended major league opportunity with a solid 3.60 ERA over 130 innings in 26 starts. Taj Bradley showcased his potential despite some inconsistencies, highlighted by an impressive stretch where he posted a 0.82 ERA over nine starts between June 8 and July 25. The Rays’ depth chart is further bolstered by pitchers like Cole Sulser, Eric Orze, and Nate Lavender, who are expected to contribute in various roles throughout the season. With this depth and talent, the Rays’ pitching staff looks poised for a strong performance in 2025.

The Rays are a good team at finding the value in players who don’t have much value to other teams, with their insane statistical department I have no doubt they will be one of the more underrated teams to face in the American league. However, stars like 1B Yandy Diaz and 2B Brandon Lowe among others are names that should be expected to be gone this season as their contracts are coming to an end and the Rays are most definitely not going to extend them. It is what makes this team successful and sadly they are going to enter another retooling era hopeful to contend shortly.

• American League Central

1. Royals 90-72 DW

The Royals had a heck of a season topped off with making it to the American League Divison Series and although they did not reach the end they proved they are ready to contend and are hungry for more time in October. Their star player is none other than Bobby Witt Jr who led MLB with a .332 batting average, hitting 32 home runs, driving in 109 RBIs, stealing 31 bases, and winning both Gold Glove and Silver Slugger awards and a batting title to go alongside the successful 2024 season. Another notable names that contributed to a successful Royals season were Salvador Perez who appeared in 158 games and achieved a .271 batting average with 27 home runs and 104 RBIs to go alongside another year behind the plate. Alongside Vinne Pasquantino otherwise known as the ‘Sasquatch recorded his career best season batting .262 with 19 home runs and 97 RBis. They will serve as a viable force for the Royals lineup. As well as Maikel Garcia who had 37 stolen bases to go alongside 58 RBis. Don’t forget that newly acquired 2B Jonathan India will be a great piece to add to an already strong lineup.

Their offense is great but their pitching took a serious step forward last year with the likes of Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans, and Michael Wacha all stepping up big time for the Royals. Lugo finished second in the AL CY young leading the team with 16 wins and a 3.00 era over 33 starts, it was his clear best season ever. Ragans had an 11-9 record with a 3.14 wrap and led the team with 223 strikeouts in 186 innings. Wacha too was amazing posting another stellar campaign of 13-8 with a 3.35 era. I am confident that this team can take another step forward of being the best in a fairly weak division.

2. Guardians 89-73 WC

This team proved that even the youngest and unproven of stars can make a serious impact at the major league level. They were led by a stellar bullpen notable names include Emmanuel Clase who finished 4th in CY Young with a 0.61 ERA and 47 saves. He is someone I have confidence as remaining the best closer in baseball. The Guardians like other teams named tend to turn no-name guys into legit stars at the major league level. Their pitching is question marks but being led by Triston McKenzie and Tanner Bibee will do justice for a team hungry to compete again in October.

Their offense led by the best third baseman in baseball Jose Ramirez is projected for 33 homers 111 RBI and 29 SB seasons with 103 runs. He is the cornerstone of this franchise and he will face plenty of time at the hot corner. Though they traded Josh Naylor to Arizona they are welcomed with an old friend Carlos Santana back on a one-year deal. The ageless 39-year-old wonder earned a gold glove last year and is looking to spend the majority of time at first base. Among the rest are names that do not jump out on the page or look super fancy but will get the job done. I know this ball club is great and looking forward to another season for Cleveland.

3. Tigers 87-75

The Tigers shocked the world last year. After having less than a 0.1% chance of making the postseason in August swiftly turned their club around and made it to the dance. Most notably were the team to kick the Astros out of the playoffs and kill their chances of a 7th time making it to the American League Championship Series. Ironically all this success came after Javier Baez hit the injured list, coincidence? I think not. Javier Baez should not play any more games in Detriot or at least play significant time. The guy stinks! Luckily his replacement Trey Sweeney has been just fine at shortstop. The Tigers are a young and exciting team that can hopefully make it back into the playoffs come October. In the 2024 season, the Detroit Tigers’ outfielders delivered notable performances. Riley Greene led the team with 24 home runs and 74 RBIs, achieving a .262 batting average over 137 games. Kerry Carpenter, in 87 games, posted a .284 average with 18 home runs and 57 RBIs. Parker Meadows contributed a .244 batting average, hitting 9 home runs and driving in 28 RBIs across 82 games. Collectively, these players significantly bolstered the Tigers’ offense during the season and will be playing a big role in 2025. If 1B first-round pick Spenser Torkelson can go back to his old self hitting 30 hrs and around 90RBIs as he showed in 2023 then this team is going to be good. They’re also welcoming newfound talent Gleyber Torress to be their everyday second baseman shifting Colt Keith to either third or first depending on the season Torkelson has.

Their pitching could not be better as Tarik Skubal became the first Tiger to win the CY Young for the team since Scherzer did it in 2013. He not only won the award but did it with flying colors winning the ERA title and pitching triple crown that hasn’t been achieved since Shane Bieber did it in 2020. But that was the COVID-shortened season but getting this award in a full season is far more impressive and a lot harder. He had an 18-4 record, 2.38 era, and 228 strikeouts. He is the best pitcher in the AmericanLeaguee and looks to win the award again. Other notable names are a reunion with RHP Jack Flaherty who came back on a 2-year deal, over the season Flaherty posted a 13-7 record with a 3.17 ERA and 194 strikeouts over 162 innings in 28 starts as well as being a vital force for the Dodgers winning the world series who the Tigers were dumb enough to trade away. Other notable names are Matt Manning and Jackson Jobe who will have some significant roles in the club. This is a good and young team and I am excited to see what else they have in store for 2025. If 2024 was the trailler 2025 will be one heck of a movie.

4. Twins 72-90

I just cannot see this team being that successful with their counterparts making serious strides at being good in 2025. The Twins finished two games above .500 and look to take a step backward for the next year. Their most promising guys really cannot stay on the field for the life of them such as Royce Lewis, Carlos Correa, and Bryon Buxton. None of them played more than 86 games, with Buxton only managing 102, which is just a little more than 60% of the season. Carlos Correa showed strong strides as the team’s shortstop and made his first All-Star team for the club. Royce Lewis, if he can just stay healthy, truly is a power threat. He clobbered 16 homers in 82 games, which translates to about 32-35 homers over a full season. But Lewis has never been healthy, as 82 games is a career-high for him. He’s promising, but he’s gotta be careful since he’s very injury-prone. On the other hand, Ryan Jeffers behind the plate is poised for another great season. He hit 21 homers, drove in 64 RBIs, and accumulated 2.1 WAR. His .223 average isn’t pretty, but any production they can get from him is solid.

5. White Sox 53-109

This team lost 121 games which is the most in the modern era. And their manager is Grady Sizemore. What a horrible season with not much to look forward to for 2025. It is the time to see what small moves they can get and easily flip. Besides the terrible, they have exciting prospects waiting in the corner for them such as Noah Schultz, Braden Montgomery, and Edgar Quero had standout performances. Schultz, a left-handed pitcher, posted a 2.24 ERA over 88.1 innings, striking out 115 batters with a 0.98 WHIP, showing his potential as a future ace. Montgomery, an outfielder, excelled at the plate with a .322 batting average, 27 home runs, and 85 RBIs, demonstrating both power and consistency. Quero, a catcher, impressed with a .280 batting average, 16 home runs, and 70 RBIs over 350 at-bats, solidifying his position as a promising offensive and defensive prospect. These strong statistics highlight their growing importance in the White Sox’s future. This is all the White Sox faithful have to look forward to for 2025. Besides that many gray clouds will be looming over the south side.

• American League West

1. Rangers 93-69 DW

This is the year when the Astros begin their ascend down to earth and the Rangers start to elevate towards the top. With frugal spending and a tight budget, we have to stop giving credit to the Astros and see what the Rangers are building in Dallas. After winning the World Seriess in 2023 the Rangers had a bit of a World Series hangover but they’ve made plenty of moves to replenish the holes. They’ve resigned world series champ Nathan Eovaldi to a two-year deal as well as bringing in another world series stud Joc Pederson as DH. In the 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, Joc Pederson hit 23 home runs, drove in 64 RBIs, scored 78 runs, posted a .908 OPS, and had an OPS+ of 151. He will be an important signing to bring much more power to a lineup that didn’t feature much out of Corey Seager and Adolis Garcia. Additionally, the club brought back 39-year-old reliever Chris Martin to fix the back end of the bullpen. In the 2024 MLB season, relief pitcher Chris Martin appeared in 45 games for the Texas Rangers, recording a 3-1 win-loss record, a 3.45 ERA, 2 saves, 50 strikeouts over 44.1 innings pitched, and a 1.13 WHIP. He was much better in 2023 for the Red Sox where he posted 3.2 WAR in 51 innings with a 1.05 ERA. 

Although the club parted ways with long-time Ranger Nathaniel Lowe they immediately fixed things up by bringing in Jake Burger to slot at first baseman. After hitting 29 home runs for Miami last season Burger is projected for 34 home runs and 78 RBIs. Lowe was wonderful but this is a serious offensive upgrade. They also signed Kyle Higashioka from San Diego to be theirbackupp catcher and enhance the depth in this team.

Heading into the 2025 MLB season, the Texas Rangers’ offense is expected to be strong, led by key players like Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Adolis García, and Evan Carter. Semien is projected to continue his consistent production, with expectations for a solid on-base percentage and around 20 home runs. Seager, a cornerstone of the lineup, is projected to maintain a high wOBA and hit around 30 home runs. García, coming off a down year in 2024, is expected to return to his 2023 form, providing power and driving in runs. Evan Carter, building on his promising 2023, is projected to contribute significantly with solid offensive numbers, including 20 home runs. Together, these players form a formidable core that should lead the Rangers’ offense to success in 2025.

If this is the appetizer then having deGrom back for hopefully a full year of pitching is the main course and we are talking prime rib with all the sides. Jacob freaking deGrom WHEN he is healthy is a unicorn among men. Jacob deGrom has been one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League Baseball when healthy. Over his career, he has achieved an 84-57 win-loss record, a 2.52 ERA, and 1,666 strikeouts over 1,367 innings pitched. His career WHIP stands at 0.99.  In the 2024 season with the Texas Rangers, after coming back from Tommy John surgery deGrom appeared in 3 games, posting a 1.69 ERA with 14 strikeouts over 10.2 innings pitched.  It is a short sample size but the brilliance and wow factor truly never leaves this man. If deGrom is healthy then he will win CY Young unanimously. I need this man to pitch well so he can have a chance at the hall. 

For the rotation going into 2025 led by of course deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi as a sick one-two punch.Alongsidee Jon Gray, a consistent presence in the rotation. Tyler Mahle slots in as a solid mid-rotation option, with health being key to his effectiveness. Cody Bradford, coming off a promising 2024 season, is expected to secure a regular spot. The rotation’s depth is further bolstered by rising prospects like Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter, who could make significant contributions if their development continues positively. This blend of seasoned arms and young talent positions the Rangers for another competitive run in 2025. Health and promise is a big if for the Rangers but if they can stay healthy and command everyone to be at their best for the season then truly can expect big things. Man I want the Rangers to succeed and truly kick these Astro’s butts

2. Astros 89-73 WC

It is the fall of an empire collapsing. The power and strength of a once scary and threatening core are suddenly diminishing between our eyes. What once was a difficult mountain to climb seemingly looks like a country mile. They are still the Astros and should not be defined by the results of last season when the Tigers took them out of the playoffs. It is a new dawn but this team is still damm good and hungry to regain control of the West.

Their lineup features power, strength, high average, and a little bit of base stealing along the way. Their franchise man Jose Altuve at second base is going to be etched into the hall of fame as he is truly one of the best to play in this era, regardless of how you see the man he is incredibly good even without cheating. In the 2024 MLB season, Jose Altuve posted a triple-slash line of .295/.350/.439, achieving 20 home runs and 65 RBIs over 153 games. Altuve’s performance last season earned him his seventh Silver Slugger award. Pair that with phenom at the plate Yordan Alvarez who smashed 35 home runs, a .308 average with an OPS+ of 172, he will always be great and push this Astros team from good to great. The club also made a splash for Christian Walker who is one of the best defensive first baseman in the game winning his third golden glove in 2024. Christian Walker, achieved a triple-slash line of .251/.335/.468. He recorded 26 home runs, 84 RBIs, and 72 runs scored. His on-base percentage was .335, and his slugging percentage was .468, resulting in an OPS of .803. These statistics contributed to an OPS+ of 116 and a wRC+ of 116, indicating above-average offensive performance. 

With good stars coming in means great ones leaving and with Alex Bregman still unsigned and most likely not heading back to Houston as well as trading Kyle Tucker they lost serious power in their lineup. It was the first time the organization traded away one of their stars before hitting the market, known for not giving out big extensions they decided to cut bait with Tucker which will surely hurt but the return the team received from the club is quite fair. In December 2024, the Houston Astros made a significant move by acquiring infielder Isaac Paredes, right-handed pitcher Hayden Wesneski, and third baseman Cam Smith from the Chicago Cubs. In exchange, the Astros sent outfielder Kyle Tucker to the Cubs. Paredes, a 2024 All-Star, is expected to provide versatility at first and third base, depending on the Astros’ roster needs. Wesneski and Smith add depth to the Astros’ pitching and infield prospects, with Smith ranked as MLB’s No. 73 overall prospect by MLB Pipeline. That shifts Paredes to third and seemingly cuts Bregman out of the equation unless Bregman takes the deal from the Astros which would put Paredes at second and Altuve in the outfield. Strange. 

Although Paredes was pretty horrible with his small sample with the Cubs only hitting a .223 batting average for an OPS+ of 82, he looks to greatly benefit from regularly hitting in Houston. Isaac Paredes’ performance could improve at Houston’s Minute Maid Park for a few reasons. First, Minute Maid Park is known for being a hitter-friendly ballpark, especially for left-handed batters like Paredes, due to the shorter porch in left field. The field dimensions could help him hit more home runs and extra-base hits, as it favors power hitters with pull-heavy swings. The team’s coaching staff, which is known for maximizing players’ potential, could help Paredes refine his approach at the plate and improve his consistency. With a lineup full of strong hitters like Yordan Álvarez and Kyle Tucker, he may see more pitchable opportunities in a deep lineup, potentially boosting his production.

Their pitching is genuinely one of the worst it’s ever been although led by Framber Valdez who had a 15-7 record last year, 2.91 era, and 4.1 WAR besides that there are many question marks. Although Ronel Blanco is there and had a 13-6 record and 2.80 eras and Hunter Brown was solid 11-9 with 3.49 era each playing at least 28 games I don’t see them reaching this success again with their offense undoubtedly getting weaker. However it is the Astros we’re talking about, they live for people’s hate of the team and live for minimal expectations just for them to blow it out of the water every year. So who knows maybe this year they will be just as great as before.

3. Mariners 85-77

Let’s start with the obvious before we dive into the ugly. A team that will always be defined by the amazing pitching performances they have every year, yet struggles consistently to find rhythm in the lineup. Forget that for now let’s acknowledge just how brilliant their pitching has been last season and it is no wonder so many teams are calling about taking one of their guys from their rotation when Seattle is a breeding ground for pitching. One through five in their rotation can easily be a front-line starter on another team. 

The Mariners’ 2024 starting rotation was a formidable force. Logan Gilbert, the ace, led the staff with 208.2 innings pitched, a 3.23 ERA, and 220 strikeouts, contributing a solid 2.8 WAR despite a 9-12 record. George Kirby followed with a 14-11 record and a 3.53 ERA, finishing with a 1.9 WAR and a slightly above-average ERA+ of 104, solidifying his role in the rotation with 191 innings and 179 strikeouts. Bryce Miller delivered the best overall numbers, boasting a 2.94 ERA, 12-8 record, 3.4 WAR, and 171 strikeouts across 180.1 innings, with an impressive ERA+ of 124. Luis Castillo, while not as dominant as in previous years, still posted a 3.64 ERA and 11-12 record in 175 innings, with an ERA+ right around league average, and his future with the team remains secure. Lastly, Bryan Woo emerged as a reliable option, combining for a 9-3 record, a 2.89 ERA, and an ERA+ of 127 over 121.1 innings, further bolstering the rotation’s depth. Each pitcher brought their strengths to the table, making this rotation one of the league’s most formidable. 

This takes the cake for the best rotation in baseball with a lot of fun surprises for the year. However, a team needs balance and simply just having pitching won’t fulfill an October run in today’s day and age. If their pitching was straight from heaven then their offense is from the pits of hell. Besides their MVP candidate in Cal Raleigh taking the load for all of the offense had his second season of thirty home runs and 100 RBIs. Though he hit .220 his OPS+ of 119 was the best in the lineup. Julio Rodriguez was ice-cold this season but managed a 4.3 WAR from his defense. Still, the only other person to have 20+ home runs was only Raleigh and Rodriguez. They picked up Victor Robles after he was released by the Nationals and in 77 games put up 3.1 WAR and batted almost .330. He will be plugged into their outfield with a trio of Arozarena, Rodriguez, and Robles. They didn’t do much besides bring back Donovan Solano and Jorge Polanco who didn’t do much to fulfill this offense. For a team who had 92 quality starts they didn’t do much to suffice their offense.

4. Athletics 75-67

The Sacramento Athletics, a newly rebranded organization, are looking to improve significantly after a 69-win season. They’ve added Luis Severino, who posted a league-average ERA last year and bolstered their rotation with hard-throwing starter Jeffrey Springs, which should be a solid boost. It’s frustrating that the team is starting to show promise and being active in the market after leaving Oakland, but that development is purely coincidental. The MLBPA had been on the verge of finding the club if they didn’t allocate the television revenue they had earned into the team, which likely prompted these moves.

Surprisingly, their offense has been impressive. With a 101 OPS+, they had six players with an OPS+ above the league average. Brent Rooker, who received a contract extension, led the way with 39 homers, 112 RBIs, and a .293 batting average. His OPS+ of 166 was remarkable, and he finished top 10 in the MVP race, accumulating 5.6 WAR. Behind the plate, Shea Langeliers contributed 29 homers, 80 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 111. Lawrence Butler, a promising young star at 23 years old, hit 22 homers and set a record for the most 3-homer games in a season. Their entire outfield was above league average as well.

Mason Miller, the hard-throwing closer who regularly hits 100 MPH, earned an All-Star nod, and the bullpen as a whole was at least league average or above—quite an achievement for a team that has historically struggled to score runs and keep them off the scoreboard. While their starting rotation still requires more answers, the progress they’ve made is impressive for a franchise that has had its fair share of question marks.

5. Angels 67-95

Arte Moreno is making the wrong moves and it’s hurting the Angels. It’s time for a real rebuild. The club has repeatedly handed out outrageous contracts to players who either aren’t worth them or who always seem to fail—just look at Josh Hamilton, Albert Pujols, and Anthony Rendon. The only real success story has been Mike Trout, but even he’s been injury-prone and hasn’t played a full season since 2019. It’s a real shame.

Now, Anthony Rendon is out for the season with an injury, and how do the Angels respond? They sign Yoan Moncada? Seriously? The moves don’t inspire confidence. They’ve also brought in Tim Anderson to play shortstop with Zach Neto injured. They traded for Jorge Soler, who has proven to struggle outside of Atlanta. To top it off, they overspent on Yu Darvish’s three-year, $60 million deal, bringing him in as the second left-handed pitcher to pair with Tyler Anderson. Their backup catcher is Travis d’Arnaud, while they brought in Kenley Jansen to close games, though his best years are behind him.

If this were 2019, I’d say this team could be a contender—but that was six years ago. A healthy Trout and a focused Rendon would have made a huge difference, but those days are behind us. This team is in a mess.

Ron Washington may be a tough guy with a focus on fundamentals, but he’s not the leader this team needs. He isn’t the right person to guide young, unproven players—guys like Christian Moore, their top outfield prospect, who the Angels will inevitably rely on. The Angels’ front office continues to make moves to “compete” every year, but they’re simply not built to contend. They refuse to trade away assets because of their ego and the need to keep ticket sales up. The club is obsessed with money but doesn’t address the real issue: their lack of pitching depth and their failure to sign pitchers who can help.

Making moves doesn’t win the offseason, and just because a team spends money doesn’t mean they’re ready to win. They’re holding onto aging stars with hefty contracts, taking playing time away from younger, more deserving talent. Until the Angels face reality and shift their approach, this franchise will continue to be stuck in mediocrity.

• End of Year Awards 

Rookie of the Year

AL: Coby Mayo

NL: Roki Sasaki

American League- With the impressive success of the Orioles’ minor league talent, it’s clear that they have a legitimate chance to make noise in the Rookie of the Year race again. If Coby Mayo wins, it will be the fourth consecutive year that an Oriole has finished first or second in the race—following Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Colton Cowser. In 2024, Mayo played 93 games and posted outstanding numbers: 105 hits, 25 homers, 73 RBIs, a slugging percentage approaching .600, and an OPS of .964. His rapid progression through the minors last season makes him an extremely valuable prospect. While it’s difficult to be certain with rankings like these, I’m confident that Mayo will perform well at the big league level.

National League- Roki Sasaki isn’t even technically considered a prospect or rookie, as he has already tested himself against some of the best hitters in the Japanese league. At just 23 years old, Sasaki is now in the majors. He was so young when he became eligible to sign that he couldn’t secure a major league deal right away. Instead, he signed a MiLB contract, leading to a massive bidding war between teams. In the end, the Dodgers came out on top. Who would’ve thought the Dodgers would go all in on a Japanese pitcher? Sasaki’s stats are simply unreal. Over four years with the Chiba Lotte Marines, he posted a 30-15 record, a 2.02 ERA, 414.4 innings pitched, and 524 strikeouts. Last season, he recorded a 2.35 ERA despite starting only 18 games. Given that workload, the Dodgers will need to gradually ramp him up to a full MLB workload, but it’s clear that his potential is immense. While Japanese baseball can be compared to Triple-A or Double-A competition in terms of pitching, don’t doubt this phenom—he’s on the verge of making a major impact.

CY Young Award

NL: Zack Wheeler AL: Cole Ragans

National League-Zack Wheeler, it’s finally your time to win that elusive award! You’ve earned it, and it’s time to rub it in the Mets fans’ faces for not locking you up before you became one of the best pitchers in baseball. At some point, you can’t keep coming in second—you’re due to win it.

In 2021, in his full season with Philly, Wheeler posted a 7.5 WAR, a 14-10 record, 32 starts, and a 2.78 ERA. Since then, he’s continued to be a stud, only having one season with an ERA over 3.00. Last year, he finished with a 16-7 record, a 2.57 ERA, and 32 starts across 200 innings. In an era where pitchers are pitching less and worrying about injuries more, Wheeler has consistently been on the mound for every game he starts. He was worth 58% better than the league average, his best career mark. Yeah, he’s winning that award this time.

American League-  I’d rather not say that an aging Jacob deGrom will suddenly come out of nowhere to win the Cy Young, or that Seth Lugo will do the same after finishing second. That’s just too painful to write. However, Cole Ragans is a real dark horse and someone to watch for. Since arriving with the Royals in 2023, he’s only gotten better. In his first 12 games, he posted a 2.64 ERA and a 2.6 WAR. Moving into 2024, he was worth nearly 5 WAR, with an 11-9 record, a 3.14 ERA, and 32 starts across 186 innings. He’s a strikeout machine, already putting up 223 strikeouts in those 186 innings. He’s shown the ability to dominate games, and his arsenal is only getting stronger as he matures.

What makes Ragans particularly intriguing is his consistency and ability to get through games without relying solely on velocity. He’s developed a nasty slider and has one of the best curveballs in the game. His ability to command all of his pitches in the strike zone, combined with a killer instinct to get out of jams, makes him a serious contender. With a full season ahead of him, Ragans has the potential to break out even more, making him a real Cy Young threat.

It’s either him or Garrett Crochet—both have the stuff to compete, but Ragans has the momentum and a strong body of work behind him. I highly doubt Tarik Skubal will win it for consecutive years; while he’s a solid pitcher, the competition in the AL is too fierce. Now, if Skubal does manage to win again, that’s a deGrom-like achievement, but Ragans is the one to watch for a breakout season.

MVP- Aaron Judge and Shohei Ohtani

This doesn’t need discussion. Someone needs to break their kneecaps, not fun dealing with a prime Bond and a reincarnated Babe Ruth.

American League- Aaron Judge is primed for another MVP-worthy season in 2025, and it’s hard to bet against him. After setting the American League home run record in 2022, Judge has firmly established himself as one of the league’s elite players. His combination of power, plate discipline, and defensive ability make him a constant threat at the plate and a force for the Yankees. In 2025, we can expect Judge to continue to be the focal point of the Yankees’ offense. He’s proven to be an all-around player, capable of hitting for average, getting on base, and playing solid defense in the outfield. With the Yankees likely to be in playoff contention, Judge’s leadership and ability to carry the team through key stretches will make him the MVP frontrunner. Assuming health, his bat could once again lead the AL in home runs, RBIs, and OPS, putting him in prime position for another MVP. He seriously took his talents to the next level wow. We a clean bonds on our hands and as a Mets fan, I know he is great but do not come talking to the media about Aaron Judge that you disagree the Mets arent the better Series team! You were there last season and were ice cold.

National League- Shohei Ohtani is the most unique player in baseball and continues to redefine what it means to be an MVP. In 2025, Ohtani will once again prove that his dual-threat abilities—hitting and pitching—give him a legitimate case for MVP consideration. His bat is among the best in the league, consistently producing 30+ home runs, driving in over 100 RBIs, and boasting elite on-base numbers. But what truly sets him apart is his pitching. As one of the league’s top starters, Ohtani provides ace-level production, with strikeouts, a low ERA, and solid innings pitched. In 2025, with his two-way dominance and the potential for the Angels to be competitive in the standings, Ohtani’s impact on both sides of the ball will be unparalleled. His ability to carry his team both as a slugger and a pitcher makes him the top candidate for the AL MVP once again, especially as his unique skill set has no true equal in modern baseball.

At this point, my hands are about to fall off and I cannot type anymore. As for Worldes picks who the hell is beating this mammoth of a Dodgers team? They could win the next 4. But baseball is all mystery and all surprises. Even the biggest of fans are in for a yearly wow factor in baseball and that is what makes this sport so beautiful. Yeah, it is getting overly exploited by sabermetric statistics and the over-emphasis on younger players because many teams are cheap and reluctant to bring in needed veterans to save money and to not hinder playing time, it just hinders the love for the game as there isn’t more of an essential for veterans to come in and be the mentor towards these young guys and help them turn it around when they’re struggling and help them out even more when they’re succeeding. It is a team sport. It is not just about stacking all the young guys on top of each other for longevity, it is about balance and about mixing the young guys with the promising veterans. With that being said baseball is full of surprises and if this Jenga set of a team fumbles and the Dodgers all come crashing down toward reality then who truly knows who will be crowned the champs of the league? One last note, did I mention Juan Soto plays for a great team in New York, wears pinstripes, and gets to play behind one of the best this generation has seen all while being able to grow a beard, yeah that team. Yeah, that team. The New York Mets are the team that will beat the Dodgers get revenge and win the World Series.