Before we get into making our predictions, we got some other things we are going to need to look at. First thing's first, there's some new rule changes that are going into effect this year. Most of the rule changes are being put into effect as a way to speed the game up. Here's some of the rule changes for the 2020 season:
-The size of the active roster expands from 25 players to 26 players, through August 31.
-The size of the expanded roster in September is reduced from 40 players to 28 players.
-Teams must designate players as either "position players" or "pitchers" before the start of the season. -A pitcher must face at least three batters, unless the inning ends or the pitcher is injured.
-Managers now have up to 20 seconds to challenge a play (reduced from 30 seconds).
-Designated Hitter will now be in both National and American League parks. Teams will play each other over a 60 game schedule based on region.
-In regular season extra-inning games, starting with the 10th inning, teams automatically start with a runner on second base. The runner is the player in the batting order position immediately before the leadoff batter for the inning (or a substitute called in to pinch-run for this player, although this substitution is permanent like any other baseball substitution). Should this runner score, it will be considered an unearned run. This rule will not apply to postseason games.
-In regular season extra-inning games, starting with the 10th inning, teams automatically start with a runner on second base. The runner is the player in the batting order position immediately before the leadoff batter for the inning (or a substitute called in to pinch-run for this player, although this substitution is permanent like any other baseball substitution). Should this runner score, it will be considered an unearned run. This rule will not apply to postseason games.
Now, while everybody is getting used to some of the new rules, a lot of teams are facing getting used to new managers. San Diego (Jayce Tingler), Kansas City (Mike Matheny), San Francisco (Gabe Kapler), Chicago Cubs (David Ross), Pittsburgh (Derek Shelton), Los Angeles Dodgers (Joe Maddon), New York Mets (Luis Rojas), Philadelphia (Joe Girardi), Houston (Dusty Baker) and Boston (Ron Roenicke) all have new bench bosses for the start of this season.
Now lets get right into it, here's how we see the 2020 Major League Baseball season going down!
American League:
AL East:
American League:
AL East:
1. New York Yankees*
Yes the Yankees got better this offseason, but it doesn't look like the health of the club has managed to improve much this winter. It's largely the same roster that was put on the field last year and won 103 games. There is one big addition to this lineup, Garrett Cole. And that signing is going to be huge considering how injury riddled the starting staff is. No Louis Sevirino for the season. With Cole at the Top, it gives the starting staff in the Bronx a little more respectability. Sure Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton might not be healthy by opening day, but look at what they did last year dealing with injuries. They'll still be just fine. Yankees shouldn't have a problem winning the East for the 2nd year in a row.
2. Tampa Bay Rays (WC)*
Yes the Yankees got better this offseason, but it doesn't look like the health of the club has managed to improve much this winter. It's largely the same roster that was put on the field last year and won 103 games. There is one big addition to this lineup, Garrett Cole. And that signing is going to be huge considering how injury riddled the starting staff is. No Louis Sevirino for the season. With Cole at the Top, it gives the starting staff in the Bronx a little more respectability. Sure Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton might not be healthy by opening day, but look at what they did last year dealing with injuries. They'll still be just fine. Yankees shouldn't have a problem winning the East for the 2nd year in a row.
2. Tampa Bay Rays (WC)*
Last year, the Rays won 96 games and made it all the way to game five of the ALDS. This year, the managed to add the bats to join what was an outstanding pitching staff from a season ago. Charlie Morton is coming off winning 16 games last year, and was the ace of that staff. He's expected to do close to the same again this year. Combine him with Blake Snell and Tyler Glasnow at the top of the rotation, and the Rays may have something to go with. Tommy Pham got shipped out for Hunter Renfroe, which is a big added weapon for this team. Also, toss in Jose Martinez coming over from the Cards, and you got two solid bats right in the middle of the lineup. They have depth and quality bats in Tampa. Might not be as big as those in the Bronx, but the rays can hang and will be in the mix most of the year.
3. Toronto Blue Jays
This is a young Jays team who's starting to build around its core, young lineup. With Bo Bichette, Cavean Biggio and Vlad Jr holding down the heart of that order, this could be a team that can possibly contend for quite some time. This team is deep and has the young talent to make some noise in this tough and top heavy AL East. Hyun-Jin Ryu was added at the top of this pitching rotation. Add in Tanner Roark at the top and the Jays may have something brewing
4. Boston Red Sox
This is still a good baseball team, but the Sox have taken a step back this season. They lost a big piece to their puzzle in Mookie Betts. They weren't able to sign him to an extension, so they sent him to the Dodgers, along with David Price, for Alex Verdugo and two prospects. Losing Price hurts a little bit of a weak staff. Eduardo Rodriguez is going to try and pick up the slack of losing Price. Put him near the top of the rotation with Nathan Eovaldi and, if he can get back to form, Chris Sale, they might have something in Boston. On offense, there still a fair amount of talent here. With guys like Xander Bogaerts, Rafael Devers, Andrew Benintendi and J.D. Martinez, you got something that can still go. Here's the difference between Boston and the likes of Tampa and the Yankees. Those two teams have depth, whereas Boston doesn't have much and that's going to hurt them.
5. Baltimore Orioles
Come on lets be real here. How much talent really is there in this Baltimore lineup that scares you?Chris Davis isn't the same player he was when he picked up the Crush Davis moniker. He got no real support in that lineup. On the hill, the only person on the starting staff that could bring any sort of noise is Alex Cobb. Don't get me wrong John Means looked alright in his first year and is the projected ace of this staff. That alone should tell you something right there.
AL Central
1. Minnesota Twins*
They won the division last year and look like the popular pick to take the division again this season. Josh Donaldson was added into the middle of that lineup to help support Nelson Cruz. With the likes of Eddie Rosario, Byron Buxton and Max Kepler, this team has plenty of depth and balance to be right at the top of the Central all year long. Throw in that solid starting five in Minnesota, which could be one of the most balanced in all of the American League, it'll be hard to knock them off the mountain top.
2. Cleveland Indians
Lets face facts the Tribe are almost always in the mix in this division. With Lindor and Carlos Santana still leading the charge on offense, this is going to be a tough team to really be able to contend with. They have depth on this team, but part of it comes down to the health of Tyler Naquin and his right knee. He should be good to go by the start of the season, but who knows. One of the things that might hold the Indians back could be starting pitching. Looks balanced on paper, but outside of maybe Carrasco, there isn't anybody really scaring me in that rotation. Cleveland will be in the mix all year, but might not have enough to get over it.
3. Chicago White Sox
You talk about a team on the rise. Chicago has the key pieces in place to really make a lot of noise in the Central and can be able to do it for a long time. Tim Anderson is the anchor at the top of what could be a deep and balanced lineup. You got pop in the middle with Abreu, Jimenez, and Grandal, which is something that can bridge to more depth coming down the line out of the system. Pitching looks like it could be really good in Chicago as well. Lucas Giolito and Dallas Keuchel anchor down that staff that has some depth it hopes to build off in seasons going forward. There's hope on the South Side.
4. Detroit Tigers
You still have Miguel Cabrera in your lineup, you might be able to win a few games.Now Miggy isn't as good as he once was, but he's still a presence in that Detroit Lineup. You do have CJ Cron and Jonathan Schoop hitting behind him, which might give him a little more protection. Other then that, there's nothing much really going on in Detroit to make you worried. Pitching is average at best in the rotation, so it looks like the Tigers are going to be close to hovering around the .500 mark this year, if that.
5. Kansas City Royals
Still a somewhat decent offense on paper. Solid middle of the lineup with Dozier, Solar and Perez. Few good pieces behind them with Mikhal Franco and Alex Gordon. Pitching staff is decent, nothing to really write home about. Still got some growing to do in Kansas City but they may not be too far out from being able to climb out of the basement in the Central.
AL West:
1. Houston Astros*
This isn't going to be a very popular opinion considering what has happened since last year's fall classic with this club. But let's face the facts here, Houston is still the best team in the American League West. Still have a very deep and balanced offensive lineup with Bregman and Altuve leading the charge. Oh and lets not forget about the pitching staff. You still have Justin Verlander, Zack Grenkie and Lance McCullers Jr topping it off. Sure its a little different with Gerritt Cole now in the Bronx, but this Astros staff is still very good. it's going to take a really good team to take the West crown away from Houston.
2. Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim (WC)*
This is going to be a different year for the Angels. Still no word yet (as of writing) whether or not they will get Mike Trout all year, because he may opt out of the season for personal reasons. If he does play, throw him in the middle of that lineup with Anthony Rendon, Shohei Ohtani, Justin Upton and Albert Pujols (who I know isn't as good as he once was but can still produce), and you got a very dangerous lineup to contend against. And now with Joe Madden taking over as manager, this could turn into a very dangerous ballclub. Pitching is pretty good too. Ohtani is back on the mound this year, after recovering from Tommy John. Throw him in the rotation with Heaney, Bundy and Teheran, you got a solid start to your staff. This team will push Huston most of the year.
3. Oakland Athletics
The top four hitters in this Oakland lineup are pretty good. When you have Marcus Semien, Matt Chapman, Matt Olson, and Khris Davis leading your offensive charge, you got a good chance to win a few games. Problem is, the depth after that, while good, leaves a little something to be desired. Mike Fiers and Sean Manaea will have no problem leading that starting staff in Oakland. Hey, this team was a wild card team last season, and they could be right there in the mix again this season. Only thing is I just feel they're a step or two behind the Angels this season. Given a little time, they can be right there fighting it out with Anaheim and Houston again.
4. Texas Rangers
Looks like things are starting to develop a little down in Texas. The Rangers have a fairly balanced lineup, anchored by Gallo, Santana and Fraizer. They have the potential to put some runs on the board, pending everybody can stay healthy and produce. Adding Corey Kluber could be a plus to the top of the rotation that already has Lance Lynn and Mike Minor. Its the back half of the rotation and part of the pen down in Texas that has me a little worried. They can possibly make a little noise if everything holds right and falls into place. Just too many questions for me with the pitching staff.
5. Seattle Mariners
There's quite a few holes in this Seattle lineup for me to really put them any higher in this division. Mitch Haniger is dealing with the injury bug, so who knows what his status is going to be at the start of the year. I mean, there's no problem having Kyle Seagur in the middle in the lineup, he's got no problem producing. But this does leave one wondering how much possible protection he could have in this lineup. Pitching doesn't look all that intimidating in Seattle either. Could be a bit of a rough go of it for the Mariners this year.
National League
NL East:
1. Atlanta Braves*
Things are going to look a little different without Freddy Freeman in the lineup. So Adam Duvall is going to have to step it up in the field and at the plate to be able to try and replace, for at least this season, the production of Freddy Freeman. This team is still loaded. Ronald Acuna Jr, Dansby Swanson, Ozzie Albies and Ender Incarte are going to carry this team, and be able to do it for a long time. And you got a starting staff that's being lead by Mike Soroka, Cole Hamels and Mike Foltynewicz, its a staff that's going to be pretty good for quite some time. The depth behind the three starters have me worried, but the Braves I think can make up for it and be able to take this tough division.
2. New York Mets (WC)*
This has the possibility to be a lethal team. The depth on offense is pretty good, but also depends on health. Alonso could be able to either maintain or build off his amazing rookie year last year. Then there's Yoenis Céspedes, who will most likely be the Designated Hitter for this lineup. He might play left field on occasion if his legs can hold up and are healthy enough to play the field. The offense could be there to challenge the Braves, but I wonder if the pitching staff can hold up to it. Thor missing the year because of Tommy John Surgery won't help. But they still have Jacob deGrom at the top of the staff and a decently deep rotation. Once again with this Mets team, its the bullpen that scares the hell out of me.
3. Philadelphia Phillies
Starting to see signs in Philadelphia that this team has something on offense. They are built around Bryce Harper, that's a given. Hoskins is developing in quite nicely and Jay Bruce is hitting behind him for the time being, which is adding more depth and protection for Harper. Pitching is decent too, they just added Zach Wheeler to the rotation. Don't get me wrong, Wheeler is a good pitcher, but the Phillies I think overpaid for him. Adding him with Aaron Nola and Jake Arrietta makes a pretty good top of the rotation. Its after that which worries me. Phillies have a good team, but might not be able to quite yet overtake New York
4. Washington Nationals
I know they are the defending World Champions, but there's been some changes made in DC. Still a solid top of the order with Turner, Eaton, Castro and Soto. But they took a big blow when Anthony Rendon left town to go to the West Coast. There's no denying that the Nats have one of the best staffs in all of baseball, being lead by Strausberg and Scherzer. There's not much hope in DC past Patrick Corbin but they could still play a role in keeping this a tight race among the top four clubs in this Eastern Division.
5. Miami Marlins
Hate to be the one to say this, but it could be a rough go for the Marlins down in Miami this summer. Sure, there is hope with budding young star Brian Anderson playing 3rd. They added a little talent with Jonathan Vilar and Jesus Aguilar. There's a little bit of offensive push in Miami, but not enough to be able to keep pace with the teams ahead of them. As far as the pitching goes, Sandy Alcantra is the best arm on that staff, which really hurst the Marlins chances in this tough division.
NL Central:
1. St Louis Cardinals *
Balanced and laded baseball team in St Louois. Paul Goldschmit who's coming off a solid first year in St Louis. He got plenty of protection in that lineup with Kolten Wong, Matt Carpenter and Paul DeJong in the middle of that lineup. This team is deep and very, very good. Pitching on the other hand could make it tough on the Cards. Sure Adam Wainwright is still there, with Dakota Hudson and Jack Flarity. They got some issues after that. Still I think this will be a team that could surprise a few people
2. Milwaukee Brewers (WC)*
Still feel that this Brewers team has enough talent to make another strong push at a playoff spot. Christian Yelich is quickly becoming one of not only the best hitters but one of the best overall players in the National League. He got some solid protection in this lineup to with Cain, Smoak and Braun as the DH. This team could be really good. The bullpen is great with Josh Hader shutting the door. They actually have a decent top of the rotation with Brandon Woodruff, Adrian Houser, and Brett Anderson. They may not set the world on fire, but it'll be enough with that pen to keep them in the thick of things with the Cards most of the summer.
3. Chicago Cubs
This is one of those teams that could possibly unseat the Brew Crew for that Wild Card spot. Loaded lineup powered by Rizzo and Bryant, Chicago could be able to keep pace in the Central. Throw in the likes of Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber, Chicago has a tough middle of their order to deal with. Add to the mix a pretty solid starting rotation that the Cubs have, lead by Jon Lester, Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks. Oh and the Cubs do have a decent bridge to get the ball from the starters to Craig Kimbrel closing games out. The only thing that's going to keep the Cubs slightly back of the Brewers is the depth. There's a little more offensive depth in Milwaukee, but knowing the Cubs they will have no trouble being able to hang around in the mix of things this year.
4. Cincinnati Reds
May not quite be there yet to really be able to challenge the top of the heap clubs just yet, but don't sleep on the Reds. There's something starting to develop in Cincinnati. The Reds have a solid starting staff of Sonny Gray, Luis Castillo, Trevor Bauer, Wade Miley, and Anthony DeSclafani, which could be good for quite some time if kept together and stay healthy. On offense, they have a pretty solid middle of the lineup with Joey Votto, Eugenio Suárez, Mike Moustakas and Nick Castellanos. Throw in Shogo Akiyama coming in to play center, and the AReds have something developing. Could take another year or so for the Reds to really be in the heat of the mix, but this team has the look of one who could be on the rise, and quick, in the Central.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
A small part of me almost feels bad for the Pirates. This was a team who, just a few years ago, broke a long playoff drought. now it looks like they maybe falling back into that slump again. Sure Derek Holland and Joe Musgrove are the bright spots on this pitching staff, but lets be real here, there's not much else in the Steele City to get behind. Same thing with at the plate. Josh bell and Jarrod Dyson are your two best and most dynamic hitters. Still got some building to be done in Pittsburgh that's for sure.
NL Weest
1. Los Angeles Dodgers*
This one is a given for most baseball people. The Dodgers are the best team in the NL West. Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood lead a solid pitching staff. Oh and there is still Kenley Jansen shutting the door at the end of games. The big story here is how much better this offense got. Bellinger, Muncy, Turner, Peterson and Seager were already going to be tough enough to handle. Now throw in newest weapon Mookie Betts and its even harder to try and combat the Dodgers. Question here isn't whether or not the Dodgers will win the division, but by how much.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona quickly became a threat in the West by adding one of the best arms in the game. I know Madison Bumgarner hasn't been quite the same over the last few seasons, but there is no denying the fact that, when he's on his game, he is one of the very best in this sport. With him and Robbie Ray at the top of this rotation could mean big things for the boys in the desert. Oh and lets not forget that this offense got a little deeper as well. Signing Ketel Marte during the offseason was a great signing. Place him right near the top of a solid D-Backs lineup is going to cause problems for other teams in the league. I mean your adding him into the mix with guys like Jake Lamb, Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar, and David Peralta. They could make noise for a while now in the West.
3. Colorado Rockies
The boys in Denver are still going to be in the mix in the middle of the West. Pitching leaves a little to be desired for me, with German Marquez and Jon Gray holding down the top. They have a decent closer in Wade Davis, but being able to get the ball to Wade leaves one wondering a bit. Hitting wont be a problem in Colorado. Nolan Aranado, Charlie Blackman, Trevor Story and Daniel Murphy will have no problem powering this lineup. It might be tough getting past Arizona and LA but Colorado is starting to make little steps in the right direction
4. San Diego Padres
They got a young, budding team in San Diego. Manny Machado is the leading man there, but with the young talent around him, they got something to work with. Wil Meyers and Fernando Tatis Jr. are the ones leading the youth charge,with Eric Hosmer providing more veteran leadership for this team. The only thing that could be holding San Diego back a little bit is pitching. Chris Paddack is the ace of this staff, and they have some good arms out of the pen like Drew Pomeranz and Kirby Yates. They have the room to improve and go up from here.
5. San Francisco Giants
There is a decent mix of speed and power in the Giants lineup. Mike Yastrzemski, leads the youth and along with billy Hamilton provide the speed for this club. Hunter Pence, Brandon Crawford, brandon belt and Evan Longoria provide the power and experience. But that's also a bit of a problem is that those guys are getting up there in years. Pitching seems OK in San Francisco, with Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija at the top of the rotation. But that leads to possible depth issues. Could be a rough go of it for the Giants in the West.
ALCS: Yankees over Twins
NLCS: Dodgers over Braves
World Series: Dodgers over Yankees
Hate to be the one to say this, but it could be a rough go for the Marlins down in Miami this summer. Sure, there is hope with budding young star Brian Anderson playing 3rd. They added a little talent with Jonathan Vilar and Jesus Aguilar. There's a little bit of offensive push in Miami, but not enough to be able to keep pace with the teams ahead of them. As far as the pitching goes, Sandy Alcantra is the best arm on that staff, which really hurst the Marlins chances in this tough division.
NL Central:
1. St Louis Cardinals *
Balanced and laded baseball team in St Louois. Paul Goldschmit who's coming off a solid first year in St Louis. He got plenty of protection in that lineup with Kolten Wong, Matt Carpenter and Paul DeJong in the middle of that lineup. This team is deep and very, very good. Pitching on the other hand could make it tough on the Cards. Sure Adam Wainwright is still there, with Dakota Hudson and Jack Flarity. They got some issues after that. Still I think this will be a team that could surprise a few people
2. Milwaukee Brewers (WC)*
Still feel that this Brewers team has enough talent to make another strong push at a playoff spot. Christian Yelich is quickly becoming one of not only the best hitters but one of the best overall players in the National League. He got some solid protection in this lineup to with Cain, Smoak and Braun as the DH. This team could be really good. The bullpen is great with Josh Hader shutting the door. They actually have a decent top of the rotation with Brandon Woodruff, Adrian Houser, and Brett Anderson. They may not set the world on fire, but it'll be enough with that pen to keep them in the thick of things with the Cards most of the summer.
3. Chicago Cubs
This is one of those teams that could possibly unseat the Brew Crew for that Wild Card spot. Loaded lineup powered by Rizzo and Bryant, Chicago could be able to keep pace in the Central. Throw in the likes of Javier Baez and Kyle Schwarber, Chicago has a tough middle of their order to deal with. Add to the mix a pretty solid starting rotation that the Cubs have, lead by Jon Lester, Yu Darvish and Kyle Hendricks. Oh and the Cubs do have a decent bridge to get the ball from the starters to Craig Kimbrel closing games out. The only thing that's going to keep the Cubs slightly back of the Brewers is the depth. There's a little more offensive depth in Milwaukee, but knowing the Cubs they will have no trouble being able to hang around in the mix of things this year.
4. Cincinnati Reds
May not quite be there yet to really be able to challenge the top of the heap clubs just yet, but don't sleep on the Reds. There's something starting to develop in Cincinnati. The Reds have a solid starting staff of Sonny Gray, Luis Castillo, Trevor Bauer, Wade Miley, and Anthony DeSclafani, which could be good for quite some time if kept together and stay healthy. On offense, they have a pretty solid middle of the lineup with Joey Votto, Eugenio Suárez, Mike Moustakas and Nick Castellanos. Throw in Shogo Akiyama coming in to play center, and the AReds have something developing. Could take another year or so for the Reds to really be in the heat of the mix, but this team has the look of one who could be on the rise, and quick, in the Central.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates
A small part of me almost feels bad for the Pirates. This was a team who, just a few years ago, broke a long playoff drought. now it looks like they maybe falling back into that slump again. Sure Derek Holland and Joe Musgrove are the bright spots on this pitching staff, but lets be real here, there's not much else in the Steele City to get behind. Same thing with at the plate. Josh bell and Jarrod Dyson are your two best and most dynamic hitters. Still got some building to be done in Pittsburgh that's for sure.
NL Weest
1. Los Angeles Dodgers*
This one is a given for most baseball people. The Dodgers are the best team in the NL West. Clayton Kershaw and Alex Wood lead a solid pitching staff. Oh and there is still Kenley Jansen shutting the door at the end of games. The big story here is how much better this offense got. Bellinger, Muncy, Turner, Peterson and Seager were already going to be tough enough to handle. Now throw in newest weapon Mookie Betts and its even harder to try and combat the Dodgers. Question here isn't whether or not the Dodgers will win the division, but by how much.
2. Arizona Diamondbacks
Arizona quickly became a threat in the West by adding one of the best arms in the game. I know Madison Bumgarner hasn't been quite the same over the last few seasons, but there is no denying the fact that, when he's on his game, he is one of the very best in this sport. With him and Robbie Ray at the top of this rotation could mean big things for the boys in the desert. Oh and lets not forget that this offense got a little deeper as well. Signing Ketel Marte during the offseason was a great signing. Place him right near the top of a solid D-Backs lineup is going to cause problems for other teams in the league. I mean your adding him into the mix with guys like Jake Lamb, Starling Marte, Eduardo Escobar, and David Peralta. They could make noise for a while now in the West.
3. Colorado Rockies
The boys in Denver are still going to be in the mix in the middle of the West. Pitching leaves a little to be desired for me, with German Marquez and Jon Gray holding down the top. They have a decent closer in Wade Davis, but being able to get the ball to Wade leaves one wondering a bit. Hitting wont be a problem in Colorado. Nolan Aranado, Charlie Blackman, Trevor Story and Daniel Murphy will have no problem powering this lineup. It might be tough getting past Arizona and LA but Colorado is starting to make little steps in the right direction
4. San Diego Padres
They got a young, budding team in San Diego. Manny Machado is the leading man there, but with the young talent around him, they got something to work with. Wil Meyers and Fernando Tatis Jr. are the ones leading the youth charge,with Eric Hosmer providing more veteran leadership for this team. The only thing that could be holding San Diego back a little bit is pitching. Chris Paddack is the ace of this staff, and they have some good arms out of the pen like Drew Pomeranz and Kirby Yates. They have the room to improve and go up from here.
5. San Francisco Giants
There is a decent mix of speed and power in the Giants lineup. Mike Yastrzemski, leads the youth and along with billy Hamilton provide the speed for this club. Hunter Pence, Brandon Crawford, brandon belt and Evan Longoria provide the power and experience. But that's also a bit of a problem is that those guys are getting up there in years. Pitching seems OK in San Francisco, with Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija at the top of the rotation. But that leads to possible depth issues. Could be a rough go of it for the Giants in the West.
ALCS: Yankees over Twins
NLCS: Dodgers over Braves
World Series: Dodgers over Yankees
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