Todd’s Take on MLB Division Winners
As we take a look at the American League East, my predictions are as follows:
New York Yankees
Boston Red Sox
Baltimore Orioles
Toronto Blue Jays
Tampa Bay Rays
If you want a breakdown of this, it comes down to the fact that even though the Yankees lost Juan Soto and Gerrit Cole is out for the season due to Tommy John surgery, the Yankees will remain competitive. They've got Cody Bellinger, who I believe will prove himself in the Bronx. I think Paul Goldschmidt will come in as a first baseman and resurrect his career, at least for one year, as they make a playoff run. The rotation now includes Max Fried, and while they have some challenges, I believe their offense will find a way to win.
For the Boston Red Sox, they were very active in the market, and I agree with my dad, Peter Lemieux, that their free-agent signings will make a significant impact this year. They signed Aroldis Chapman, who is a bit erratic but entertaining, and added Alex Bregman to complement Rafael Devers. There are significant roster improvements across the board, and I like Boston this year.
The Baltimore Orioles lost Corbin Burnes to the Diamondbacks and Anthony Santander, but they added Charlie Morton and outfielder Tyler O'Neill. I don't think that's equivalent. Grayson Rodriguez is expected to take on a leading role in the rotation, but he will start the season on the injured list with elbow issues, which could be a concern. Their lineup is still strong, with Gunnar Henderson as a potential MVP, but the team's success will depend heavily on the rotation.
The Toronto Blue Jays made some roster enhancements, signing Anthony Santander and adding Max Scherzer. However, as Scherzer ages, he becomes more erratic. Alejandro Kirk is on a contract extension as a catcher, and they are negotiating with Vladimir Guerrero Jr., who is looking for $600 million. They restructured the bullpen and will be strong contenders, but this is a highly competitive division, and I don't think they have what it takes to compete.
The Tampa Bay Rays were too quiet in the offseason. They signed Ha-Seong Kim, who is recovering from shoulder surgery and won't be back until May, so he won't have an impact until June or July. They lost Jeffrey Springs, but Shane McClanahan is returning, along with Shane Baz and Ryan Pepiot. They are currently playing in a minor league stadium at the Yankee Spring Training Facility. The AL East is very competitive, and I don't see the Rays making an impact this year.
Cleveland Guardians
Kansas City Royals
Detroit Tigers
Minnesota Twins
Chicago White Sox
I have to be honest: if you asked me to rank the teams in the AL Central, I could probably just throw a dart at a dartboard. However, I do have the Cleveland Guardians in first since they re-signed Shane Bieber to a two-year deal. They also secured a five-year extension with Tanner Bibee. So, they have a blend of experienced veterans and emerging stars, and it looks like they’re going to defend their division title.
In second place, I have the Kansas City Royals, who are very active in reshaping the roster. They signed Michael Wacha, brought back Michael Lorenzen on a one-year deal, and added Carlos Estévez to the bullpen on a two-year contract. They also acquired second baseman Jonathan India and outfielder Joey Wiemer from the Reds in exchange for Brady Singer, which boosts their lineup depth. I think they will build on their success this year and have a possibility of going to the playoffs again.
In third place, I have the Detroit Tigers, who added Gleyber Torres and Jack Flaherty. On top of that, they have Tariq Skubal, Jackson Jobe, and Casey Mize. That is a pitching staff that is going to be great to watch.
In fourth place, I have the Minnesota Twins, who made some calculated moves. However, they lost some key contributors, which will create opportunities for younger players. Truthfully, I haven’t paid a lot of attention to the Minnesota Twins.
I’ve paid even less attention to the Chicago White Sox, but so has the Chicago White Sox ownership. To say they had a disappointing season last year is an understatement—that's like saying in 1981 there was a small volcanic eruption in Washington state. They have a young roster, and let’s pretend they’re focused on rebuilding, although I have no idea what they’re focused on rebuilding. I’m hoping we can get Frank Thomas to come in with a fresh dose of Nugenix and breathe some life into this team.
Astros
Rangers
Mariners
Athletics
Angels
In the AL West, I have the Houston Astros, although for the love of God, I wish they were back in the National League Central so that we could have something to talk about, and really, that’s where they belong. I don’t even know that Houston belongs in the West because aren’t they on the Gulf of America or something like that? Anyway, they signed Christian Walker to a three-year, $60 million deal, and they’re moving José Altuve to left field because left field is short, and so is he.
I have the Texas Rangers finishing second. They picked up Joc Pederson and infielder Jake Burger, who is not to be confused with Danny Burgers, who is now a special hitting coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The big news here is that Jacob deGrom is back, and he could possibly win the Cy Young award if he pitches for at least 100 innings. At the very least, he’ll get more run support than he got in Queens with this lineup.
In third place, I have the Seattle Mariners. They shuffled some things on their coaching staff, signed Donovan Solano, and traded for Blake Hunt. I wish this team was not in third place every single year.
In fourth place, I’m gonna go with a surprise and put the Oakland Athletics, or the Sacramento A’s, or the Las Vegas Gambling Aces as they call them. They picked up Jeffrey Springs, Luis Severino, and José LeClerc. I’m not saying that they are going to blow the world out, but they are going to finish in fourth place, and they are my outside contender for a wild card seat.
In last place, I have the Los Angeles Angels because why not? It’s not like Anthony Rendon is gonna play.
By the way, have you noticed that with the teams in the AL West, you cover space, land, sea, the heavens, and then your athletic supporter?
Mets
Not Mets, probably Braves
Not Mets, probably Phillies
Nats
Marlins
In the National League East, the New York Mets are going to win and I will except no other possibilities. They signed Juan Soto, and re-signed Pete Alonso who are going to combine for 95 home runs this season play home is our opening day starter and Kodai Senga Is going to win the Cy Young award. Francisco Lindor is going to win the MVP and combine with Mark Vientos on the left side of the infield to hit 80 home runs and Steel 120 bases.
The Braves will probably finish second.
The Phillies are old and will probably finish third.
The Washington nationals are just the saddest team that’s ever played and I really don’t know what to say to them except if anyone loses to them then they should be penalized two games instead of just one.
The Marlins are in a race with the Tampa Bay rays for the most irrelevant baseball team of Florida and that is a tough trophy to win. I don’t know if this is a rebuilding phase or a we need to go to Nashville to be relevant phase.
Pirates
Reds
Cubs
Brewers
Cardinals
I actually don’t even remember what my original picks were at this point, but I really love the Pirates and I want them to win so I’m gonna pick them first because they signed Tommy Pham and nobody gets you into the playoffs better than angry Tommy Pham.
I think the Reds deserve to be in the playoffs because I like them and I like the idea that Elly de la Cruz is going to steal 80 bases this season And hit 30 home runs. Plus, they hired Terry Francona and he’s not messing around.
I guess we have to put the Cubs third because everybody else has them at first and it would be really weird if I didn’t do that. They picked up Kyle Tucker and added Ryan Pressly And Shota Imanaga had a very impressive rookie season and Matt Shaw has to split time with the red giant Justin Turner. He’s probably gonna make an impact.
The Milwaukee Brewers are very sad because they lost in the playoffs to the New York Mets, but they added Jose Quintana, which is a plus for them, but when you subtract Willy, Adames and Devin Williams You were gonna have problems.
The St. Louis Cardinals are still a thing although they lost Paul Goldschmidt and Kyle Gibson and they thought that adding Phil Maton Would make up for it, but it won’t. Nolan Arenado is waiting for someone to notice him and rescue him.
Diamondbacks
Padres
Dodgers
Giants
Rockies
The diamondbacks are going to win this division because they aren’t the Dodgers and they signed Corbin Burnes and picked up Josh Naylor and they really didn’t need power. Corbin Carroll Means that they are going to have two guys named Corbin on their team and if you know anything you know that means that they are going to win the division.
The San Diego Padres are going to come in second because Manny Machado is back and they have Darvish and Cease Pitching. Plus, they aren’t the Dodgers.
In a surprise that you will only get here the Dodgers are going to finish third and not even make the playoffs. The illness that is currently besetting Mookie Betts will spread to the entire lineup and everybody will lose 20 pounds and wonder where it all went wrong and they will realize that even though you can defer $19 billion That doesn’t mean you can defer losing
The San Francisco Giants picked up Justin Verlander because they needed someone to get them the AARP discount on pitching equipment and stays at the red roof Inn. They finish fourth.
The Rockies play baseball. They finish fifth.
