The 2023 MLB season was one for the ages, with the Texas Rangers under Hall of Fame Manager Bruch Bochey took home their first World Series trophy. As the calendar turns to 2024, baseball fans around the world are filled with anticipation and excitement for what the new year will bring. From powerhouse teams looking to repeat their dominance to up-and-coming squads hungry to make their mark, the 2024 campaign is shaping up to be truly captivating.
As we eagerly await the first pitch of Opening Day, it's time to dust off the crystal ball and gaze into the future. Which teams will rise to the occasion and etch their names in history? Which individual stars will dazzle us with their prowess on the diamond? While nothing is set in stone, the following predictions offer a glimpse into how the 2024 MLB season could potentially unfold.
With a blend of expert analysis (LOL thanks AI) and educated speculation, I will try to do my best in giving you what I think is fueling the passion of baseball enthusiasts everywhere. So, sit back, grab your favorite game-day snack, and prepare to be taken on a journey through the possibilities that await in the 2024 MLB season.
Trying something new, the team listed in order is where I believe they will finish within their division. Of course, I, along with many others, try to figure out how things will pan out and almost every year I get killed in many areas. So, don’t expect this to be spot on.
American League East
Baltimore Orioles 103 - 59
I am all in on the Baltimore Orioles and I don’t believe last year was a fluke. This team has gone through rebuild after rebuild trying to find the right talent. Guess what? They found it. After years of rebuilding and stockpiling young talent, the Baltimore Orioles appear poised to take a significant step forward in 2024. With a core of promising players maturing and the addition of a few strategic veteran acquisitions, the O's could be a sleeper team to watch in the upcoming campaign.
Offensively, the Orioles will lean heavily on the continued development of their dynamic young trio: Gunnar Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Ryan Mountcastle. Henderson, the top prospect in baseball, showcased his immense potential in 2023, and another year of experience should unlock even more of his prodigious talent. Rutschman, the face of the franchise, is expected to build upon his impressive rookie season and establish himself as one of the premier catchers in the game. Mountcastle, meanwhile, will look to provide a steady presence in the heart of the order with his power-hitting prowess.
On the mound, the Orioles' pitching staff could surprise many. The acquisition of a proven veteran starter, coupled with the emergence of young arms like Grayson Rodriguez and DL Hall, could give Baltimore a formidable rotation. The bullpen, without its star closer Felix Bautista for the entire 2024 season might have some issues but should be able to close out games. Let’s also not forget their major acquisition at the beginning of spring training - Corbin Burnes.
If they can get another significant piece in the rotation, the Orioles are projected to make significant strides in 2024, challenging for a winning record and positioning themselves as a team on the rise in the competitive American League East. With their talented core maturing and the right moves made in the offseason, I believe the Orioles will take the AL East crown.
New York Yankees 95 - 67*
I’m going to be honest, I’m not sure if this will stand. Sure they acquired their big fish via trade in Juan Soto, but their pitching remains in shambles and Gerrit Cole, the reigning AL Cy Young winner is expected to miss two months of the season due to elbow issues. That’s a major sigh of relief because it didn’t sound good to start and the fear was him missing the entire season. Other than the electric offense, the Yankees are going to have major issues with the rotation. They didn’t do enough to acquire Dylan Cease who went to the Padres. They offered Blake Snell a contract in December, he declined and they (the Yankees) decided not to re-engage until just recently but lost out to the San Francisco Giants.
The options have dwindled and the Yankees will now have to rely on Carlos Rodon, coming off a major disappointing year, Nestor Cortes in which the injury bug has hit him a bit and Marcus Stroman, who hasn’t been good the last few seasons. A lot of question marks for the Yankees but yet somehow, they will find a way to win 95 games and secure a wild card spot. This all hinders however on the health of Aaron Judge who already has been “nicked” up in spring training, DJ LeMahieu is questionable to start the season and of course a slender Giancarlo Stanton is always a flight risk. Not even sure why I am putting the Yankees in second place but I’m still a fan so deal with it.
It makes you wonder though, if the Yankees fail once again, will Hal Steinbrenner finally make the significant changes that need to be made?
Toronto Blue Jays 93 - 69*
The Toronto Blue Jays knew they stunk last season and they know they have too much talent to not make the playoffs. If I wasn’t so much of a Yankees fan, I’d have Toronto in front of the Yankees but I still think they could play a little too cocky and falter here and there. They secure the second wild card spot and set up an intriguing wild card series with the Yankees. Toronto's offensive firepower will once again be spearheaded by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., one of the most feared hitters in all of baseball. Guerrero's combination of power and plate discipline makes him a nightmare for opposing pitchers. He'll be complemented by the likes of Bo Bichette, who continues to blossom into a star, and Cavan Biggio, whose combination of patience and pop provides valuable production from the top of the order. With their potent offense, strong pitching staff, and a few key acquisitions made over the offseason, the Blue Jays are poised to not only secure a postseason berth but potentially make a deep run in October. Maybe this is the year Vlad Jr. meant is the movie year.
Tampa Bay Rays 88 - 74
The Rays might finally be falling a bit from the top. Year in and year out with not so much top talent, somehow win over 90 games and sneak their way into the playoffs. They won 99 games last year and made the wild card. They lost to Texas in two games and that was it. I just don’t find anything appealing about this team anymore. I’ll reiterate though, they somehow turn nothing into something. Losing Tyler Glasnow makes it seem the Rays are doing somewhat of a rebuild. I think I’m being generous in giving them 88 wins but again you never know with this whacky team. Don’t expect too much though in a deeper AL East.
Boston Red Sox 70 - 92
I mean, are they even going to try? In an off-season of much disaster, the Boston Red Sox might be the bottom of the barrel of the 2024 season. I’m being generous giving them 70 wins especially now that Lucas Giolito is gone for the entire season before throwing a regular season pitch. Fans seem to be livid at the lack of trying from ownership as rumors swirl that John Henry might be looking to unload the team. Who knows anymore. What a wonderful pick by MLB to do this Netflix series in following a team that will trot out mostly AAA players. As a Yankee fan, this brings me much joy to see the Red Sox in the basement.
American League Central
Detroit Tigers 89 - 73
This might be the hottest take of all. I believe in a wide open AL Central, the Tigers have what it takes to win the division. A young group mixed in with some veterans and a World Series manager, the Tigers could take a major step this year. Oh and by the way, they were only a +350 to win the division. What do the oddsmakers know that we don’t?
Detroit's lineup will be anchored by Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, and Kerry Carpenter – three promising young hitters who flashed their immense potential in 2023. Greene, in particular, could be poised for a breakout campaign as he continues to gain experience at the big league level. Veterans like Javier Báez and Austin Meadows will provide some much-needed power and on-base skills to complement the up-and-coming stars.
On the mound, the Tigers will lean heavily on their young rotation, headlined by Casey Mize and Tarik Skubal. If these two can take another step forward in their development, and the team manages to add a proven innings-eater to the mix, Detroit's starting staff could surprise some people. The bullpen remains a work in progress, but the emergence of a couple of hard-throwing relief prospects could help solidify this unit. Don’t sleep on this Tigers team.
Cleveland Guardians 87 - 75
The post Terry Francona era in Cleveland might be the reason Cleveland finishes second. Listen, it was a hot take for Detroit to win the division but this could be the more realistic option to win the division. This division seems to be in a transition so the win total will be slightly less. The young, cost-efficient Cleveland Guardians surprised many by winning the AL Central in 2022 and earning a Wild Card berth in 2023. In 2024, they'll look to solidify their status as one of the American League's rising powers, riding the strength of their elite pitching and timely hitting.
On the mound, the Guardians' rotation could be among the very best in baseball. Shane Bieber headlines the staff as the ace, while youngsters like Triston McKenzie, Cal Quantrill, and Zach Plesac provide quality innings behind him. Cleveland's pitching depth goes beyond just the starters, with an outstanding bullpen led by closer Emmanuel Clase. The team's ability to develop pitchers from within their system is truly remarkable.
Despite lacking a feared slugger in the middle of the order, the Guardians' offense manufactures runs through disciplined at-bats, timely hitting, and an aggressive baserunning approach. Players like Steven Kwan, Amed Rosario, and Josh Naylor may not stuff the stat sheet, but they contribute in myriad ways. The continued development of top prospects like Bo Naylor could provide an offensive boost as well.
While the high-payroll teams in their division load up, the Guardians will once again defy expectations through savvy roster construction, elite pitching, and a relentless competitive spirit. They will end up winning this division most likely.
Minnesota Twins 85 - 77
This team is going to be puzzling if you ask me and in a wide open central anything is possible. I am penciling them in third only because of my hot take and the Guardians being ahead of them as well. For all we know, they could run and win the division. Pecota has them winning the division with 89 wins. They have a young rotation but nothing else at least in my eyes pops out. Maybe I’m just not paying attention too much.
Minnesota's offense will once again be a strength, led by the fearsome trio of Byron Buxton, Carlos Correa, and Trevor Larnach. Buxton, when healthy, is a true five-tool superstar capable of changing the game with his bat and his elite defense in center field. Correa provides consistent production and leadership in the infield, while Larnach's lefty power bat will be crucial in the heart of the order.
However, it's on the pitching side where the Twins have made their biggest investments for 2024. The signing of an ace-caliber starter, combined with the continued development of prospects like Louie Varland and Matt Canterino, could give Minnesota one of the most formidable rotations in the American League. The bullpen has also been fortified with the addition of a couple of proven late-inning arms.
With their upgraded pitching staff complementing an already potent lineup, the Twins are expected to be firmly in the mix for the AL Central crown and a postseason berth in 2024. If their stars can stay healthy and their new additions gel quickly, they could very well win the division. I just don’t know what to expect until we see it (duh).
Kansas City Royals 78 - 84
They signed their franchise player to a massive contract in Bobby Witt Jr. who has all the makings of a major breakout year, but this team is still in transition. They are getting better but they are not there just yet. While contending for a playoff spot may still be a stretch, there are reasons for optimism within the organization as they lay the foundation for future success.
The Royals' lineup will be built around their young core of Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino, and MJ Melendez. Witt, the talented shortstop with five-tool potential, could take a significant leap forward in his sophomore campaign. Pasquantino and Melendez flashed their power-hitting ability as rookies in 2023 and will look to build upon that promising start.
On the pitching side, Kansas City will hope for continued growth from prospects like Daniel Lynch, Jackson Kowar, and Jonathan Heasley. While their rotation may not strike fear in opposing lineups just yet, gaining valuable big league experience will be crucial for this group's development. The Royals' bullpen could be a relative strength, with intriguing young arms like Dylan Coleman and Jonah Dipoto holding down late-inning roles.
While a postseason berth is likely out of reach in 2024, the Royals' primary focus will be on allowing their top prospects to gain critical MLB experience. If their young talent can take significant strides in their development, supplemented by a few savvy veteran additions, Kansas City could start turning heads as an exciting up-and-coming team on the rise within the American League Central division. The future is certainly bright.
Chicago White Sox 66 - 96
Man was the future bright for this team and it came crashing down. Maybe the Tony LaRussa hiring was a mistake but this team had talent and it went wasted. Now, a rebuild is in the fold for this team. Dylan Cease was traded so that signaled they are waiving the white flag. Yoan Moncada, Eloy Jimenez might be their brightest players this year but even those guys truly fell off big time. There really is nothing exciting about this team going into the 2024 season other than they may compete with the Red Sox for the basement of the league.
American League West
Houston Astros 95 - 67
I hate the fact I have to pick them to win the division but they are still the Astros. They fell in 7 games in the ALCS to Texas and Dusty Baker has now moved on but they are still the Astros. They still have the talent there to compete and they added Josh Hader to the mix.
Coming off another deep postseason run in 2023, the Houston Astros show no signs of slowing down as they enter the 2024 campaign. With a loaded roster, exceptional organizational depth, and a winning culture instilled throughout the franchise, the Astros are once again the team to beat in the American League. Houston's star-studded lineup remains largely intact, headlined by sluggers like Yordan Alvarez, Jose Altuve, and Kyle Tucker. Alvarez has established himself as one of the most feared hitters in baseball, with prodigious power to all fields. Altuve continues to be the heart and soul of this team, while Tucker appears poised for an even bigger breakout after his stellar 2023 season.
The Astros' rotation could be one of the best in the majors, fronted by the likes of Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier. The addition of an impact starter via free agency or trade would make this group virtually unhittable. Houston's bullpen remains a strength as well, with multiple high-leverage arms capable of shortening games.
They will win the division but don’t think it’s going to happen convincingly.
Texas Rangers 94 - 68*
Possibly a World Series hangover but they will be right back there in competing and will secure a wild card spot. You’d think winning the World Series would give you a lock to win the division and yes it can happen but many factors of a step back after winning the World Series is what is preventing that from happening. It will be close no doubt but they are banking on a lot of the returning players to do it again. As of writing this, they won’t have Jordan Montegomry as he is still a free agent (stupid Scott Boras) and Jacob deGrom is still on the shelf along with Max Scherzer. Mad Max is expected back sooner rather than later but father time is certainly hitting him big time. They still have a poised offensive group and they still have a hall of fame manager so the Rangers will be back in the playoffs. A repeat though? Highly unlikely.
Seattle Mariners 84 - 78
This was always a team for me that I had high expectations for and every time I did that, they would fall flat. I’m at the point where they will be in the middle of the pack. They had an exciting run a few years ago and then took a step back. They have exciting, young talent but they still need that extra push. The other factor here for me, is do guys take steps back this year like Julio Rodriguez. I surely hope not as he is very exciting to watch. Luis Castillo is a pitcher I would have loved the Yankees to get but of course they didn’t and Paul Seawold is establishing himself as an elite closer. Still, this team is like the Twins in a way when it comes to me being puzzled about them. I’m keeping expectations low, so naturally they may have a great year. For me, they finish third and miss the playoffs and then maybe they’ll add a bit more for next year.
Los Angeles Angels 70 - 92
Mike Trout has stated he is committed to the Angels and wants to win there. Dude, you are not going to win there and it’s a shame we may never get to see him in the playoffs. Shohei Ohtani is gone and there is nothing this team has done to improve around their franchise player. Anthony Rendon doesn’t care about baseball anymore. Sure because he made his money and could care less about the game. He literally stated those things. The owner thought about selling the team then didn’t. This organization is a mess and is wasting a generational talent. I sure hope Trout comes to his senses and goes to a team that can showcase him in the playoffs - which every baseball fan deserves.
Oakland Athletics 60 - 102
Can I just use the slang of “LOL” because this team is a laughingstock? Racoons and rats in the stadium walls, relocating to Las Vegas, the owner doesn’t care about the fans in Oakland and oh yea, they haven’t fielded a competitive team since 2020 and that was the Covid season. Will they be lucky to get 60 wins? Maybe. You have the Red Sox and White Sox and then as Brad Pitt said in the movie “Moneyball”, sixty feet of crap and then the A’s. Sounds about right.
National League East
Atlanta Braves 101 - 61
This team is stacked and fun to watch. They were stunned by the Phillies last year in the NLDS so they have a massive chip on their shoulder. They know they have the talent to win and I think this could be another year of a deep October run. The runaway MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. had an amazing season in every category.
Coming off five straight division titles, the Atlanta Braves show no signs of slowing down as they barrel towards the 2024 campaign. With a talented young core, exceptional organizational depth, and a winning culture instilled throughout the franchise, the Braves are once again the team to beat in the National League East.
Atlanta's lineup remains a juggernaut, led by young superstars like Ronald Acuña Jr., Michael Harris II, and Vaughn Grissom. Acuña is truly a five-tool talent in the prime of his career, capable of impacting the game in every facet. Harris took the league by storm in 2023, while Grissom established himself as one of the most promising rookies in the game last season.
The Braves' rotation could be one of baseball's best, fronted by aces Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and Kyle Wright. The trio combined for over 500 innings and 500 strikeouts in 2023. The addition of an experienced starter would give Atlanta exceptional starting pitching depth. Their bullpen, anchored by Raisel Iglesias, remains a strength.
While the Mets and Phillies will push them, the Braves are expected to once again reign supreme in the NL East in 2024. Their balanced lineup, deep pitching staff, and winning DNA make them heavy favorites not just to reach the postseason, but potentially make another deep run toward a World Series championship. The Braves' window of dominance shows no sign of closing anytime soon.
Philadelphia Phillies 93 - 69*
The Phillies fell short of another deep run in the postseason last year. They ran into a hot, unexpected Arizona Diamondbacks in the NLCS so they too are just as angry as the Braves. This could be a real race between these top two teams but I still see Atlanta running away with it. They almost made it to the World Series in back to back years so their window is still open.
After an exhilarating run to the World Series in 2023, the Philadelphia Phillies enter the 2024 campaign with their sights set on not just returning to the Fall Classic, but finally capturing that elusive championship. With a talented core solidified by some savvy offseason additions, this battle-tested Phillies squad could be even more formidable.
Philadelphia's offense remains potent, headlined by superstars Bryce Harper and Trea Turner. Harper's powerful left-handed bat and fiery leadership set the tone, while Turner provides elite offensive production and defensive excellence at shortstop. Young stars like Bryson Stott and Alec Bohm have gained invaluable postseason experience that should pay dividends.
The Phillies' rotation could be among the National League's best if the front office adds another top-flight starter to pair with Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler. While the loaded Braves and improved Mets provide stiff competition, the Phillies are expected to be firmly in the mix for their second straight NL East crown in 2024. With their potent offense, strong pitching staff, and postseason-tested core, Philadelphia could be poised to get over the hump and finally bring the City of Brotherly Love its first World Series championship since 1980. The stage is set for this talented Phillies squad to make another deep October run.
New York Mets 88 - 74*
The Mets under Steve Cohn went all in and it was a bust. They signed aging pitchers and ultimately had to trade them. He made a hiring decision in bringing in David Stearns to run the baseball operations department with a clear message that the Mets need to solidify their foundation in order to be successful. Mets fans were hoping he’d continue to spend to make the team better and go on a deep October run. That has not happened yet and they missed the playoffs last season. Entering the 2024 season, they will have the second highest payroll but that is in part to the nice chunk of contracts they are paying for Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer both of whom are no longer with the team.
It was announced that Jose Quintana will be the opening day starter so that should give you an indication of what to expect this season. A new manager in Carlos Mendoza should change the culture around the room and the hopes Edwin Diaz, baseball’s elite closer can return to form after missing all of 2023. The other lingering elephant will be the impending free agent Pete Alonso will become at the conclusion of the season. He’s a Scott Boras guy so odds are he will hit free agency. The expectation is the Mets plan to be active in free agency as rumors are swirling they will be a major player for Soto. The Mets can be good and in tough NL East, it will be hard to grab the division but they could sneak into the second or third wild card spot.
Miami Marlins 82 - 80
The Marlins may be doomed before the season starts as injuries have already begun to mount. Having said that, the future is bright for the team (thanks to Derek Jeter). Although Jeets is no longer part of the team, he set up the foundation. The Marlins are still a few years away and if they want to even compete in the gauntlet of the NL East, they’ll have to really develop and maybe acquire a big fish (pun intended). Nothing to get excited about, but I do think they will be better than most people expect, as long as they stay healthy.
Washington Nationals 58 - 104
Hard to believe this team won the World Series in 2019 when they were dead in the water in May of that year. After that, it was all downhill as teams with not a big payroll seem to do after winning it all. Coming off a 107-loss campaign in 2023, the Washington Nationals are fully committed to a long-term rebuilding effort as they enter 2024. With a new manager and front office regime in place, this season will be focused on developing young talent and acquiring future assets as the organization resets after its 2019 World Series title.
Garcia and Wood are two of the club's top offensive prospects getting extended looks. Offseason additions of solid veteran bats could help bridge to the future core.
On the mound, Washington's rotation is headed by Josiah Gray and MacKenzie Gore - two talented young starters with upside that the team hopes to build around long-term. The rest of the staff could be a revolving door of prospects, back-end veterans, and potential trade chips as the season progresses. The bullpen has a couple of decent arms but overall lacks proven high-leverage options.
With no delusions of contending in 2024, Washington's top priority will be allowing its pool of prospects to gain critical MLB experience. The team is clearly in asset accumulation mode, so veteran players on short-term deals could be dealt for future pieces as the season unfolds. It may be an arduous process, but if the Nationals hit on a few of their many talented prospects and draft well, they could accelerate their path back to respectability more quickly than expected.
NL Central
St. Louis Cardinals 86 -76
If there is a team that was a huge disappointment last season, the Cardinals were near the top. Finished in last place with big names such as Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado. This team is due for a turnaround and they expect to do it in 2024. The NL Central has been pretty wide open the last few seasons and big names continue to flock away. The Cardinals, I do believe they will bounce back and win this division this year. They have a very good team on paper and the talent is there. They have promising young talent that should take the next step this season. Their rotation needs to stay healthy and I’m sure they would love to add a solid arm, possibly at the deadline should they be in the race. Their bullpen is shaky and that’s why I think the win total stays down but the division is there for them to take again.
Chicago Cubs 85 - 77
Here is my dark horse team for 2024. This team had a sneaky good off-season and they brought Cody Bellinger back into the mix. They have a mix of young talent and veterans and I believe they will turn some heads this season. They let David Ross go and brought in Craig Counsell who had success with the division foe Milwaukee Brewers. I believe this team takes a giant step forward for 2024 and sneaks into the final wild card spot. According to Bleacher Report, the Cubs have the second best prospect pool and they could certainly use that as an advantage around the deadline if they feel they can win the division and go deep. I call them the dark horse because there are other teams still ahead of them but anything can happen come playoff time - just see the Diamondbacks.
Cincinnati Reds 82 - 80
This team is going to be fun to watch. They have loads of young talent but still not enough to get over the hump just yet. They finished third last season with the record above. I am predicting the same record because of an open central division but by no means sleep on this team. They could very well finish in second place. I am just cautiously optimistic because of some small holes. They brought in some pitching in Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez and they have one of the faster guys in the league, budding star Elly De La Cruz. This team is close to getting where they need to be so give it one more year (or maybe this year).
Milwaukee Brewers 77 - 85
Craig Cousell is gone, Corbin Burns is gone, and Devin Williams is hurt. Not the way many thought 2024 would be for the Brewers. They won the division last year and lost in two games in the Wild Card series to the Diamondbacks. They no longer have Stearns as their baseball ops so it sure sounds and looks like the Brewers maybe beginning the rebuild process. Honestly, Pittsburgh could pass them but there is really nothing to get excited about for the Brewers.
Pittsburgh Pirates 71 - 91
I have always said the year the Pirates won 98 games (2015) and lost in the Wild Card game (not series back then), that was the turning point of the franchise and the decline began. 2014 and 2015 saw them lose in the wild card game and it was never the same. They are rebuilding but it seems they are finally doing it where they have some legit young talent still a few years away. They are in the top-10 when it comes to farm systems and they have good major league talent on the roster, they still don’t have it all just yet. Pretty soon they could wake up and see that this is the weakest division in the league and they could make the jump very soon.
NL West
Los Angeles Dodgers 110 - 52
It’s like someone is playing on easy mode when it comes to being the GM of the Dodgers. Mookie Betts, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, Yamamoto, Max Muncy, Tyler Glasnow the list can go on. Could this year be the year the Dodgers break the Yankees wins record in the regular season? The Yanks won 114 regular season games and then added a championship giving them a total of 125 wins. The Dodgers will come close based on the roster that is constructed. Thanks to Ohtani and him deferring a lot of money, the Dodgers payroll actually isn’t in the top 5. Oh and they have the 6th ranked farm system which only means they can add if they want too. Sure there will be pressure and maybe the Braves may be the only team in the National League that can beat them but it will be tough. Now, could the unthinkable happen and all this talent just doesn’t gel and they collapse? Sure, but very highly unlikely.
San Francisco Giants 87 - 75*
Up until Blake Snell signed with the Giants, I had the Diamondbacks finishing second. That changes for me with the Snell signing. It took a while but in a rotation that has promising talent, the Giants may be back to their winning ways. Three years ago they won 107 games and then 2022 and 2023 saw disappointment. Gabe Kapler is out and Bob Melvin is in. The Giants may very well be in the running for a Wild Card spot since the Dodgers will run away with the division but it could be close. If they add within the season, they could very well get that final spot. As of right now, the Mets edge them out by a game but could very well flip flop if the Mets have a bad start. The Giants could be back for the long haul.
Arizona Diamondbacks 82 - 80
The Cinderella story that wasn’t. The Diamondbacks went on a remarkable run to the World Series and fell short against the Texas Rangers only means this could be a big step back for this team. Usually when you have that type of run with a bunch of scrappy ball players, things don’t seem to repeat. They still have talented ball players but I think of the mental aspect that takes a lot out of a player especially when you come within 4 wins of a championship. I am hoping I am wrong as it was fun to watch them go on that ride but in a division that keeps getting tougher, it will be tough for a repeat performance here.
San Diego Padres 81 - 81
Talk about major disappointments. The talent this team had and just couldn’t get over the hump and win, the Padres are no longer a team that scares you (not that they ever were). Goodbye Juan Soto (even though acquiring Micheal King was top notch) the Padres will have offensive holes. Sure they still have Fernando Tatis Jr. who should have a bounce back year, their offense can only do so much without shut down pitching. They lose Blake Snell as well within that rotation. It has been weird though how they know they couldn’t pay Soto but still went out and made some other free agent signings. They do add Dylan Cease though via trade but I still don’t know what to make of this team so that’s why I think they play .500 ball at best.
Colorado Rockies 60 - 102
The Rockies continue to sit in the basement of this division and baseball. They lost 103 games last season and unless something drastic happens or Kris Bryant returns to form and carries the team, much of the same can be expected. They continue to be in a rebuild mode and their farm system is in the middle of the pack. I guess we can say let’s hope Bryant bounces back and maybe they could use that as an asset to a contending team come the deadline.
So there you have it, my 2024 baseball predictions. I’d be shocked if I hit this all on the head and in that case if it’s done, maybe a sports company can pick me up. This should be a fun baseball season and maybe some unexpected storylines will write itself. Below you’ll see the playoff picture and picks to win it all.
Division Predictions Picture
AL East | AL Central | AL West |
Orioles 103 - 59 | Tigers 89 - 73 | Astros 95 - 67 |
Yankees 95 - 67* | Guardians 87 - 75 | Rangers 94 - 68* |
Blue Jays 93 - 69* | Twins 85 - 77 | Mariners 84 - 78 |
Rays 88 - 74 | Royals 78 - 84 | Angels 70 - 92 |
Red Sox 70 - 92 | White Sox 66 - 96 | Athletics 60 - 102 |
NL East | NL Central | NL West |
Braves 101 - 61 | Cardinals 86 - 76 | Dodgers 110 - 52 |
Phillies 93 - 69* | Cubs 85 - 77 | Giants 87 - 75* |
Mets 88 - 74* | Reds 82 - 80 | Diamondbacks 82 - 80 |
Marlins 82 - 80 | Brewers 77 - 85 | Padres 81 - 81 |
Nationals 58 - 104 | Pirates 71 - 91 | Rockies 60 - 102 |
Playoff Picture
AL Wild Card Series
Tigers v. Blue Jays
Yankees v. Rangers
NL Wild Card Series
Cardinals v. Giants
Phillies v. Mets
ALDS
Orioles v. Yankees
Astros v. Blue Jays
NLDS
Dodgers v. Phillies
Braves v. Giants
ALCS
Orioles v. Astros
NLCS
Dodgers v. Braves
World Series
Dodgers over Orioles