National League Central

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. St. Louis Cardinals

The acquisition of Nolan Arenado was a gift that they won’t soon squander.

2. Milwaukee Brewers

Their pitching staff has a few question marks, but their lineup is stacked and will keep them in contention.

3. Chicago Cubs

The signals that ownership has sent out indicates that this will be the last season with this current group of players.

4. Cincinnati Reds

It didn’t work last year and now they’ve lost their Cy Young winner in Trevor Bauer.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates

And the title of the worst team in baseball goes to…

Player to Watch: 3B Kris Bryant – Chicago Cubs

Best Acquisition: 3B Nolan Arenado – St. Louis Cardinals

New Kid on the Block: OF Dylan Carlson – St. Louis Cardinals Continue reading →

National League East

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Atlanta Braves

Their depth will be tested this year, but they are the team to beat in the NL East.

2. New York Mets

With their new owner in place they are built to win now and for the near future as well.

3. Philadelphia Phillies

Bringing in Dave Dombrowski to run the front office means they won’t be penny pinching and want to win now.

4. Miami Marlins

In a full 162-game season it will be harder to clinch a Wild Card spot, but don’t be surprised if they do.

5. Washington Nationals

Last season was a disaster and while they should be better this year, the rest of the division got better.

Player to Watch: OF Ronald Acuna Jr. – Atlanta Braves

Best Acquisition: SS Francisco Lindor – New York Mets

New Kid on the Block: P Sixto Sanchez – Miami Marlins Continue reading →

American League West

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Oakland Athletics

With their pipeline of pitching on the way they will be hard to contend with in the dog days of summer.

2. Los Angeles Angels

Assuming Shohei Ohtani is back to his old self from his rookie season and Trout and Rendon are playing at an All-Star level, they should be in the Wild Card hunt.

3. Houston Astros

The loss of George Springer in free agency is going to hurt, but not having Justin Verlander in the rotation will be more damaging.

4. Seattle Mariners

They have some intriguing pieces in place for a possible run at a Wild Card spot.

5. Texas Rangers

The growing pains will continue, but their new ballpark looks nice.

Player to Watch: P/DH Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Angels

Best Acquisition: P Raisel Iglesias – Los Angeles Angels

New Kid on the Block: OF Jarred Kelenic – Seattle Mariners Continue reading →

American League Central

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Chicago White Sox

Hiring Tony LaRussa to be the manager means they want and expect to be playing well into October.

2. Minnesota Twins

They are expected to be in the Postseason once again, but will they actually win a series?

3. Kansas City Royals

This is a perfect time for them to sneak under the radar and become a thorn in opponents sides this season.

4. Cleveland Indians

The restart button has been pressed again with the trade of Francisco Lindor.

5. Detroit Tigers

Look for more growing pains, but their new manager A.J. Hinch has been through it before in Houston.

Player to Watch: 1B Jose Abreu – Chicago White Sox

Best Acquisition: P Liam Hendriks – Chicago White Sox

New Kid on the Block: OF Alex Kirilloff – Minnesota Twins Continue reading →

American League East

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. New York Yankees

What becomes of the rotation going towards October will determine if they are World Series contenders.

2. Toronto Blue Jays

Their offseason moves suggest they are ready and willing to do what it takes to keep them atop the American League for many years to come.

3. Tampa Bay Rays

They are primed for having some bumps in the road this season, but don’t count out their pitching depth keeping them in contention.

4. Boston Red Sox

The penny pinching will continue this year with their ace Chris Sale still recovering from Tommy John surgery.

5. Baltimore Orioles

Get ready for the youth movement to arrive as Ryan Mountcastle and Adley Rutschman make their debuts.

Player to Watch: P Tyler Glasnow – Tampa Bay Rays

Best Acquisition: OF George Springer – Toronto Blue Jays

New Kid on the Block: P Luis Patino – Tampa Bay Rays Continue reading →