National League Central

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Milwaukee Brewers

They have a unique lineup that is very top heavy with a solid pitching staff. Jackson Chourio is the real deal for them.

2. Chicago Cubs

This is a crucial season that will determine whether they ascend to contention or fall flat into the cellar. Having acquired Kyle Tucker and keeping him in Chicago is crucial to keep them as contenders.

3. Cincinnati Reds

Bringing in Terry Francona as the manager only means one thing; they want to win and that’s the only reason why he took the job.

4. St. Louis Cardinals

It’s going to be some uncharted territory for this franchise. It will also be interesting to see where Nolan Arenado eventually ends up.

5. Pittsburgh Pirates

Paul Skenes is the only reason to watch this team.

Player to Watch: P Paul Skenes – Pittsburgh Pirates

Best Acquisition: OF Kyle Tucker – Chicago Cubs

New Kid on the Block: P Bubba Chandler – Pittsburgh Pirates

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National League East

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Atlanta Braves

With Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider returning from season ending injuries last year this team gets a needed boost to make a Postseason run in October.

2. Philadelphia Phillies

The talent is everywhere on the roster, but time could be running out on this group with certain players having contracts coming due in the next season or two.

3. New York Mets

Signing Juan Soto to that massive deal and then bringing back Pete Alonso put the baseball world on notice that the Mets are not messing around and they want to win right now.

4. Washington Nationals

James Wood and Dylan Crews are taking their stake in the lineup, but the pitching staff still has a ways to go.

5. Miami Marlins

Lots of talented players under club control for a while, but how much longer will they hang on to former Cy Young winner Sandy Alcantara?

Player to Watch: P Zack Wheeler – Philadelphia Phillies

Best Acquisition: OF Juan Soto – New York Mets

New Kid on the Block: OF Dylan Crews – Washington Nationals

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American League West

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Texas Rangers

Last season was a bit of a fluke and that shouldn’t be the case with a healthy Jacob deGrom back in the rotation. Adding Jake Burger and Joc Pederson to an already stacked lineup only helps in the long run.

2. Houston Astros

The transition period is taking place with the lineup having different faces. Christian Walker was a good signing for first base, but the loss of Kyle Tucker might hurt them in the long run.

3. Seattle Mariners

Having Randy Arozarena and Victor Robles for a full season should have the offense in better position to score more runs. Their stacked rotation keeps them in contention regardless of the offense.

4. Athletics

They’ll be playing at a triple A field in Sacramento, California for the next few seasons before their move to Las Vegas, Nevada. Don’t expect them to suddenly be contenders, but they are better than advertised.

5. Los Angeles Angels

Even if Mike Trout is healthy for a full season, they won’t be much better than their 99-loss season last year.

Player to Watch: P Jacob deGrom – Texas Rangers

Best Acquisition: 1B Christian Walker – Houston Astros

New Kid on the Block: SS Jacob Wilson – Athletics

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American League Central

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Detroit Tigers

Steps were made last season and in October to put them in position to go further this time around. Tarik Skubal is a perennial Cy Young candidate moving forward.

2. Cleveland Guardians

Their pitching, particularly their bullpen will get them to the Postseason. Jose Ramirez is still among the most unheralded players in baseball after nearly having a 40-40 season last year.

3. Kansas City Royals

Last season wasn’t a fluke. The rotation was a large part of that success and Bobby Witt Jr. is a MVP candidate for the foreseeable future.

4. Minnesota Twins

With current ownership looking to sell the franchise, the product on the field is going to suffer. A lot of bloated contracts and a few players that must stay healthy in order for the team to remain competitive.

5. Chicago White Sox

The worst team in baseball history by record last season will have another 100+ loss season to look forward to.

Player to Watch: SS Bobby Witt Jr. – Kansas City Royals

Best Acquisition: P Tommy Kanhle – Detroit Tigers

New Kid on the Block: P Jackson Jobe – Detroit Tigers

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American League East

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Baltimore Orioles

Not bringing back Corbin Burnes will sting, but this team is still good enough to make another Postseason appearance. They must find success come October though.

2. New York Yankees

Last year’s World Series defeat, the loss of Juan Soto in free agency and losing Gerritt Cole to Tommy John surgery have knocked them down a peg. Yet, these are still the Yankees and they will find a way.

3. Boston Red Sox

Getting Alex Bregman and overhauling the rotation were solid moves. A lot needs to go right, but they could be vying for a Postseason spot this season.

4. Tampa Bay Rays

They continue to turn out productive majors leaguers in their farm system. It’ll be interesting to see them play a full season at an outdoor field with it being a minor league facility owned by the New York Yankees.

5. Toronto Blue Jays

Vlad Jr. has been extended, but the depth of this organization is thin and the injuries have mounted over the last few seasons.

Player to Watch: OF Aaron Judge – New York Yankees

Best Acquisition: 3B Alex Bregman – Boston Red Sox

New Kid on the Block: 2B Kristian Campbell – Boston Red Sox

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