Baseball

National League East

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* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Philadelphia Phillies

Not only did they sign Bryce Harper, but they also traded for one of the best catchers in J.T. Realmuto.

2. Washington Nationals

A new ‘face of the franchise’ will emerge with the departure of Harper. Technically Max Scherzer has been doing that since his arrival.

3. Atlanta Braves

This doesn’t mean they won’t be competitive. They will be in the middle of a crazy race in the NL East.

4. New York Mets

With stability in the bullpen, maybe Jacob deGrom will get at least 15 wins this year.

5. Miami Marlins

Time to see what prospects will begin to emerge in the middle of a long and deliberate rebuilding process.

Player to Watch: OF Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies

Best Acquisition: OF Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies

New Kid on the Block: OF Victor Robles – Washington Nationals Continue reading →

American League West

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* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Houston Astros

Their lineup is formidable and their rotation is among the best in baseball.

2. Los Angeles Angels

Locking up Mike Trout for the rest of his career boosts the morale of a franchise looking to get back into the Postseason.

3. Oakland Athletics

The rotation took a hit in the offseason, but their lineup is as good as advertised.

4. Seattle Mariners

Not quite sure what the method is to the offseason upheaval, but they have a few good pieces to build from.

5. Texas Rangers

Surprisingly they’ll be getting a new stadium next year so this will be another long season in Arlington.

Player to Watch: OF Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels

Best Acquisition: OF Michael Brantley – Houston Astros

New Kid on the Block: P Jesus Luzardo – Oakland Athletics Continue reading →

American League Central

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* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. Cleveland Indians

Their rotation is among the best in all of baseball. That should give them a spot atop the division.

2. Minnesota Twins

Among the most active teams in the offseason, their acquisitions should have them back in contention.

3. Chicago White Sox

While they missed out on a big free agent acquisition, they have some solid pieces in place for the future.

4. Detroit Tigers

They still have some bloated contracts they need to get away from, but the future is beginning to take shape.

5. Kansas City Royals

They won’t be anywhere near contention because of their pitching staff, but their lineup should not be underestimated.

Player to Watch: SS Francisco Lindor – Cleveland Indians

Best Acquisition: DH Nelson Cruz – Minnesota Twins

New Kid on the Block: OF Eloy Jimenez – Chicago White Sox Continue reading →

American League East

Standard

* – indicates new to team

+ – indicates injury

1. New York Yankees

Armed with the deepest bullpen in baseball, they’ll look to unseat the defending champion Red Sox.

2. Boston Red Sox

Not having an established closer could put a damper on any talk of repeating as World Series champions.

3. Tampa Bay Rays

Their pitching depth knows no bounds, but they essentially hit the reset button on their lineup.

4. Toronto Blue Jays

The rebuild north of the border is in full swing. Lots of intriguing prospects will be making their debuts shortly.

5. Baltimore Orioles

A repeat of last years 115-loss season is all they have to look forward to.

Player to Watch: OF Mookie Betts – Boston Red Sox

Best Acquisition: P Charlie Morton – Tampa Bay Rays

New Kid on the Block: 3B Vladimir Guerrero Jr. – Toronto Blue Jays Continue reading →