2022 MLB Pre-Season Predictions: #10-1

We may be over a week into the season, but I wanted to finish my predictions before we got too far in.  Here's the top 10!

#10

Philadelphia Phillies

2021 Prediction: #14, 4th in NL East

2021 Fearless Prediction: Joe Girardi will be fired after the season.

2021 Result: #15, 82-80, 2nd in NL East

Most Important Hitter: Bryce Harper

Most Important Pitcher: Ranger Suarez

Prospect to Watch: Bryson Stott

2022 Prediction: 2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Round

Bryce Harper rode a hot second half to the NL MVP.  If he is able to put another season together like that, it might finally be the time for this Phillies core group to make a postseason run.  If not, this will truly be the end of Joe Girardi's run in Philly.  It might also mean the dismantling of this roster.

#9

Los Angeles Angels

2021 Prediction: #16, 3rd in AL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: Justin Upton and Dexter Fowler will be traded for prospects at the Trade Deadline.

2021 Result: #19, 77-85, 4th in AL West

Most Important Hitter: Anthony Rendon

Most Important Pitcher: Noah Syndergaard

Prospect to Watch: Reid Detmers

2022 Prediction: 1st in AL West, lose in Wild Card Round

The success or failure of the Angels all has to do with health.  If Ohtani, Trout, Rendon, and Syndergaard all stay healthy for the majority of the season, then the Angels could surprise everyone and come away with this division.  Can you imagine the hysteria around the league if Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani finally play their first postseason games?  It would only make sense if they lose in the first round.

#8

Seattle Mariners

2021 Prediction: #22, 4th in AL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: The Mariners will have four straight Rookies of the Year.

2021 Result: #10, 90-72, 2nd in AL West

Most Important Hitter: Jesse Winker

Most Important Pitcher: Logan Gilbert

Prospect to Watch: Julio Rodriguez

2022 Prediction: 3rd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

As a Mariners fan, it scares me to place them this high in my preseason rankings.  Maybe that's why I'm predicting them to finish 3rd, but still make the playoffs and get out of the Wild Card Round.  The M's were a surprise success last year and have definitely upgraded the rotation and the lineup.  If everything pays off, the longest playoff draught around should end.

#7

Houston Astros

2021 Prediction: #13, 2nd in AL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: One of the Astros three core players left is playing their last season as an Astro.

2021 Result: #2, 95-67, 1st in AL West, lost in World Series

Most Important Hitter: Kyle Tucker

Most Important Pitcher: Justin Verlander

Prospect to Watch: Jeremy Pena

2022 Prediction: 2nd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

How many times can a team lose a superstar and not skip a beat?  After the 2019 season, Gerrit Cole (3rd in team WAR) signs with the Yankees.  After the 2020 season, George Springer (team leader in WAR) signs with the Blue Jays.  After the 2021 season, Carlos Correa (team leader in WAR) signs with the Twins.  Somehow they keep excelling.  They have to be coming to the end of this magical run though.

#6

San Diego Padres

2021 Prediction: #9, 2nd in NL West, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Game

2021 Fearless Prediction: The San Diego Padres will win the NL West in 2022.

2021 Result: #16, 79-83, 3rd in NL West

Most Important Hitter: Manny Machado

Most Important Pitcher: Yu Darvish

Prospect to Watch: C.J. Abrams

2022 Prediction: 2nd in NL West, WILD CARD, lose in NLDS

The Padres had an epic meltdown in 2021, going from one of the best teams in baseball in the first half to looking like a mess in the second half.  Now they have one of the best managers in the game, one of the best young stars in the game, and still one of the best storylines in the game.  The Padres are still ready to break out.  They might not win the division this year, but they have to take a step forward.

#5

Milwaukee Brewers

2021 Prediction: #15, 2nd in NL Central

2021 Fearless Prediction: The Brewers will have no offensive players make the All Star Team.

2021 Result: #3, 95-67, 1st in NL Central, lost in NLDS

Most Important Hitter: Christian Yelich

Most Important Pitcher: Corbin Burnes

Prospect to Watch: Ethan Small

2022 Prediction: 1st in NL Central, lose in NLDS

The Brewers rode one of the best pitching staffs in baseball to another playoff run.  They will need a repeat performance from the pitchers, led by reigning Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes, and a resurgence from former MVP Christian Yelich, to make a deep run in 2022.

#4

New York Mets

2021 Prediction: #7, 2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in NLDS

2021 Fearless Prediction: Robinson Cano has played his last game in the big leagues.

2021 Result: #17, 77-85, 3rd in NL East

Most Important Hitter: Francisco Lindor

Most Important Pitcher: Max Scherzer

Prospect to Watch: Brett Baty

2022 Prediction: 1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

If it was possible to buy a championship, the Mets did so this offseason.  Max Scherzer, Starling Marte, Mark Canha, Chris Bassitt ... they definitely spent the most money over the offseason.  Now they have an All Star lineup with an old school veteran manager in Buck Showalter.  They just might have what it takes to make a deep run in 2022.

#3

Chicago White Sox

2021 Prediction: #2, 1st in AL Central, lose in World Series

2021 Fearless Prediction: Tony La Russa wins AL Manager of the Year.

2021 Result: #6, 93-69, 1st in AL Central, lose in ALDS

Most Important Hitter: Luis Robert

Most Important Pitcher: Michael Kopech

Prospect to Watch: Yoelqui Cespedes

2022 Prediction: 1st in AL Central, lose in ALCS

The White Sox have put together a terrific roster that looks ready to make a deep run in the postseason.  They have had some experience the last few years.  Even though they are starting the season with a bunch of injuries, they look ready to take another step forward this year.

#2

Los Angeles Dodgers

2021 Prediction: #3, 1st in NL West, lose in NLCS

2021 Fearless Prediction: This is the last year Clayton Kershaw wears Dodgers blue.

2021 Result: #2, 106-56, 2nd in NL West, lose in NLCS

Most Important Hitter: Cody Bellinger

Most Important Pitcher: Julio Urias

Prospect to Watch: Michael Busch

2022 Prediction: 1st in NL West, lose in World Series

The amount of talent on the Dodgers roster is borderline ridiculous.  To pick anyone other than the Dodgers to win it all should be considered controversial.  It's also extremely boring.  On top of that, the only time the Dodgers actually pulled out a championship during this run was the COVID-shortened 2020 season.  They will be right there again in 2022, but I have them just short once again.

#1

Toronto Blue Jays

2021 Prediction: #5, 2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

2021 Fearless Prediction: The Blue Jays will trade for a closer before Memorial Day.

2021 Result: #9, 91-71, 4th in AL East

Most Important Hitter: George Springer

Most Important Pitcher: Jose Berrios

Prospect to Watch: Gabriel Moreno

2022 Prediction: 1st in AL East, win World Series

No team has been through more adversity over the last two years than the Toronto Blue Jays.  The 2020 season was spent in Buffalo, the 2021 season was split between their Spring Training home, Buffalo, and finally Toronto when COVID protocols allowed the border to be opened enough to let them travel there.  They also play in probably the best division in baseball.  They also have one of the greatest young cores in the game.  They are battle tested, they have a perennial MVP candidate ... as long as their pitching can hold out, they have to be a candidate for the title.  I can see it happen in 2022!

2022 MLB Pre-Season Predictions: #20-11

 #20

Texas Rangers

2021 Prediction: #29, 5th in AL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: Chris Woodward will be fired mid-season.

2021 Result: #28, 60-102, 5th in AL West

Most Important Hitter: Adolis Garcia

Most Important Pitcher: Jon Gray

Prospect to Watch: Josh Jung

2022 Prediction: 4th in AL West

The Rangers spent loads of money this offseason establishing their lineup core for the next decade with Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.  Now they just need to wait for a young wave of players to work their way through the system.  The free agents definitely gave them a jump start, but they still have a ways to go.

#19

Chicago Cubs

2021 Prediction: #21, 4th in NL Central

2021 Fearless Prediction: The only player in the dugout from the Cubs' World Series roster on Opening Day 2022 will be manager David Ross.

2021 Result: #24, 71-91, 4th in NL Central

Most Important Hitter: Nico Hoerner

Most Important Pitcher: Marcus Stroman

Prospect to Watch: Brennen Davis

2022 Prediction: 3rd in NL Central

The Cubs did indeed trade away almost everyone remaining from their World Series run just 6 years ago.  Now they are starting over and rebuilding, but they are a little further along than others.  They still have a legit ace or two, and they signed one of the ultimate wild cards in the free agent pool this offseason in Seiya Suzuki.  They also are in one of the weakest divisions in the league.  They could easily flirt with .500 in 2022.

#18

Tampa Bay Rays

2021 Prediction: #11, 3rd in AL East

2021 Fearless Prediction: Randy Arozarena will hit less home runs in 2021 than he did in 2020.

2021 Result: #3, 100-62, 1st in AL East, lost in ALDS

Most Important Hitter: Randy Arozarena

Most Important Pitcher: Shane McClanahan

Prospect to Watch: Shane Baz

2022 Prediction: 4th in AL East

At some point, they way the Rays operate has to catch up with them and lead to a down year.  They can't keep dominating the toughest division in baseball.  There are only so many wins to go around, and although they have one of the most exciting young players around in Wander Franco, 2022 looks to be the year they struggle.

#17

Minnesota Twins

2021 Prediction: #10, 2nd in AL central, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Game

2021 Fearless Prediction: The Twins' top starting pitcher entering the postseason is currently not on their roster.

2021 Result: #23, 73-89, 5th in AL Central

Most Important Hitter: Byron Buxton

Most Important Pitcher: Chris Paddack

Prospect to Watch: Joe Ryan

2022 Prediction: 3rd in AL Central

The success of the Twins in 2022 revolves entirely around whether Byron Buxton can stay healthy.  They have a pretty formidable lineup, adding Gio Urshela, Gary Sanchez, and Carlos Correa.  Their pitching is pretty unproven, shown by one of their top prospects making his big league debut starting Opening Day.  This is a team that could make the playoffs or finish in the cellar or end up anywhere in between.  It all depends on their health.

#16

St. Louis Cardinals

2021 Prediction: #1, 1st in NL Central, win World Series

2021 Fearless Prediction: Jack Flaherty win the NL Cy Young Award.

2021 Result: #10, 90-72, 2nd in NL Central, WILD CARD, lost in Wild Card Game

Most Important Hitter: Nolan Arenado

Most Important Pitcher: Steven Matz

Prospect to Watch: Matthew Liberatore

2022 Prediction: 2nd in NL Central

I was really high on the Cardinals last year, picking them for a surprise run to the title.  I thought I had something when they went on their crazy run to end the season and make the playoffs, but ultimately ended up short.  Now I might be a little too low on them.  With star pitcher Jack Flaherty still hurt, their mismatched rotation will have to be strong for their season to be a success.  If nothing else, they will be a fun watch as Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright appear poised to make 2022 a joint farewell tour.

#15

Detroit Tigers

2021 Prediction: #23, 4th in AL Central

2021 Fearless Prediction: Miguel Cabrera will become a 3000/500 hitter in 2021.

2021 Result: #20, 77-85, 3rd in AL Central

Most Important Hitter: Javier Baez

Most Important Pitcher: Casey Mize

Prospect to Watch: Spencer Torkelson

2022 Prediction: 2nd in AL Central

The Tigers are poised for a breakout.  They have amassed a ton of young talent reading to emerge, and they went out and signed a leader to anchor their team at shortstop.  If Baez can live up to his contract, if Casey Mize and others can show their promise in the rotation, and if a phenom like former #1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson can have a solid rookie season, the Tigers might ride this wide open division to a playoff birth.

#14

San Francisco Giants

2021 Prediction: #18, 3rd in NL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: At least two of the Giants' starting infielders will be traded mid-season.

2021 Result: #1, 107-55, 1st in NL West, lost in NLDS

Most Important Hitter: Brandon Belt

Most Important Pitcher: Logan Webb

Prospect to Watch: Heliot Ramos

2022 Prediction: 3rd in NL West

No one surprised quite as much in 2021 as the San Francisco Giants.  I was predicting them to potentially be sellers at the Trade Deadline.  Instead, they had the best record in all of baseball.  Their leader, Buster Posey, retired which will be hard to replace.  If the veterans are able to continue to contribute, and if their pitching staff can dominate again, they could repeat last year's performance, but it will be really tough.

#13

New York Yankees

2021 Prediction: #4, 1st in AL East, lose in ALCS

2021 Fearless Prediction: Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton will hit 100+ hone runs combined.

2021 Result: #7, 92-70, 3rd in AL East, lost in Wild Card Game

Most Important Hitter: Josh Donaldson

Most Important Pitcher: Luis Severino

Prospect to Watch: Oswald Peraza

2022 Prediction: 3rd in AL East

The Yankees always look like they should be one of the best teams in baseball on paper, but the pressure of the bright lights in the Bronx prove to be harder to overcome than anyone realizes.  Their lineup is always loaded, with Donaldson being a key addition if he can stay healthy.  Their rotation has some holes, and everyone needs to stay healthy.  I have them just missing the postseason party, which probably will lead to several firings, starting with Aaron Boone.

#12

Atlanta Braves

2021 Prediction: #6, 1st in NL East, lose in NLDS

2021 Fearless Prediction: Ronald Acuna Jr. wins the NL MVP.

2021 Result: #12, 88-73, 1st in NL East, won World Series

Most Important Hitter: Matt Olson

Most Important Pitcher: Kenley Jansen

Prospect to Watch: Spencer Strider

2022 Prediction: 3rd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Round

The Braves got hot at the right time and ended up winning it all in 2021.  Then they dropped the ball on signing back their leader in Freddie Freeman.  Instead, they traded away a lot of top talent from their farm system to bring in Matt Olson, who they signed to the extension they wanted to sign Freeman to.  Magical runs like last year don't happen twice.  I have them sneaking into the playoffs thanks to the expanded field, but they won't even host a playoff game.

#11

Boston Red Sox

2021 Prediction: #26, 5th in AL East

2021 Fearless Prediction: J.D. Martinez will be traded before the 2022 season.

2021 Result: #8, 91-71, 2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lost in ALCS

Most Important Hitter: Trevor Story

Most Important Pitcher: Chris Sale

Prospect to Watch: Jeter Downs

2022 Prediction: 2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Round

The Red Sox in 2021 proved how much a manager matters.  They were a step away from the World Series with Alex Cora when they were horrible in 2020 without him.  The big question mark for them this season is the rotation.  If they can get healthy and stay that way, they can dominate again.  If not, they will have to outscore a lot of teams (which they have the lineup to do).

2022 MLB Pre-Season Predictions: #30-21

Happy Opening Day!!!  One of my favorite things to do every year is take the month before the baseball season starts and do a preseason write-up and prediction article for each team.  Thanks to the lockout, a shortened Spring Training, and the crazy flurry of free agency signings during that shortened Spring Training, I did not have a chance to write these before the season starts.  With that said, I want to get my predictions out there in some way before the season gets going too much.  So here are teams #30-#21 in my pre-season power rankings.

#30

Oakland A's

2021 Prediction: #8, 1st in AL West, lose in ALDS

2021 Fearless Prediction: Before Opening Day 2022, Matt Chapman and Matt Olson will be traded, a new ballpark deal is done, or the A's will announce a relocation.

2021 Result: #13, 86-76, 3rd in AL West

Most Important Hitter: Sean Murphy

Most Important Pitcher: Frankie Montas

Prospect to Watch: Cristian Pache

2022 Prediction: 5th in AL West

After a lackluster end to 2021, the A's (as I predicted) traded away or let walk away almost their entire roster (including their manager).  Now the A's are starting over as they do every few years, but this one feels different.  They stripped the roster down to the studs without a next wave ready to compete.  Their most important players are the only ones left, and it's only a matter of time before they get traded too.  Are they trying to alienate the fanbase to make a move to Las Vegas easier?  Maybe.  On a side note, what is Oakland doing?  Do they just hate having sports?  They have already watched the Raiders move to Vegas, the Warriors move to San Francisco, and now the A's are on their way out since they refuse to build a new stadium to replace the worst facility in American professional sports.  Sad to see for a once proud sports city.

#29

Pittsburgh Pirates

2021 Prediction: #30, 5th in NL Central

2021 Fearless Prediction: Ke'Bryan Hayes will be an All Star and Rookie of the Year in 2021.

2021 Result: #27, 61-101, 5th in NL Central

Most Important Hitter: Bryan Reynolds

Most Important Pitcher: Mitch Keller

Prospect to Watch: Oneil Cruz

2022 Prediction: 5th in NL Central

The Pirates are a pretty lousy organization, shown by the fact that they just shelled out their biggest contract in franchise history at ... wait for it ... $70 million.  Then Ke'Bryan Hayes goes out and gets hurt in the first inning of Opening Day.  They seem to be the only team still concerned about service time manipulation by keeping Oneil Cruz in the minors to start the year because I think they are the only team that can't afford to sign a good player to a real contract.  Until they learn how to spend, they will only be good if they get lucky.

#28

Colorado Rockies

2021 Prediction: #28, 5th in NL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: Trevor Story will be traded before the Trade Deadline.

2021 Result: #21, 74-87, 4th in NL West

Most Important Hitter: Kris Bryant

Most Important Pitcher: German Marquez

Prospect to Watch: Elehuris Montero

2022 Prediction: 5th in NL West

The Rockies had an interesting offseason where they watched one of their stars leave in free agency while they brought another in.  What looked like a full blown rebuild got an uplift.  They don't have a lot of established players heading into this year though.  They should bounce back quick, but this year might be rough.

#27

Arizona Diamondbacks

2021 Prediction: #27, 4th in NL West

2021 Fearless Prediction: Madison Bumgarner will not be on the Diamondbacks roster at the start of 2022.

2021 Result: #29, 52-110, 5th in NL West

Most Important Hitter: Pavin Smith

Most Important Pitcher: Zac Gallen

Prospect to Watch: Alek Thomas

2022 Prediction: 4th in NL West

It's easy for the top of the NL West to rack up as many wins as they do when they have two door mats like the Rockies and Diamondbacks to deal with as many times as they do.  The Diamondbacks are trying, but they are so far behind the rest of the division (Rockies excluded) that it will take awhile for them to be relevant again.

#26

Cincinnati Reds

2021 Prediction: #19, 3rd in NL Central

2021 Fearless Prediction: Over half of the Reds' Opening Day lineup will no longer be on the roster Opening Day 2022.

2021 Result: #14, 83-79, 3rd in NL Central

Most Important Hitter: Jonathan India

Most Important Pitcher: Luis Castillo

Prospect to Watch: Hunter Greene

2022 Prediction: 4th in NL Central

My fearless prediction came true as the Reds unloaded a ton of their strong core and hit the full reset button.  They have a lot of promise with guys like reigning ROY Jonathan India and phenom Hunter Greene, but their step back will take a few years to bounce back from.

#25

Baltimore Orioles

2021 Prediction: #25, 4th in AL East

2021 Fearless Prediction: Trey Mancini will win Comeback Player of the Year.

2021 Result: #30, 52-110, 5th in AL East

Most Important Hitter: Cedric Mullins

Most Important Pitcher: John Means

Prospect to Watch: Adley Rutschman

2022 Prediction: 5th in AL East

It feels like the Orioles are starting to turn the corner.  The problem is they are in a division with 4 other teams that are World Series contenders.  They won't compete this year, but they will be interesting.

#24

Washington Nationals

2021 Prediction: #12, 3rd in NL East

2021 Fearless Prediction: Max Scherzer and Ryan Zimmerman will play their last games in a Nationals uniform in 2021.

2021 Result: #26, 65-97, 5th in NL East

Most Important Hitter: Josh Bell

Most Important Pitcher: Josiah Gray

Prospect to Watch: Cade Cavalli

2022 Prediction: 5th in NL East

It was time for the Nationals to take their step back and start to rebuild, but what a run they had!  They have another couple steps to fall back all the way before they start building back up, but when they do, they should still have possibly the best hitter of his generation in Juan Soto.

#23

Miami Marlins

2021 Prediction: #20, 5th in NL East

2021 Fearless Prediction: 2021 will be the last time the Miami Marlins finish in the cellar of the NL East for the next decade.

2021 Result: #25, 67-95, 4th in NL East

Most Important Hitter: Jazz Chisholm Jr.

Most Important Pitcher: Jesus Luzardo

Prospect to Watch: Max Meyer

2022 Prediction: 4th in NL East

The Marlins fell back down to earth in 2021 after a magical 60 games in 2020.  Now they are back on schedule with a lot of fun young talent.  It will be tough to compete with the top of the division, but they will cause headaches for the top teams throughout the season.

#22

Cleveland Guardians

2021 Prediction: #17, 3rd in AL Central

2021 Fearless Prediction: Shane Bieber will win a second straight Cy Young Award.

2021 Result: #16, 80-82, 2nd in AL Central

Most Important Hitter: Jose Ramirez

Most Important Pitcher: Shane Bieber

Prospect to Watch: Logan Allen

2022 Prediction: 5th in AL Central

The Guardians rely on one or two players more than any other team in the league.  If Jose Ramirez or Shane Bieber get hurt, they really don't have much of anything.  That's why they finally committed and paid Ramirez.  Scoring runs will be tough this year, but they can still pitch.  Bieber is the best and the leader, but not all they have.  My biggest issue with the Guardians this year ... can we stop this trend of rebranding a franchise but not changing a thing besides the name of the jersey?  The Guardians, the Commanders ... new name, exact same jersey.  It's going to take forever for people to get the name right because they look just like they did before.  Start over!

#21

Kansas City Royals

2021 Prediction: #24, 5th in AL Central

2021 Fearless Prediction: The Royals will sell at least two starting pitchers before the Trade Deadline.

2021 Result: #22, 74-88, 4th in AL Central

Most Important Hitter: Salvador Perez

Most Important Pitcher: Zack Greinke

Prospect to Watch: Bobby Witt Jr.

2022 Prediction: 4th in AL Central

This season for the Royals is all about veterans imparting wisdom on the young up and coming starts.  That's why they bring back Zack Greinke.  This season in KC is all about Bobby Witt Jr. though.  How quickly he breaks out will determine how successful their season is.