2024 Pre-Season Profile: Boston Red Sox

 #19

The Boston Red Sox are stuck in a division with four juggernauts.  Will they be able to enter the conversation of the AL East contenders at all in 2024?

2023 Predictions

#23 - 5th in AL East

MIH - Masataka Yoshida

MIP - Chris Sale

PTW - Triston Casas

FP - This is Chris Sale's last season for the Red Sox.

2023 Results

#20 - 78-84, 5th in AL East

Highest WAR (Position) - Rafael Devers

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Chris Martin

There wasn't really any other result for the Red Sox in 2023.  The other four team in the division are peaking while the Sox are somewhere in between.  Their superstar third baseman keeps doing what he should, but there second best player in terms of WAR was a reliever (that wasn't their closer).  With that said, you could call their season a success simply for getting so close to .500.  It shows that the AL East in 2023 might have been the toughest division in baseball history.

Additions / Subtractions

My prediction came true when the Red Sox traded Chris Sale to the Braves.  They also sent Alex Verdugo, the prize of the Mookie Betts trade, to the hated Yankees.  Justin Turner is gone, Christian Arroyo is gone, Adam Duvall is gone, James Paxton is gone.  Most of these were replaced internally with youngsters.  The main off-season acquisitions were outfielder Tyler O'Neill and starter Lucas Giolito who never got to throw a pitch before blowing out his elbow in Spring Training.

Most Important Hitter

Trevor Story

Trevor Story seemed to be one of those superstars looking for a payday that no one wanted to give him in the 2022 off-season.  Eventually the Red Sox gave him a 6 year deal.  Now, entering the third year of that deal, Story has only played 137 mediocre games in Boston.  The Red Sox need Story to stay healthy and productive if they are to have any chance of being relevant this season.

Most Important Pitcher

Brayan Bello

Chris Sale is gone.  Lucas Giolito is injured.  All of a sudden, 24 year old Brayan Bello is the only one left to anchor this rotation.  They have a lot of faith in the youngster, giving him an extension this off-season following a solid 2023.  With that said, he needs to take some huge strides forward if he is to be a relied upon ace.

Prospect to Watch

Ceddanne Rafaela

There are several options for this spot for the 14th best farm system in baseball, sporting 4 players in the Top 100.  Although Marcelo Mayer might end up being the best rookie in 2024, I'm going with the one that made the Opening Day roster.  Ceddanne Rafaela has been given center field to start the season, and it's easy to see why.  He is an elite defender.  Even though the bat is still developing, his defense will keep him in the lineup and help the team this season.

2024 Prediction

5th in AL East

This division is so tough once again.  The other four teams in the division could easily all make the playoffs.  The Red Sox are kinda stuck.  They are too good to tank and rebuild, but not good enough to contend in this division.  They might be winning the AL Central, but they will once again sit around .500 and ride the cellar all season.

Fearless Prediction

This will be Alex Cora's last season as Red Sox manager.

Manager of the Red Sox right now has to be an impossible job.  You're expected to be one of the elite teams, but you don't have the resources to compete.  You're expected to be a big budget superteam, yet you traded away one of the best players in baseball a few seasons ago.  Fans expect to make the postseason, but your best season might still find the team in the cellar.  Alex Cora could be fired for PR purposes, showing the fans they don't accept mediocrity.  I could also see him stepping away after the season simply for getting away from the pressure of an impossible situation.

2023 Pre-Season Profile: Boston Red Sox

 #23

The Boston Red Sox went from cellar in 2020 to the ALCS in 2021 back to the cellar in 2022.  Will 2023 see another bounce back?  Or will they stay in the cellar?

2022 Predictions

#11 - 2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Round

MIH - Trevor Story

MIP - Chris Sale

PTW - Jeter Downs

2022 Results

#17 - 78-84, 5th in AL East

Highest WAR (Position) - Xander Bogaerts

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Michael Wacha

The Red Sox got hurt by being in the best division in baseball in 2022.  Only finishing 6 games under .500, they were still only good for last place in the AL East.  Thanks to more injuries, Chris Sale only pitched 2 games in 2022, bringing his grand total of 11 starts in the last 3 seasons.  Trevor Story had an okay first season in Boston.  The season wasn't bad, but when you are chasing down the rest of that division, it feels like they had a long way to go.

Additions / Subtractions

No fan base is more dejected entering the 2023 season than the Boston Red Sox.  They watched cornerstones Xander Bogaerts and J.D. Martinez leave in free agency.  Tommy Pham and Eric Hosmer moved on after mid-season acquisitions.  Starters Michael Wacha, Rich Hill, and Nathan Eovaldi left in free agency.  Jeter Downs, one of the centerpieces of the prospect haul in the Mookie Betts trade, gets DFA'ed, marking a sign of admitting they lost that trade.  Last offseason's prize signing Trevor Story is out for most of the year.  They did bring in some talent with starter Corey Kluber, closer Kenley Jansen, infielders Justin Turner and Adalberto Mondesi, and outfielders Adam Duvall and Japanese import Masataka Yoshida.  That's some huge turnover!  There was also a lot more star power walking out the door than walking in.  At least they were able to re-sign Rafael Devers to a big extension or else this offseason would have been a colossal failure.  Otherwise he would have been the next Red Sox superstar to be traded or leave in free agency.

Most Important Hitter

Masataka Yoshida

The biggest wild cards on any roster are Japanese imports.  These superstars in the Japanese league are trying to be the next Ichiro or Hideki Matsui or Shohei Ohtani.  Sometimes they become the next Kazuo Matsui, Kosuke Fukudome, or Tsuyoshi Shinjo.  The latest to make the transition is Masataka Yoshida.  He is slated to be the keeper of the Green Monster in leftfield to start the season, but how will he transition?  Looking at the rest of the offseason the Red Sox had, it looks like they are expecting Yoshida to come in and produce immediately to help pick up the massive hole left behind by the likes of Bogaerts and Martinez.  If he hits, the Red Sox are in much better shape than some think.  If he misses, the Red Sox may be in some trouble.

Most Important Pitcher

Chris Sale

Chris Sale is being paid like the ace of the Red Sox.  For the last 3 seasons, he has been cashing the checks with no production.  He is signed on this megadeal for at least the next two seasons.  If he can get on the field, he has the tools to still be one of the best pitchers in baseball ... I think.  Have the injuries aged his body too much?  He is entering his age 34 season.  He is not a young pitcher anymore.  The Red Sox are relying on him being back at the elite level because there is not much depth and top end talent behind him.

Prospect to Watch

Triston Casas

The Red Sox may have 4 prospects in MLB's Top 100 right now, but their system is ranked 19th according to Bleacher Report due to a lack of depth.  One of their top prospects is Triston Casas.  Ranked the 23rd best prospect in baseball and the 2nd best prospect in the Red Sox system, Casas is slated to be the starting first baseman on Opening Day in Boston.  Casas is a big dude with a big bat.  At 6'4" and 252lb, Casas could easily be a 40 homer guy.  Barely staying under the threshold to maintain rookie status, Casas played in 27 in 2022 for the Red Sox and homered 5 times.  He is definitely a bat the Red Sox are hoping will pop in 2023.

2023 Prediction

5th in AL East

I don't really see any other outcome for the Red Sox this season.  They watched too much talent leave and didn't bring in enough to make up for it.  Even with last year's talent, they were in the cellar.  Also, their division is so stacked.  This division had 3 teams in the playoffs in 2022 with the Orioles just missing.  There's really no other option for the Red Sox.  Either something goes drastically wrong in Tampa, Toronto, Baltimore, or the Bronx, or ... the Red Sox finish in the cellar for the third time in 4 seasons.

Fearless Prediction

This is Chris Sale's last season for the Red Sox.

At some point, the Red Sox have to realize they need to stop trying to half compete and just need to sell off and rebuild.  I think that starts with Chris Sale.  If he pitches well this year, he gets traded at the deadline or in the offseason to a contender who thinks they are one arm away.  If he pitches poorly, they might just eat the money and let him go.  Either way, this could be the end of his road in Boston.

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).

2021 Pre-Season Profile: Boston Red Sox

 #26

The Boston Red Sox had a tumultuous year in 2020, losing their best player, their ace, and their manager.  Will 2021 bring a quick rebound, or are they stuck in an impending rebuild?

2020 Predictions

#21 - 4th in AL East

MIH - Xander Bogaerts

MIP - Nathan Eovaldi

PTW - Tanner Houck

2020 Results

#27 - 5th in AL East

Everyone knew the Red Sox were going to take a step back in 2020, but I don't know if anyone thought it would be a step back that far.  They dropped all the way to the cellar without Mookie Betts, Chris Sale, and Alex Cora leading the way.  They did have some sparks, as Alex Verdugo proved to be a potential budding star they got back in the Betts deal.  My prospect to watch also flashed in the few opportunities he got on the mound in 2020.

Additions / Subtractions

The Red Sox had a fascinating offseason in that they were not in the full "go for it" mode you tend to see out of them.  They made some interesting additions in signing Kike Hernandez to replace the (finally) retiring Dustin Pedroia at second base.  They signed Hunter Renfroe to man a corner outfield spot.  They traded for Adam Ottavino from the Yankees.  They brought in upside guys like Garrett Richards and Nick Pivetta for their rotation.  These are nice little moves, but not the type of move you expect to see come out of Boston.  One of the more fascinating moves of the offseason for the Red Sox was the trade of Andrew Benintendi to the Royals.  The biggest transaction overall has to be the re-hiring of Alex Cora after his one year suspension/hiatus.

Most Important Hitter

Rafael Devers

With as much success as he had as early as he had it, it's easy to forget how young Rafael Devers is.  Entering only his age 24 season, Devers still hasn't hit his peak.  He is one of the main pieces of what should be the new core of the next wave of Red Sox.  His bat has always been really good, but his defense was pretty bad last year.  For the Red Sox to bounce back, Devers needs to round out his overall game and finally become the perennial All Star that everyone thought he would become.

Most Important Pitcher

Eduardo Rodriguez

One of the biggest things that doomed the 2020 campaign for the Red Sox was the depleted rotation.  Not only did you have an injured and recovering Chris Sale, but you also had an entire lost year from Eduardo Rodriguez, who struggled through a bad case of COVID and never was healthy enough to play.  One of the most consistent and steady pitchers in the league over the last couple years, Rodriguez is going to try and make a comeback and show that he is back to full strength.  With Chris Sale probably not ready to start the season, his presence in the rotation will be key.

Prospect to Watch

Bobby Dalbec

Ranked the 93rd best prospect in baseball on mlb.com, Bobby Dalbec had a really strong look in the big leagues last season.  Dalbec and his huge power will get every opportunity to prove that he is a middle-of-the-order bat for the Red Sox moving forward.

2021 Predictions

5th in AL East

I'm not really sure why I am still so low on the Red Sox this season.  They have a lot of great pieces in place, they have their manager back, and they're the freaking Red Sox and are never down for that long.  With all that said, it feels like the step back they took last year is not quite ready for a bounce back yet.  They could easily end up in 4th instead, but the team they are fighting with at the bottom of the division seems to have a lot more momentum on their side.

Fearless Prediction

J.D. Martinez will be traded before the 2022 season.

Entering the 2021 season, J.D. Martinez is the only regular in the Red Sox lineup that is over 30.  There is an obvious youth movement hitting Boston, and if the team sees the disappointments they had last season, look for them to unload another aging old contract from their roster to improve the prospects of their next big run coming up soon.

2019 Pre-Season Profile: Boston Red Sox

#5

The Boston Red Sox went all the way in 2018, winning the World Series.  No one has repeated as champions in almost 20 years.  Will the Red Sox end that streak?

2018 Predictions

2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

J.D. Martinez will be the only Red Sox hitter over 20 home runs.

2018 Results

108-54, 1st in AL East, won World Series

The Red Sox ended up having a historic season, winning more games than any Red Sox team ever on their way to a World Series title.  Mookie Betts won the MVP, with J.D. Martinez being a top candidate as well.  I took a stab that the Red Sox would continue to struggle getting the ball out of the park, but Betts, Xander Bogaerts, and Rafael Devers all topped 20 home runs as well.  Everything went right for the Sox in 2018.

Additions / Subtractions

The Red Sox are bringing back almost the exact same roster as last season with one glaring subtraction.  They made sure to bring back World Series hero Nathan Eovaldi and signed Chris Sale to a big extension to keep their roster in tact.  The big subtraction is closer Craig Kimbrel, who may have struggled some in the postseason but is still one of the most dominant closers in all of baseball.  He will be replaced internally.

Most Important Hitter

Andrew Benintendi

The Red Sox do not really have a hole in their lineup.  With that said, if there is one weakness it is the they are somewhat lacking on the left side.  Andrew Benintendi can fix that.  After a huge debut in 34 games in 2016, he shot up to one of the top prospects in baseball.  2017 was not as impressive as 2016, but 2018 was definitely a step in the right direction.  He is only entering his age 24 season, and a breakout season into the superstar he can be can really balance out the Red Sox lineup and make them even more dangerous.

Most Important Pitcher

Matt Barnes & Ryan Brasier

I am going with two pitchers in this spot because these two former setup men are being tasked with the extremely difficult job of replacing Craig Kimbrel's production in the 9th inning.  The Red Sox have a super deep bullpen, but for them to absorb Kimbrel's absence, either Barnes or Brasier (or both) have to step up big and be an All Star caliber closer.

Prospect to Watch

Michael Chavis

Michael Chavis is the best prospect in Boston's farm system.  This 23 year old third baseman might have some trouble breaking into the big club with the amount of talent in Boston's infield.  There are two ways he can affect the Red Sox this season.  Either he comes up and mans second base with Dustin Pedroia continuing to struggle to get healthy or they trade him for a top end closer.

2019 Prediction

2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

The Red Sox are the second best team in the American League.  The problem is the best team in the league might be in their own division.  This leaves them in the Wild Card Game.  If they win this, they will get the best record in the divisional round (which will be from their division).  It is extremely hard to repeat a championship in baseball.  They will come up short this season, even though they might win 100 games again.

Fearless Prediction

This will be Dustin Pedroia's last season.

Dustin Pedroia is a Red Sox legend, but he has been plagued by injuries throughout his career.  The last two seasons have been shortened for him, including only a 3 game season in 2018.  He says to be healthy for 2019, but he is entering his age 35 season.  I don't know if he has anything left in the tank.  I don't think Pedroia will hold on very long if he can't produce anymore.  If he can't be healthy again, it could be a career for the former MVP.

2018 MLB Pre-Season Profiles: #10-6

They may not win it all, but these teams will be able to claim that they made the playoffs in 2018.

#10

Los Angeles Angels

Most Important Hitter: Shohei Ohtani

Most Important Pticher: Shohei Ohtani

Prospect to Watch: Shohei Ohtani

2018 Prediction: 2nd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose Wild Card Game

Bold Prediction: Shohei Ohtani will have 15+ wins and 15+ home runs.

I may be overstating it a little bit, especially considering this team also has the best player in the world in Mike Trout, but Shohei Ohtani is the most fascinating player in baseball this season.  If he does what he is projected to do (and continues the success he has shown in the start of the season), the combination of Trout and Ohtani might lift the Angels back to the postseason.  The main concern is their bullpen, but their lineup is as complete as it has been since Trout broke into the league.  They won't go far, but the playoffs are within reach.

#9

Milwaukee Brewers

Most Important Hitter: Eric Thames

Most Important Pticher: Chase Anderson

Prospect to Watch: Brandon Woodruff

2018 Prediction: 2nd in NL Central, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Game

Bold Prediction: The Brewers will trade for an ace by the All Star Break.

I don't know what was more surprising: the Brewers' 2017 season or the Brewers 2018 offseason.  The Brewers came up just short of the playoffs in 2017, greatly surpassing most expectations.  Then, they go out in the offseason and improve their club more than almost anyone else, adding Lorenzo Cain and Christian Yelich to an already good outfield.  Many were surprised they also didn't land a frontline starter, which was the main area of concern entering the offseason.  That is why it would make sense if the Brewers use their depth in the outfield to go get a starter during the season.

#8

Boston Red Sox

Most Important Hitter: J.D. Martinez

Most Important Pticher: David Price

Prospect to Watch: Michael Chavis

2018 Prediction: 2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

Bold Prediction: J.D. Martinez will be the only Red Sox hitter over 20 home runs.

The Red Sox got the power hitter they were missing last year when they picked up J.D. Martinez part way through Spring Training.  They will have a successful season, but won't get too far.  It will be interesting to watch what happens with Michael Chavis this year.  He is the top prospect for the Red Sox, but was just suspended for 80 games.  He is also blocked from coming up to the big leagues by young phenom Rafael Devers.  Even though the Red Sox do not have a strong farm system anymore, it looks like Chavis might be the perfect trading chip mid-season.

#7

Cleveland Indians

Most Important Hitter: Jose Ramirez

Most Important Pticher: Trevor Bauer

Prospect to Watch: Francisco Mejia

2018 Prediction: 1st in AL Central, lose in ALDS

Bold Prediction: Corey Kluber will be the AL starting pitcher in the All Star Game.

The Indians have a loaded roster and should cruise through the AL Central.  Jose Ramirez will look to follow up an MVP-caliber 2017 season with another great year.  Trevor Bauer will be counted on to add depth to the rotation behind Kluber and Carlos Carrasco.  By Memorial Day, Francisco Mejia will be the Indians' starting catcher.  They might not get back to the World Series in 2018, but they will have a great season.

#6

Los Angeles Dodgers

Most Important Hitter: Cody Bellinger

Most Important Pticher: Kenta Maeda

Prospect to Watch: Walker Buehler

2018 Prediction: 1st in NL West, lose in NLDS

Bold Prediction: Clayton Kershaw will return in 2019 to the Dodgers.

The Dodgers still have an amazing roster and will be a serious contender to return to the World Series.  They will need another year from Cody Bellinger like he had in his rookie 2017 season.  Kenta Maeda, being the only right-hander in the Dodgers' rotation, needs to have a productive season.  Walker Buehler could help that rotation at some point as well.  The big story is whether Clayton Kershaw will opt out of his contract after the season and hit free agency.  Whether he opts out or not, he will be a Dodger in 2019.  How could he be anything else?