2024 Pre-Season Profile: New York Mets

 #18

The New York Mets went from being the best team money could buy and a legit World Series contender to selling at the Trade Deadline.  Are they ready to climb the mountaintop in 2024?

2023 Predictions

#3 - 1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

MIH - Brandon Nimmo

MIP - Kodai Senga

PTW - Francisco Alvarez

FP - A closer named Diaz will lead the Mets in saves in 2023.

2023 Results

#23 - 75-87, 4th in NL East

Highest WAR (Position) - Francisco Lindor

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Kodai Senga

The Mets won the award as the most disappointing season in the league.  They had thrown so much money at so many top players trying to put together and All Star roster, and it just didn't work.  The Edwin Diaz injury during the World Baseball Classic didn't help either.  There were some bright spots, as Japanese import Kodai Senga showed he's the real deal.  Phenom catcher Francisco Alvarez showed signs that he could be the star they were hoping he would be in the next couple years.  However, when you have to give up and trade both Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer mid-season to help reset your roster, it's not a good year.

Additions / Subtractions

The most notable change was the replacement of manager Buck Showalter with Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza.  In terms of the roster, no more huge splashes for the Mets, at least not this year.  They signed starters Luis Severino and Sean Manaea to stabilize the rotation.  Center fielder Harrison Bader is another smaller signing to fill a hole.  Then there was last minute addition J.D. Martinez as the team's full time DH.  All of these are solid moves, but when the Mets were printing money the last couple off-seasons, it's a little underwhelming.

Most Important Hitter

Pete Alonso

One of the more interesting storylines of the off-season was the move that wasn't made.  Pete Alonso is entering the final year of club control with the Mets, and he is set to be a free agent at the end of the season.  There was plenty of talk about the Mets either signing Alonso long term or trading him to continue their step back and reset.  Instead, Alonso is playing in a contract year.  Will he sign long term?  Will he be traded mid-season if the Mets are irrelevant?  Anything is possible.

Most Important Pitcher

Edwin Diaz

Losing Edwin Diaz in that freak celebration injury pre-season last year dealt a bigger blow than anyone anticipated.  Not only is he the Mets closer, but he is also a spark plug and source of so much energy.  The Mets also chose to replace him internally instead of trading for another closer.  Now he's back, but is he truly back to being the most dominant closer in baseball?  If he is, the whole bullpen works.  If not, this Mets bullpen gets really thin really fast.

Prospect to Watch

Luisangel Acuna

The Mets sport the 13th best farm system in baseball, thanks almost entirely to their Trade Deadline moves last season.  Three of their four Top 100 Prospects were acquired mid-season last year.  Two of these prospects have a chance to make an impact in 2024, and the most intriguing of those is Luisangel Acuna.  This 22 year old middle infielder is the younger brother of reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna and was acquired last season in the Max Scherzer trade to the Rangers.  In many ways, he looks like a mini version of his brother.  He doesn't have the same power at just 5'8", but he can definitely still hit.  He is also a strong defender up the middle.  The Mets seem pretty set at second and shortstop with Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil, but it will be a big storyline when this phenom makes his debut for more reasons than one.

2024 Prediction

3rd in NL East

When the 2023 roster wasn't working, the Mets knew they needed to take a step back and build a more sustainable winner.  They have done that, but they also knew it meant they were probably sacrificing the 2024 season in the process.  With that said, there is still way too much talent on this roster for them to be bad.  The Mets should be much better this year than last year.  They are also in a very top heavy division with two juggernauts that they hope to join very soon.

Fearless Prediction

Pete Alonso will be traded mid-season, and then sign a free agent deal with the Mets in the off-season.

This may be a wild prediction, but it feels like a very Mets thing to do.  By the Trade Deadline, the Mets may be ready to give up enough on the season to trade their first baseman, especially if he is having a good season and could bring back a good haul of prospects.  So then Pete Alonso becomes a free agent and signs with the highest bidder.  Well, that sounds like it would be the Mets.  So they get the prospect package and the star signed long term.  It doesn't happen often (Yankees pulled it off with Aroldis Chapman a few years back), but it feels like a situation that could play out here.

2023 Pre-Season Profile: Los Angeles Dodgers

 #1

The Los Angeles Dodgers made news this offseason for not making much news.  Can they contend for a title in 2023 with their current roster?

2022 Predictions

#2 - 1st in NL West, lose in World Series

MIH - Cody Bellinger

MIP - Julio Urias

PTW - Michael Busch

2022 Results

#5 - 111-51, 1st in NL West, lost in NLDS

Highest WAR (Position) - Mookie Betts

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Julio Urias

The Dodgers are consistently one of the best regular season teams year after year, winning over 100 games for the 4th time in 5 seasons (excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 season).  However, outside of the COVID-shortened 2020 season, the regular season success hasn't produced any postseason results.  Adding insult to injury, they were eliminated from the playoffs by divisional rival San Diego in 2022.  Is it possible Dave Roberts is on the hot seat even with all that success?

Additions / Subtractions

The Dodgers had a very strange offseason for them in that they didn't make a splash.  While every other big market team was adding huge contracts and superstars to their payroll, the Dodgers instead watched Trea Turner, Cody Bellinger, Justin Turner, Joey Gallo, Tyler Anderson, Andrew Heaney, and Craig Kimbrel walk away while Gavin Lux and Walker Buehler will miss the season with injuries.  With that kind of star power leaving, most of them were replaced internally or with short term deals.  New Dodgers include starter Noah Syndergaard, infielder Miguel Rojas, outfielder Jason Heyward, and DH J.D. Martinez.  Many speculate that the Dodgers didn't spend this offseason so they can offer a half a billion dollars to Shohei Ohtani next winter.

Most Important Hitter

Max Muncy

The Dodgers still have Mookie Betts and Freddie Freeman at the heart of their lineup, but a lineup is more than two players (just ask the Angels).  Max Muncy is one of those players that the Dodgers are really counting on to provide that depth.  The Dodgers unlocked something in Muncy when he joined the team in 2018 as he hit over 35 home runs in 2018, 2019, and 2021 while making the All Star team twice.  However, in 2022 Muncy took a step back, only hitting 21 home runs with an OPS+ of 97.  With Justin Turner's departure, Muncy is now the everyday third baseman, especially with second base not really an option anymore with the new shift ban.  If he returns to his 2021 form, that will go a long way in keeping the Dodger lineup moving.

Most Important Pitcher

Dustin May

Julio Urias emerged as an ace last season, and Clayton Kershaw is still around, however the biggest X-factor in the Dodger rotation is Dustin May.  At one point, May was one of the most promising prospects in all of baseball, but injuries have made it difficult for him to reach his potential.  He will have every opportunity in 2023 to show what he can do.  His stuff is still filthy so as long as he can stay healthy, May may be a prime breakout candidate this season.

Prospect to Watch

Miguel Vargas

The miracle of this run the Dodgers are on is they have been able to make the blockbuster trades and sign the big free agents while maintaining one of the best farm systems in all of baseball.  Ranked either 1st or 2nd (to the Orioles), the Dodgers currently have 7 prospects in the Top 100.  This organizational depth is going to be leaned on this season to help replace some of the departing star power, with several rookies getting Opening Day starts.  One of those is Miguel Vargas.  Ranked 37th in the Top 100, the 23 year old Cuban can play anywhere on the field, but will be looked to as the everyday second baseman this season.  Vargas is a pretty elite hitter so as long as he hits, the Dodgers will find a role for him.

2023 Prediction

1st in NL West, win World Series

There you have it!  My World Series pick!  I love what the Dodgers did (or didn't do) to get ready for this year.  There's something to the consistency and trusting the talent you have, especially finally allowing the young talent to truly get a chance to thrive at the big league level.  The sneakiest move of the whole offseason might be the trade for Miguel Rojas, especially after Gavin Lux's injury.  I don't see the Dodgers winning 111 games again this season.  In fact, I have them picked to have the worst record among the division champs and having to play through the Wild Card Round.  However, it just makes too much sense that the year no one is paying attention to them is the year they go all the way.  Also, can you imagine a Yankees/Dodgers World Series?  It's a marketing dream!

Fearless Prediction

Clayton Kershaw retires after this season.

Clayton Kershaw is one of the best pitchers of this generation.  He is a 9 time All Star, a former MVP, won the pitching Triple Crown and 3 Cy Youngs.  He is also in his age 35 season and has been making a habit of signing 1 year contracts recently.  There have been rumblings that he has started questioning when it's time to call it a career each offseason.  I would imagine a full season World Series championship will be the perfect opportunity for Kershaw to ride off into the Cooperstown sunset.

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.

2017-2018 MLB Wraparound Season

I am a sports junkie (probably even more so than a movie junkie).  I love watching sports, playing sports, and pretty much anything to do with sports.  My favorite might be stats.  I am a numbers guy, and I find all the stats fascinating.  This is one of the many reasons baseball season is possibly my favorite season as it is more stats-driven than any other sport.  The MLB All Star Break is one of my favorite parts of the summer.  It not only allows for baseball to take the sole sports spotlight for one of the only times in the year, but it also gives me the chance to do my yearly baseball stats deep dive.

Who have been the best baseball players over the last 12 months?  I call this the wraparound season.  I tabulate the stats from after the All Star Break last year and combine them with the stats from the first half of this season.  This helps see who might be key contributors in the upcoming playoff push.  It also might show who has been overworked and might fall off production down the stretch run.  I gathered stats for all hitters in the top 50 in hits, doubles, home runs, RBI's, and runs from last year's second half and this year's first half.  I did the same with pitchers, with the top 50 in wins, innings pitched, strikeouts, and the top 30 in saves.  Before we look at the 2017-2018 Wraparound Season, let's look back at who stood out in the 2016-2017 Wraparound Season.

Underrated Hitters

1.  Jose Ramirez - CLE

2.  Ender Inciarte - ATL

3.  Jedd Gyorko - STL

4.  Charlie Blackmon - COL

5.  Jose Abreu - CWS

Underrated Pitchers

1.  Ivan Nova - PIT

2.  Dan Straily - CIN / MIA

3.  Sean Manaea - OAK

4.  Ervin Santana - MIN

5.  Robbie Ray - ARZ

AL Wraparound MVP

1.  Jose Ramirez - CLE

2.  Jose Altuve - HOU

3.  Mike Trout - LAA

4.  Aaron Judge - NYY

5.  Nelson Cruz - SEA

NL Wraparound MVP

1.  Joey Votto - CIN

2.  Freddie Freeman - ATL

3.  Charlie Blackmon - COL

4.  Nolan Arenado - COL

5.  Daniel Murphy - WAS

AL Wraparound Cy Young

1.  Corey Kluber - CLE

2.  Chris Sale - BOS

3.  Justin Verlander - DET / HOU

4.  Chris Archer - TB

5.  Ervin Santana - MIN

NL Wraparound Cy Young

1.  Max Scherzer - WAS

2.  Clayton Kershaw - LAD

3.  Carlos Martinez - STL

4.  Kyle Hendricks - CHC

5.  Ivan Nova - PIT

Top Relievers

1.  Kenley Jansen - LAD

2.  Andrew Miller - NYY / CLE

3.  Craig Kimbrel - BOS

4.  Aroldis Chapman - NYY

5.  Wade Davis - KC / CHC

Of the 25 players to make the top lists last year, 13 made the lists this year.  Of the 10 players listed as underrated last year, two of them made a top list this year.

Batting Average

AL

Jose Altuve – HOU	.336
Mookie Betts – BOS	.309
Adrian Beltre – TEX	.306
Yuli Gurriel – HOU	.306
Manny Machado – BAL	.304
Avisail Garcia – CWS	.328
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	.319
Matt Duffy – TB	.317
Lorenzo Cain – KC / MIL	.310

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	.315
Charlie Blackmon – COL	.314
Jose Martinez – STL	.308
Scooter Gennett – CIN	.307
Joey Votto – CIN	.305
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	.319
Lorenzo Cain – KC / MIL	.310

First, the list under each top 5 are players that would be on the list if they qualified.  Two things can disqualify you for these lists.  First, you need to have over 400 at bats to be considered.  Hitters like Avisail Garcia and Matt Duffy don't have enough AB's.  Second, you have to have played the last 12 months in one league.  So J.D. Martinez and Lorenzo Cain will not qualify for any list.  Jose Altuve topped the AL list last year as well, which is just more proof he is the best pure hitter int he game today (especially looking at how much better he is than everyone else).  Beltre continues to be a top hitter in the twilight of his career.  Machado, although now a Dodger, finished his time as an Oriole in pretty strong style.

In the NL, there are a lot of Rockies and, surprisingly, Reds on this list.  Arenado and Blackmon are showing they should be considered some of the top hitters in the league.  Jose Martinez is a surprise, showing the Cardinals have a good young core to build around.  Votto topped this list last year, but it is good to see a guy like Gennett hitting as well as he is.  Overall, all of these averages are down from last year.

Home Runs

AL

Aaron Judge – NYY	47
Francisco Lindor – CLE	44
Nelson Cruz – SEA	44
Mike Trout – LAA	42
Edwin Encarnacion – CLE	42
Joey Gallo – TEX	42
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	60
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	56

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	43
Paul Goldschmidt – ARZ	37
Charlie Blackmon – COL	36
Kyle Schwarber – CHC	35
Trevor Story – COL	33
Eugenio Suarez – CIN	33
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	60
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	56

The most noticeable thing with these lists is the two best home run hitters of the last 12 months don't qualify because they spent time in both leagues.  J.D. Martinez followed up his crazy finish last year with the Diamondbacks with a great first half this year in Boston.  Giancarlo Stanton had an okay start in the Bronx, but he hit 33 second half home runs with the Marlins last year.  That alone puts him on the NL list.  Judge has shown no sophomore slump.  Lindor is not a name you consider a top home run guy, but he has shown some awesome power the last 12 months.  Names like Cruz, Encarnacion, and Gallo you expect to see.  Trout has been a beast as always.

Three of the six on this list are Rockies, showing they have possibly the best offense in the league.  Goldschmidt is still a premier hitter in the NL.  Schwarber has shown what he can do when he is healthy and in the lineup every day.  Suarez makes it three Reds that have made lists.  How are they so bad?  Oh yeah, they can't pitch (even though their manager was a pitching coach ... no wonder he got fired).

RBI

AL

Edwin Encarnacion – CLE	124
Khris Davis – OAK	114
Manny Machado – BAL	113
Eddie Rosario – MIN	112
Nicholas Castellanos – DET	111
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	152
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	129

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	128
Trevor Story – COL	115
Javy Baez – CHC	114
Anthony Rizzo – CHC	114
Scooter Gennett – CIN	113
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	152
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	129

Once again, Martinez and Stanton would be the class of both leagues (and by a decent margin).  There are some names you are not used to seeing on this list.  Encarnacion and Machado you expect to see, but Khris Davis has quietly been one of the most productive power hitters of the last few years in Oakland.  Rosario helped lead the Twins to their playoff berth last year.  I am surprised more people aren't talking about trading for Castellanos at the Trade Deadline.  Recently moving from third base to right field, he can play either position and is a very productive bat.

If you are keeping track, this makes a Wraparound Triple Crown for Nolan Arenado.  Also, once again, a teammate takes second.  Two Cubs are tied for third.  It might be a surprise one of them is Baez.  Also, once again there is a Red popping up.

OPS

AL

Mike Trout – LAA	1.022
Jose Ramirez – CLE	.980
Mookie Betts – BOS	.955
Aaron Judge – NYY	.938
Francisco Lindor – CLE	.924
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	1.073
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	.958

NL

Nolan Arenado – COL	1.004
Charlie Blackmon – COL	.936
Eugenio Suarez – CIN	.921
Paul Goldschmidt – ARZ	.915
Joey Votto – CIN	.913
J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS	1.073
Max Muncy – LAD	1.012
Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY	.958
Jesus Aguilar – MIL	.918

As OPS is one of the stats that shows the true value of a hitter, it is not surprising when you see the list of names on the AL list (including Martinez and Stanton once again).  Trout, Ramirez (last year's Wraparound AL MVP), Betts, Judge, and Lindor are considered three of the top hitters playing right now, and this shows why.

Considering Arenado has a Triple Crown over this stretch, it is no surprise he tops the AL list in OPS.  Once again, a teammate is second.  Still, no one gives Charlie Blackmon enough credit for just how good he is.  Suarez and Votto show up again to remind us just how good Cincinnati could be.  Goldschmidt is expected to be on a list like this, and it is good to see he doesn't disappoint.  Muncy and Aguilar have had amazing first halves of 2018, but they don't have enough at bats to qualify for the full season stats.

Wins

AL

Corey Kluber – CLE	23
Luis Severino – NYY	23
Carlos Carrasco – CLE	19
Charlie Morton – HOU	19
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	19

NL

Jon Lester – CHC	20
Aaron Nola – PHI	18
Max Scherzer – WAS	18
Zach Godley – ARZ	16
Jon Gray – COL	16
Zack Greinke – ARZ	16

Most stat guys in baseball call the win a useless stat in today's game.  I wouldn't quite go that far.  If your team wins when you take the mound, there is value there.  Looking at the names on these lists, they are exactly who you would expect to see as the top pitchers in the league (especially the AL list).  Kluber and Severino hit a total that hasn't been hit in an actual season since 2011.  Carrasco shows the strength of the Indians' starting rotation just like Morton and Verlander show the same about the Astros.  This is an impressive list, especially considering Kluber, Carrasco, and Dylan Bundy topped last year's list with 18.

Lester is the only NL pitcher to hit the 20 win mark.  Scherzer and Greinke show they are still elite.  Nola, Gray, and Godley show they are young aces in the making.

ERA (150 IP minimum)

AL

Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	2.15
Luis Severino – NYY	2.30
Corey Kluber – CLE	2.32
Trevor Bauer – CLE	2.54
Chris Sale – BOS	2.59

NL

Jacob deGrom – NYM	2.40
Max Scherzer – WAS	2.70
Aaron Nola – PHI	2.78
Jake Arrieta – CHC / PHI	2.86
Kyle Hendricks – CHC	3.20
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	3.18

Two things strike me about these lists.  First, this shows pretty clearly that the AL has the best pitchers.  Only one of the NL pitchers would even crack the AL top 5.  Considering the AL also had the top stats when it came to hitting, and that AL lineups are harder to navigate with a DH instead of a pitcher, this is really impressive.  The second thing I noticed is how hard it was to find pitchers that pitched 150 innings.  With the emergence of super bullpens, this is getting harder and harder for starters to do.  Verlander has been insane, with Severino and Kluber showing their win totals aren't a fluke.  Bauer shows again that Cleveland's rotation is ridiculous.  Sale shows that he earned his All Star Game start.

Jacob deGrom has been a great pitcher on a bad team, being this year's best Met pitcher.  Scherzer, Arrieta and Hendricks show they are still among the league's best.  Once again, there is Aaron Nola popping up.  He has been awesome.

Overall ERA

AL

Lou Trivino – OAK	1.22
Craig Kimbrel – BOS	1.75
Aroldis Chapman – NYY	2.07
David Robertson – CWS / NYY	2.12
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	2.15
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	1.47
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	1.84

NL

Brandon Morrow – LAD / CHC	1.79
Trevor Rosenthal – STL	1.88
Kenley Jansen – LAD	2.10
Stephen Strasburg – WAS	2.32
Jacob deGrom – NYM	2.40
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	1.47
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	1.84

Tops on this list for the AL is a recent call-up for the A's that has gotten off to a great start.  Next you have top closers Kimbrel and Chapman.  Robertson was the closer for the White Sox and is now part of the crazy bullpen for the Yankees.  It is always impressive when a starter makes this list, and Verlander has done it.

Morrow made an easy transition from Dodgers setup man to Cubs closer.  Rosenthal hasn't actually pitched this year after having Tommy John surgery.  He will be an interesting free agent next offseason.  Jansen is expected to be near the top of this list every year.  Strasburg had an insane finish to last year, but injuries have kept him below the innings limit.  Again, deGrom deserves better.  Ineligible for either list are Doolittle and Treinan, who were actually traded for each other last year.

Strikeouts

AL

Chris Sale – BOS	318
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	293
Corey Kluber – CLE	274
Trevor Bauer – CLE	268
Luis Severino – NYY	250
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	279

NL

Max Scherzer – WAS	277
Jacob deGrom – NYM	258
Aaron Nola – PHI	234
Patrick Corbin – ARZ	232
Jon Gray – COL	213
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	279

Sale and Scherzer topped these lists last year, and topped them again this year.  Sale was able to reach that magical 300 strikeout total with Verlander coming very close.  Just like every NL hitting list needs at least two Rockies, each AL pitching list needs two Indians.  Severino rounds out the list, showing he is an emerging young ace for the Yanks.  Gerrit Cole has become the latest pitcher to show a career resurrection since joining the Astros.

After Mad Max, we see some familiar names.  Nola and deGrom keep popping up over and over.  Corbin shows the Diamondbacks have a strong rotation as well.  Gray, once he finds some consistency, will be a household name with the rest of these pitchers.

Innings Pitched

AL

Corey Kluber – CLE	244
Justin Verlander – DET / HOU	238 2/3
Trevor Bauer – CLE	220
Chris Sale – BOS	215 2/3
Luis Severino – NYY	215
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	223 2/3

NL

Aaron Nola – PHI	216 2/3
Jacob deGrom – NYM	213 2/3
Clayton Richard – SD	211 1/3
Patrick Corbin – ARZ	210 2/3
Zack Greinke – ARZ	207 2/3
Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU	223 2/3

This is always an interesting list to me.  It shows which pitchers might be overworked and due for a slump or an injury in the second half of this season.  Of the five on this list last year, only two have returned to the list (Verlander, Sale).  Kluber is a machine (Klu-bot), but 244 innings is a lot, especially considering this doesn't include the last two playoff runs.  Verlander is always on this list, and seems to one immune to breaking down under a heavy workload.  Bauer is such a strange and unusual modern pitcher.  I don't see him breaking down either.  Sale is such a skinny guy with a strange delivery.  He could be Randy Johnson and never break down, or he could be due for some problems.  I am worried about Severino.  He is such a young player, and 215 innings is a lot (again, not counting playoffs last year).

Of the 6 players on last year's list, none have returned to the list.  Nola is a surprise at the top, showing again that he has been the Phillies' workhorse.  It might be deGrom's turn to have arm issues, as every one of the Mets aces has had those issues.  Richard has quietly been a steady pitcher for the Padres the last few seasons.  Then we have the top two Diamondbacks pitchers.  It makes sense for these totals to be so much less than the AL totals since they have to worry about hitting and pinch hitters.

Saves

AL

Edwin Diaz – SEA	57
Craig Kimbrel – BOS	42
Aroldis Chapman – NYY	40
Alex Colome – TB / SEA	34
Cody Allen – CLE	34
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	43
Fernando Rodney – MIA / ARZ / MIN	38
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	37

NL

Kenley Jansen – LAD	47
Brad Hand – SD	43
Wade Davis – CHC / COL	43
Felipe Vazquez – PIT	38
Corey Knebel – MIL	36
Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS	43
Fernando Rodney – MIA / ARZ / MIN	38
Blake Treinan – WAS / OAK	37

By far, the leader in saves the last 12 months has been Diaz, who almost set the record for most saves before the All Star Break.  This has been greatly helped by all the close games the Mariners have played.  Kimbrel and Chapman are thought to be the old standards you expect to see on this list every year.  Colome was a top closer before he was traded to Seattle to be Diaz's setup man.  Allen has been the back end of a great bullpen for quite some time.  Not eligible are the trade brother in Doolittle and Treinan as well as the Fernando Rodney Experience.

If you were to pick one closer you want on the mound in the 9th of a must-win game, I think Jansen might be the most popular pick.  The second best NL closer over the last 12 months, Brad Hand, is now the second best lefty specialist in the Indians' bullpen.  It feels like everyone always forgets how good Wade Davis is.  One of the few bright spots for the Pirates has been their closer Vazquez.  Knebel is the great closer at the end of a great bullpen in Milwaukee.

Underrated Hitters

Scooter Gennett – CIN

Eugenio Suarez – CIN

Whit Merrifield – KC

Nicholas Castellanos – DET

Javy Baez – CHC

One of my favorite parts of this exercise is finding the guys whose stats far outweigh their current reputation.  After hitting a huge game-tying home run in the All Star Game, more people will now know Scooter Gennett's name.  Eugenio Suarez has been possibly a top 5 third basemen over the last 12 months.  Whit Merrifield should be a top trade option for many teams over the next few weeks.  I already talked about Castellanos and how he has flown under the radar.  Some might be surprised to see Javy Baez on this list, but I think he has been more known for his antics and his defense.  It is easy to miss how good he has become at the plate.

Underrated Pitchers

Aaron Nola – PHI

Trevor Bauer – CLE

James Paxton – SEA

Carlos Carrasco – CLE

Blake Snell – TB

On almost every list, Aaron Nola was there.  He is one of the best pitchers in the league, and if the Phillies make the playoffs, he will be known for what he is.  Trevor Bauer has been a key member of the Indians rotation, but it is easy to be overshadowed by Kluber.  This might just be because I am a Mariners fan, but I feel like all things Mariners are underrated.  James Paxton is an ace whose stats show he should be in the conversation with the top pitchers in the league.  If Bauer is overshadowed by Kluber, Carlos Carrasco is overshadowed by both.  Blake Snell has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the league, but he was even underrated by his fellow players, taking an injury to get him on the All Star Team this year.

The Ineligibles

J.D. Martinez – DET / ARZ / BOS

Giancarlo Stanton – MIA / NYY

Gerrit Cole – PIT / HOU

Before I get into the MVP's and Cy Young winners for the Wraparound Season, I have to mention a couple ineligibles.  J.D. Martinez has been the best hitter over the last 12 months, and it isn't even close.  Regardless of league, he tops almost every statistical category.  Giancarlo Stanton ended his time in Miami with one of the greatest second halves in MLB history.  It could be said his time in the Bronx so far has been disappointing, but when you are comparing it to 2017 (and his teammate Aaron Judge), it is really hard to exceed expectations.  Gerrit Cole seems to finally be turning into the ace everyone hoped he would be when he was a #1 pick in the draft.  It is like the Astros of the 2010's are like the Braves of the 1990's.  They make pitchers great.

AL Wraparound MVP

Mike Trout – LAA

Jose Ramirez – CLE

Mookie Betts – BOS

Francisco Lindor – CLE

Aaron Judge – NYY

For awhile, I thought Mike Trout's legacy was a result of the WAR era.  WAR was built for players like Trout.  However, he is a top hitter in the league, a top defender in the league.  He is the best player out there.  I am starting to agree with those that say he could go down as a top 5 player of all time.  Jose Ramirez topped my underrated player list last year, and now everyone is realizing how good he is.  Mookie Betts gets all the notoriety, but has definitely earned it with an outstanding first half.  Francisco Lindor might end up being the best of all the great young shortstops in the league right now.  Then there is Aaron Judge.  I keep waiting for something to show that he is too good to be true, but nothing has come up yet.

NL Wraparound MVP

Nolan Arenado – COL

Charlie Blackmon – COL

Paul Goldschmidt – ARZ

Freddie Freeman – ATL

Joey Votto – CIN

I think a Triple Crown is reason enough to get the MVP.  Nolan Arenado still needs to be given the credit he deserves for how good he has been.  The same could be said for Charlie Blackmon.  These two teammates (Trevor Story could be part of the conversation too) make the Rockies a team no one wants to face in the playoffs.  Paul Goldschmidt might be the most overlooked superstar of the last decade.  Freddie Freeman has been the leader of possibly the biggest surprise team of this season.  No list of the NL's best hitters is complete without Joey Votto.

AL Wraparound Cy Young

Justin Verlander – DET / HOU

Corey Kluber – CLE

Chris Sale – BOS

Luis Severino – NYY

Trevor Bauer – CLE

This list was the easiest to make as these five pitchers topped almost every single statistical category I tabulated.  Justin Verlander has found his form again and is cementing his case as a no-doubt Hall of Famer.  Corey Kluber anchors one of the best pitching staffs in the league.  Chris Sale is a freak that is one of only three pitchers to start three straight All Star Games on the mound.  Luis Severino might be the best young pitcher to come along in some time.  Trevor Bauer, again, deserves more credit than he gets.  By the way, the top three on this list is the same as last year.  Different order, but the same.

NL Wraparound Cy Young

Max Scherzer – WAS

Jacob deGrom – NYM

Aaron Nola – PHI

Patrick Corbin – ARZ

Zack Greinke – ARZ

One of the most significant parts of this list is who is missing.  Clayton Kershaw, thought to be one of the best pitchers of his generation, has been so injured and banged up over the last 12 months that he didn't even make my list of the top 156 pitchers statistically of the last 12 months.  Max Scherzer was number one last year, and is number one again.  Like Verlander, he seems to only get better.  There is a reason so many teams want Jacob deGrom this Trade Deadline.  He is really really good.  (On a side note, also missing the top 156 was deGrom teammate Noah Syndergaard.)  Aaron Nola will soon have the reputation that matches his skill.  Patrick Corbin and Zack Greinke show why the Diamondbacks made the playoffs last year and are in position to do it again this year.  They have put together a great starting rotation.

Top Relievers

Edwin Diaz – SEA

Kenley Jansen – LAD

Craig Kimbrel – BOS

Sean Doolittle – OAK / WAS

Brad Hand – SD

Although he joined the long list of closers to blow a save at the All Star Game, it is hard to deny the dominance of Edwin Diaz over the last 12 months.  Kenley Jansen and Craig Kimbrel might be the most trusted arms in each league because they have shown they can do it year after year.  Sean Doolittle has been filthy for several years now.  Being in DC might actually get him some recognition for it.  The Indians picking up Brad Hand has the potential to have just as much impact on the playoffs (maybe more) as the Dodgers picking up Machado.

To see all the stats gathered for the Wraparound Season, click the link below:

2017-2018 Wraparound Season Stats