2024 Pre-Season Profile: Minnesota Twins

 #22

The Minnesota Twins went through some cost cutting this off-season.  Will the result still bring about wins in 2024?

2023 Predictions

#21 - 3rd in AL Central

MIH - Byron Buxton

MIP - Kenta Maeda

PTW - Simeon Woods Richardson

FP - Byron Buxton plays more games in 2023 than Carlos Correa.

2023 Results

#10 - 87-75, 1st in AL Central, lost in ALDS

Highest WAR (Position) - Ryan Jeffers

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Sonny Gray

The AL Central is always up for grabs, and the Twins went out and took it in 2023.  They did this with only half a season from their most talented player in Byron Buxton.  Their pitching carried them.  Their rotation pitched well enough that the lineup just needed to score enough.  It was good enough for a division championship and a playoff run.

Additions / Subtractions

The Twins were active this off-season moving payroll around and saving money.  Gone are Jorge Polanco, Joey Gallo, Michael A. Taylor, Sonny Gray, Kenta Maeda, Emilio Pagan, and Jorge Lopez.  Coming to the Twins in their place are Carlos Santana, Chris Paddack, Anthony DeSclafani, and Justin Topa.  The subtraction list is much more impressive than the addition list.

Most Important Hitter

Edouard Julien

One of the breakout stars for the Twins in 2023 was Edouard Julien at second base.  All he did was hit, gathering a 130 ERA+ with a .263 average, 16 homers in just 109 games.  Entering only his age 25 season, the Twins felt good enough about Julien to trade away their All Star second baseman in Jorge Polanco.  Now Julien has to show that 2023 was the start of something great instead of a fluky flash to start his career.

Most Important Pitcher

Pablo Lopez

With Sonny Gray and Kenta Maeda moving on, Pablo Lopez is now the true ace of the Twins.  Coming off a solid season with a 117 ERA+, Lopez has become a trendy dark horse pick for the Cy Young in 2024.  With the loss of depth in their rotation, the Twins need Lopez to be that good to anchor that rotation.  Otherwise, the team will need to score a lot more than last season.

Prospect to Watch

Brooks Lee

If the Twins need to score in 2024, Brooks Lee might be a major factor in doing so.  Sporting the 15th best farm system in baseball, the Twins have four prospects in the Top 100, and Lee is the one most likely to impact the team this season.  Ranked the 18th best prospect in baseball, and the 2nd best prospect in the system, Brooks Lee is a 23 year old switch hitting shortstop that just knows how to hit.  A first round pick in 2022, Lee looks to have an impact at some point in 2024 for the big league club.

2024 Prediction

4th in AL Central

The AL Central is as unpredictable of a division as I have seen in awhile.  While the AL East has 4 elite teams and one good team, the AL Central has 4 average teams and one bad team.  Anything can happen.  With the steps back due to payroll the Twins took, I see them taking a step back, however never count out the Twins.  They will always be interesting.

Fearless Prediction

Half the Twins Opening Day lineup will be traded before the start of 2025.

The Twins tried to reset some payroll this off-season while still competing.  If they struggle like I think they might, there could be a full reset in order.  Names like Max Kepler and Alex Kirilloff were already on the trade block leading into this season, and Carlos Santana is a perennial Trade Deadline acquisition.  Do they finally give up on Byron Buxton?  Does Royce Lewis become expendable to make room for Brooks Lee?  Does Carlos Correa?  The Twins could become very interesting next off-season.

2023 Pre-Season Profile: Minnesota Twins

 #21

The Minnesota Twins had a mediocre season in 2022, but followed it up with a curiously fascinating offseason.  Will it lead to a better season in 2023?

2022 Predictions

#17 - 3rd in AL Central

MIH - Byron Buxton

MIP - Chris Paddack

PTW - Joe Ryan

2022 Results

#18 - 78-84, 3rd in AL Central

Highest WAR (Position) - Carlos Correa

Highest WAR (Pitcher) - Jhoan Duran

The Minnesota Twins made a splash leading into 2022 by landing one of the top shortstops in the game in Carlos Correa.  He had an outstanding season for them, while Luis Arraez won the batting title.  However, their pitching struggled to keep pace with their offense.  It led to a lackluster season in a division that wasn't very good.

Additions / Subtractions

The Twins made some interesting waves in the offseason this year.  After Carlos Correa agreed to a contract with the Giants, and then the Mets, he ended up back in Minnesota on a huge deal.  Then they traded their batting champ to Miami for starter Pablo Lopez.  They also traded Gio Urshela to the Angels for a minor leaguer.  They signed catcher Christian Vazquez to be their new backstop replacing Gary Sanchez.  They also took a flier on Joey Gallo as a reclamation project.  Add in the signing of Michael A. Taylor as insurance for Byron Buxton's brittle body, and it was a fascinating offseason.

Most Important Hitter

Byron Buxton

It's going to be true every year until it isn't.  The success of the Twins is tied directly to Byron Buxton's health.  He is entering his 9th season in the big leagues (age 29 season), and only once has he been able to play over 100 games, and that was back in 2017.  He made his first All Star team in 2022, but only played in 92 games.  However, in those 92 games, he hit 28 homers, a 135 OPS+, and had a 4.0 WAR.  The Twins can be good without Buxton, but they won't be great without him.  He might be the biggest X-factor in the league.

Most Important Pitcher

Kenta Maeda

The Twins have been working hard trying to improve their pitching staff for awhile now.  After starting a rookie pitcher on Opening Day in 2022, the Twins traded for starter Tyler Mahle and closer Jorge Lopez mid-season last year.  Then they traded for Pablo Lopez this offseason.  However, the solution to their rotation might simply be getting healthy.  The last time we saw Kenta Maeda for a full season, he almost won the 2020 Cy Young.  He is finally healthy again, but he's also entering his age 35 season.  If Maeda can get back to where he was in 2020, the starting rotation might be better than it has been for awhile.

Prospect to Watch

Simeon Woods Richardson

The Twins have a top 10 farm system with 3 players in the Top 100 Prospects.  With their former #1 overall pick in Royce Lewis recovering from yet another ACL tear, the most likely impact from their deep prospect pool might be Simeon Woods Richardson.  This starting pitcher has found himself the centerpiece of two different blockbuster trades, first going from the Mets to the Blue Jays in the Marcus Stroman deal of 2019, then going from the Blue Jays to the Twins in the Jose Berrios deal in 2021.  Now he is ready to show what he can do at the big league level.  For a starting rotation always looking for extra help, Woods Richardson will definitely get an opportunity at some point this season to show what he can do.  It might also be the longest name ever to have to fit on the back of a jersey.

2023 Prediction

3rd in AL Central

The Twins are kicking off their brand new uniforms with a season where they could really finish anywhere from first to third.  So much of what they do this year depends on health.  Their pitchers have to stay healthy, and their stars have to stay healthy.  Not only is Buxton an injury liability, but Carlos Correa couldn't get a contract from a big market due to possible injury concerns.  Too much can go wrong, and with teams a little less volatile in front of them, this is where I see the Twins ending up.

Fearless Prediction

Byron Buxton plays more games in 2023 than Carlos Correa.

The only way for this whole Carlos Correa saga to end is for him to get hurt this year, right?  Two different organizations wouldn't sign off on his surgically repaired leg and ankle from his minor league days.  The Twins took the leap, but already knew the risk.  Either Correa is a borderline MVP this year or he gets hurt.  There is no in between.  We all know Buxton will be hurt at some point, so if Correa plays less than Buxton, the Twins are having a rough year.

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: Minnesota Twins

 #10

The Minnesota Twins extended their improbable postseason losing streak to 18 games in 2020.  Will the streak end in 2021?  Will it keep going?  Will they have a chance to end it?

2020 Predictions

#3 - 1st in AL Central, lose in ALCS

MIH - Byron Buxton

MIP - Kenta Maeda

PTW - Alex Kirilloff

2020 Results

#4 - 36-24, 1st in AL Central, lost in Wild Card Round

In the 2020 regular season, everything went right for the Minnesota Twins.  They won the division, they were one of the best teams in the American League, and they were well positioned to make a deep postseason run playing a team with a losing record in the first round.  Then they actually got to the postseason.  That team with the losing record was the Houston Astros who definitely know how to play in the postseason.  The Twins don't, and they were quickly swept out of the playoffs before they even realized they started.  It extended this crazy streak of playoff futility.  Now, no one remembers all the successes of the season.  All anyone remembers is how disappointing the season ended.

Additions / Subtractions

The biggest need for the Twins entering the offseason was pitching, with Jake Odorizzi leaving in free agency.  They tried to address it by signing J.A. Happ for the rotation and Alex Colome to strengthen the bullpen.  The biggest offseason moves for the Twins were the re-signing of veteran slugger Nelson Cruz and locking down the shortstop position with the slick-fielding Andrelton Simmons.

Most Important Hitter

Max Kepler

A breakout star for the Twins in 2019 was Max Kepler, who ended up garnering MVP votes at seasons end.  In 2020, Kepler was good but not great.  The Twins' lineup is definitely the strength of the team, with a mix of up-and-coming stars and established veterans.  Kepler, along with Byron Buxton, have the potential of being the stars of the Twins' roster for years to come.  A bounce back season from Kepler in 2021 should establish himself as one of the league's rising stars and a bat the Twins can rely on moving forward.

Most Important Pitcher

Jose Berrios

For years, everyone has been waiting for Jose Berrios to put everything together and establish himself as one of the most electric and dominant pitchers in all of baseball.  Although he has shown great durability and some great success in the league, making the All Star Team in both 2018 and 2019, he has yet to make himself the "guy."  In 2021, Kenta Maeda established himself as the ace of the Twins' staff, which happened because of a career year from Maeda and another good not great year from Berrios.  Entering his age 27 season, Berrios has maybe another season or two to find that dominance.  If he doesn't, he will still be a good pitcher, but the Twins need him to be an ace, not just good.

Prospect to Watch

Alex Kirilloff

My pick for the Prospect to Watch for the Twins in 2020, Alex Kirilloff would have definitely gotten his opportunity last year if not for the shortened season.  Instead, he didn't make any impact until he became the first player in MLB history to make his Major League debut by starting a playoff game.  Now, although he is slated to start this season in the minors, Kirilloff should be a regular part of the big league starting lineup at some point this season and for years to come.

2021 Prediction

2nd in AL Central, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Game

The Twins have a lineup that feels mostly unchanged from 2020, but they also feel like a playoff team that might be starting to lose some steam in terms of their success and dominance.  Their inability to truly upgrade, especially in their starting rotation, will keep them from winning their division, putting them in the one game Wild Card Round.  Not having the go-to ace, I'm predicting that ridiculous playoff losing streak will extend by one.

Fearless Prediction

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

At some point, the Twins have to recognize their need for more pitching.  At least you would think so.  Look for the to pull off a trade at some point throughout the season for a starting pitcher that becomes the ace of the staff ahead of Maeda and Berrios.  It might be a little out of character for the Twins to do so, but it could easily be a necessity for a team that might be feeling their hold on the division slipping away.

2020 MLB Pre-Season Power Rankings

We are FINALLY about to get some baseball!!!  After four months of delay due to the pandemic and a labor dispute, we are getting a crazy season of 60 games, a little over one-third of a normal season.  Every game will count in a way it never has before.  Back in March, I started my yearly pre-season profiles of each team.  Once the season was postponed, I postponed my profiles.  Now that the season is about to start, here is a quick overview of my pre-season rankings, thoughts, and predictions.  A few adjustments have been made since March, but the profiles I already did are locked in.  They are definitely the lower tier of the league this season.

#30

Baltimore Orioles

#29

Detroit Tigers

#28

Pittsburgh Pirates

#27

San Francisco Giants

#26

Seattle Mariners

#25

Kansas City Royals

#24

Colorado Rockies

#23

Texas Rangers

#22

Miami Marlins

#21

Boston Red Sox

Most Important Hitter: Xander Bogaerts

Most Important Pitcher: Nathan Eovaldi

Prospect to Watch: Tanner Houck

2020 Prediction: 4th in AL East

Loss of manager, Mookie, and Sale on the shelf will lead to a disappointing result in Fenway.

#20

Toronto Blue Jays

Most Important Hitter: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Most Important Pitcher: Hyun Jin Ryu

Prospect to Watch: Nate Pearson

2020 Prediction: 3rd in AL East

The Blue Jays are currently homeless, but they have a young core that is almost ready to take another step forward.  Could be a surprise contender.

#19

San Diego Padres

Most Important Hitter: Manny Machado

Most Important Pitcher: Garrett Richards

Prospect to Watch: MacKenzie Gore

2020 Prediction: 3rd in NL West

Another possible surprise contender, the Padres' youth movement needs their veteran leaders to lead the way for them to take the leap in 2020.

#18

Chicago Cubs

Most Important Hitter: Willson Contreras

Most Important Pitcher: Yu Darvish

Prospect to Watch: Nico Hoerner

2020 Prediction: 4th in NL Central

The toughest division in baseball is going to make sure the Cubs and their window of contention with this core might be over.

#17

Cleveland Indians

Most Important Hitter: Francisco Lindor

Most Important Pitcher: Carlos Carrasco

Prospect to Watch: Logan Allen

2020 Prediction: 3rd in AL Central

The 2020 season will be less about if the Indians can compete and more about how it might be the last we see of Francisco Lindor in a Cleveland uniform.

#16

Washington Nationals

Most Important Hitter: Juan Soto

Most Important Pitcher: Patrick Corbin

Prospect to Watch: Carter Kieboom

2020 Prediction: 4th in NL East

The defending champs have one of the best rotations in baseball and could do damage in the playoffs again because of it.  I just don't see the lineup getting them there.

#15

Chicago White Sox

Most Important Hitter: Eloy Jimenez

Most Important Pitcher: Lucas Giolito

Prospect to Watch: Luis Robert

2020 Prediction: 2nd in AL Central

A lot of people are picking the ChiSox to make the playoffs.  They could easily slip into a Wild Card spot, but I think they are still a year or two away.

#14

New York Mets

Most Important Hitter: Robinson Cano

Most Important Pitcher: Edwin Diaz

Prospect to Watch: Kevin Smith

2020 Prediction: 3rd in NL East

This is a roster that could top the division or bottom out.  It all depends if their veterans can stay healthy.

#13

Los Angeles Angels

Most Important Hitter: Anthony Rendon

Most Important Pitcher: Shohei Ohtani

Prospect to Watch: Jo Adell

2020 Prediction: 3rd in AL West

The Angels landed one of the big fish in the offseason, but their pitching is too mediocre to truly get over the top yet.

#12

Milwaukee Brewers

Most Important Hitter: Keston Hiura

Most Important Pitcher: Brandon Woodruff

Prospect to Watch: Drew Rasmussen

2020 Prediction: 3rd in NL Central

The Brewers have an elite lineup build for the new NL DH.  Their pitching is as average as their playoff runs, but their division is getting deeper and tougher.

#11

St. Louis Cardinals

Most Important Hitter: Paul Goldschmidt

Most Important Pitcher: Miles Mikolas

Prospect to Watch: Dylan Carlson

2020 Prediction: 2nd in NL Central

I had the Cards in the playoffs in March, but pulled them out now.  They are always right there, but they are built for the marathon, not the sprint.

#10

Atlanta Braves

Most Important Hitter: Marcell Ozuna

Most Important Pitcher: Cole Hamels

Prospect to Watch: Kyle Wright

2020 Prediction: 2nd in NL East, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Game

The Braves have one of the best young cores in baseball.  They will make the playoffs, but they are just a little too young to make a deep run ... yet.

#9

Oakland A's

Most Important Hitter: Marcus Semien

Most Important Pitcher: Liam Hendriks

Prospect to Watch: Jesus Luzardo

2020 Prediction: 2nd in AL West, WILD CARD, lose in Wild Card Game

The A's always seem to be good enough to reach the playoffs every year, but not do anything once they get there.  The shortened season also makes them vulnerable to miss the playoffs in 2020.

#8

Arizona Diamondbacks

Most Important Hitter: Starling Marte

Most Important Pitcher: Robbie Ray

Prospect to Watch: J.B. Bukauskas

2020 Prediction: 2nd in NL West, WILD CARD, lose in NLDS

As weird as it would be to see MadBum in the postseason not in a Giants uniform, I think the D-Backs have the roster to get there.

#7

Cincinnati Reds

Most Important Hitter: Eugenio Suarez

Most Important Pitcher: Raisel Iglesias

Prospect to Watch: Tony Santillan

2020 Prediction: 1st in NL Central, lose in NLDS

If this was a full season, I don't see the Reds making the postseason.  However, in a 60 game season, I see the Reds getting hot and the season ending before they fall back to the rest of the pack.  One of the best rotations in the league.

#6

Houston Astros

Most Important Hitter: Carlos Correa

Most Important Pitcher: Lance McCullers Jr.

Prospect to Watch: Forrest Whitley

2020 Prediction: 1st in AL West, lose in ALDS

The Astros might benefit most from having no fans ... banging on trash cans.  They are too talented not to win the division, but the loss of Gerrit Cole will make a deep run tough.

#5

New York Yankees

Most Important Hitter: Giancarlo Stanton

Most Important Pitcher: James Paxton

Prospect to Watch: Clarke Schmidt

2020 Prediction: 2nd in AL East, WILD CARD, lose in ALDS

The Yankees might have the most talented roster in the AL, but I don't think they have the best team.  I see the World Series favorite falling short.

#4

Philadelphia Phillies

Most Important Hitter: Andrew McCutchen

Most Important Pitcher: Zack Wheeler

Prospect to Watch: Alec Bohm

2020 Prediction: 1st in NL East, lose in NLCS

The Phillies have all the makings of a deep run in the postseason.  They have a killer lineup and great pitching.  Too bad there is a superteam they will be running into.

#3

Minnesota Twins

Most Important Hitter: Byron Buxton

Most Important Pitcher: Kenta Maeda

Prospect to Watch: Alex Kirilloff

2020 Prediction: 1st in AL Central, lose in ALCS

If only the Twins could have put some more elite talent in their pitching staff...  They have possibly the best lineup in the league which will carry them this far.

#2

Tampa Bay Rays

Most Important Hitter: Austin Meadows

Most Important Pitcher: Blake Snell

Prospect to Watch: Brendan McKay

2020 Prediction: 1st in AL East, lose in World Series

The Rays have the best bullpen, one of the best rotations (which is funny considering they use the opener so often), and an efficient lineup.  They are set up to dominate, especially in this sprint season.

#1

Los Angeles Dodgers

Most Important Hitter: Corey Seager

Most Important Pitcher: Julio Urias

Prospect to Watch: Dustin May

2020 Prediction: 1st in NL West, win World Series

I think this is the year.  They have the best roster that only got better with Mookie.  Their pitching is strong and deep.  I hate to go with the favorite, but they are just that good.