The grand ol’ game is back.
And we’re ready for it.
It’s hard to define what it feels like to be a baseball fan in 2024. There’s been changes. Plenty of them. From rules to relocation attempts, it’s easy to get caught up in everything that’s out of our control as spectators of this great sport. But on the field, it’s still baseball. It’s pure and it’s good. It’s a constant from April to October. My nine against your nine with all the bragging rights on the line.
With spring coming on strong, we’re slipping back into baseball mode. Bringing members like you exclusive ticket discounts on games and getting unconsciously hyped for another 162-game season. So rock your authentic gear, get locked in, and see where your team lands in our first annual pre-season prediction rundown.
2024 WORLD SERIES
BALTIMORE ORIOLES OVER LOS ANGELES DODGERS (in six)
AL WEST CHAMPION: Houston Astros
NL WEST CHAMPION: Los Angeles Dodgers
AL CENTRAL CHAMPION: Minnesota Twins
NL CENTRAL CHAMPION: Cincinnati Reds
AL EAST CHAMPION: Baltimore Orioles
NL EAST CHAMPION: Atlanta Braves
AL WILD CARD 1: Texas Rangers
AL WILD CARD 2: New York Yankees
AL WILD CARD 3: Tampa Bay Rays
NL WILD CARD 1: Philadelphia Phillies
NL WILD CARD 2: Arizona Diamondbacks
NL WILD CARD 3: San Diego Padres
AL MVP: Bobby Witt Jr. - Kansas City Royals
NL MVP: Ronald Acuña Jr. - Atlanta Braves
AL CY YOUNG: George Kirby - Seattle Mariners
NL CY YOUNG: Zac Gallen - Arizona Diamondbacks
AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Jackson Holiday - Baltimore Orioles
NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Jackson Chourio - Milwaukee Brewers
AMERICAN LEAGUE
AL WEST | WINS | LOSSES | WIN % |
|---|---|---|---|
Houston Astros | 95 | 67 | .586 |
Texas Rangers | 91 | 71 | .561 WC1 |
Seattle Mariners | 82 | 80 | .506 |
Oakland Athletics | 74 | 88 | .456 |
Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim | 72 | 90 | .444 |
Houston Astros (95-67): Controversies aside, there’s no disputing that the ‘Stros have been a major powerhouse for the better part of the last decade, and 2024 should be more of the same. Things may look a little different with legendary skipper Dusty Baker relinquishing control to First Lieutenant Joe Espada, but aging vets Justin Verlander, Jose Altuve, and Jose Abreu should still have enough in the tank to team up with superstar Yordan Alvarez and contract year Alex Bregman to fend off the Texas Rangers for the AL West crown.
Best New Addition: Josh Hader
Rookie to Watch: Spencer Arrighetti
Breakthrough Candidate: Jeremy Pena
Fun Fact: Mauricio Dubón was a Honduras foreign exchange student at Sacramento’s Capital Christian High School.
Texas Rangers (91-71): All hail the reigning champs. Bruce Bochy built on his championship resume by shocking the world and bringing home Texas’ first-ever World Championship home. Suddenly, visions of David Freese driving one over the head of a flailing Nelson Cruz have been extinguished. With that said, a stacked lineup led by Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, and Adolis Garcia is ready to run it back. While hunting down Houston may be the plan, following the blueprint of a Wild Card berth and smoldering hot October is something we can see happening for a second straight year.
Best New Addition: Michael Lorenzen
Rookie to Watch: Evan Carter
Breakthrough Candidate: Jonah Heim
Fun Fact: Max Scherzer has heterochromia iridium. One eye is blue and the other is brown. It really adds to the intimidation factor.
Seattle (85-77): Just one season removed from their first postseason berth in over 20 years, things have gone south real fast for the M’s. To recap, there were public complaints from players about the lack of support from ownership, criticism over Team President Jerry Dipoto and his predilection for rapid-fire trades, and just a general lack of good vibes at T-Mobile Field. All is not lost in the Emerald City however, as after a characteristically active offseason, Seattle is set to build around generational talent Julio Rodriguez and right the ship.
Best New Addition: Jorge Polanco
Rookie to Watch: Emerson Hancock
Breakthrough Candidate: Bryce Miller
Fun Fact: Cal Raleigh’s nickname is “Big Dumper”.
Los Angeles of Anaheim (74-88): Misery loves company. Commiserating with Oakland on stadium issues and losing star players, the wounded Halos enter 2024 Shohei-less, but with a new manager and a new perspective after years of underachieving. While the feisty Ron Washington is sure to light a fire under his new squad, distractions such as Mike Trout’s health and Anthony Rendon’s seeming indifference to the sport are just as glaring as they were under the previous administration.
Best New Addition: Aaron Hicks
Rookie to Watch: Nolan Schanuel
Breakthrough Candidate: Zach Neto
Fun Fact: Logan O’Hoppe once caught a home run ball as a fan at Yankee Stadium.
Oakland (74-88): Oh man, this hurts. This is my childhood team. And as much as it sucks to see what’s happened to the Green and Gold, there’s hope on the horizon. Namely some clarity to the ongoing stadium drama, a new batch of interesting rookies, and the reality that things can’t possibly get any worse after back-to-back 100+ loss seasons. With a young and potent pitching staff spearheaded by flamethrowers Mason Miller and Joe Boyle, and future 30-30 second baseman Zack Gelof emerging as a true threat, better days may be here before we know it. At least that’s what I say to keep myself sane.
Best New Addition: J.D. Davis
Rookie to Watch: Darrell Hernaiz
Breakthrough Candidate: Lawrence Butler
Fun Fact: After hitting a walk-off homer, All-Star Brent Rooker performed “The Greatest Day of My Life” on stage with country music star Zach Bryan during a post-game concert.
AL CENTRAL | WINS | LOSSES | |
|---|---|---|---|
Minnesota Twins | 90 | 72 | .555 |
Detroit Tigers | 83 | 79 | .512 |
Cleveland Guardians | 78 | 84 | .481 |
Kansas City Royals | 73 | 89 | .450 |
Chicago White Sox | 67 | 95 | .413 |
Minnesota Twins (90-72): Some teams are just built for regular season success, and the Twins are very much the prototype. Finally getting themselves out of the first found last fall and shattering their epic October losing streak, Minnesota aims to make their way further up the postseason mountain on the backs of ace Pablo Lopez, star shortstop Carlos Correa, and a healthy Byron Buxton.
Best New Addition: Carlos Santana
Rookie to Watch: Brooks Lee
Breakthrough Candidate: Royce Lewis
Fun Fact: Max Kepler played association football in Berlin, Germany.
Detroit Tigers (83-79): The roar grows louder. After years at the bottom, a few questionable free agent signings, and the eventual retirement of future Hall-of-Famer Miguel Cabrera, Motown is hungry for a new era of Detroit baseball. With the core intact, all eyes will be on Spencer Torkelson, Riley Greene, and their fellow upstarts this spring.
Best New Addition: Mark Canha
Rookie to Watch: Colt Keith
Breakthrough Candidate: Kerry Carpenter
Fun Fact: Javy Baez has a tattoo of the MLB logo on the back of his neck.
Cleveland Guardians (78-84): First things first, has the name sunk in yet? The Guards welcome the universally loved Stephen Vogt into the managerial seat, but a tepid offseason has Cleveland fans weary after a middling 2023. Although All-Star Jose Ramirez is undeniably awesome, the Guardians may lack the necessary punch to compete this year.
Best New Addition: Scott Barlow
Rookie to Watch: Bryan Rocchio
Breakthrough Candidate: Bo Naylor
Fun Fact: Teammates Bo and Josh Naylor are brothers. Their younger brother Myles and cousin Denzel Clarke both play in Oakland’s minor league system.
Chicago White Sox (67-95): It's been a tough go for the Southsiders. Clubhouse turmoil, injuries, and underperformance have stolen the headlines and hurdled this once proud franchise into a downward spiral. Even with their backs against the wall, all is not lost. With murmurs of new stadium plan and developing young talent like Colson Montgomery nearing their MLB debut, there’s some light at the end of the tunnel. It’s just not easy to see.
Best New Addition: Drew Thorpe
Rookie to Watch: Colson Montgomery
Breakthrough Candidate: Garrett Crochet
Fun Fact: Dominic Fletcher played alongside his brother David on Team Italy during last year’s WBC.
Kansas City Royals (73-89): After spending more than $100 million on free agents this winter, Kansas City appears dead-set on a return to relevancy. Problem is, I don’t see it happening this season. A shaky ‘pen and lackluster lineup being the main culprits, and even playing in baseball’s weakest division isn’t likely to propel them to immediate success. However, Bobby Witt Jr. may just be one of baseball’s elite.
Best New Addition: Michael Wacha
Rookie to Watch: Nick Loftin
Breakthrough Candidate: Vinnie Pasquantino
Fun Fact: Lucky charm? Reliever Will Smith has won back-to-back-to-back World Championships with three different teams.
AL EAST | WINS | LOSSES | WIN % |
|---|---|---|---|
Baltimore Orioles | 97 | 65 | .555 |
New York Yankees | 90 | 72 | .555 |
Tampa Bay Rays | 86 | 76 | .530 |
Toronto Blue Jays | 82 | 80 | .506 |
Boston Red Sox | 70 | 92 | .432 |
Baltimore Orioles (97-65): Honestly, the O’s may just be the most electrifying team in baseball. With an abundance of young, controllable talent and a shutdown bullpen even without the presence of Felix Bautista, Baltimore has everything they need to build off last season’s division championship and land on top.
Best New Addition: Craig Kimbrel
Rookie to Watch: Jackson Holliday
Breakthrough Candidate: Grayson Rodriguez
Fun Fact: Adley Rutschman played college football at Oregon State University.
New York Yankees (90-72): Sure, the Bronx Bombers may not carry the intimidation factor they once did, but when you have the mighty Aaron Judge locked up through his prime, any season has the potential to be great. Betting on career rebounds from the likes of Giancarlo Stanton and Carlos Rodón, the Yanks also have superstar acquisition Juan Soto primed to do some damage.
Best New Addition: Juan Soto
Rookie to Watch: Jasson Domínguez
Breakthrough Candidate: Anthony Volpe
Fun Fact: As a kid, Marcus Stroman was featured on Nickelodeon’s ‘Figure it Out’.
Tampa Bay Rays (86-76): Like clockwork each season, the Rays are overlooked until they prove to be damn near unbeatable. A testament to manager Kevin Cash and the very astute collection of baseball minds that compose their front office, it’s about time we all put some respect on the Tampa Bay name. After another ho-hum 99-win season and a playoff berth, Tampa Bay may not have the juice needed to triumph over the titans of the AL East in 2024, but I wouldn’t completely bet against another postseason run.
Best New Addition: Phil Maton
Rookie to Watch: Junior Caminero
Breakthrough Candidate: Taj Bradley
Fun Fact: Josh Lowe is the brother of the Texas Rangers’ Nathaniel Lowe.
Toronto Blue Jays (82-80): There’s no denying that there’s a ton of talent north of the Border. Although Vladimir Guerrero Jr. came up a little short of his expected production last year, bouncing back with a monster season would do a lot of good to supplement Toronto’s playoff chances. Unfortunately, the departure of Matt Chapman may prove too big of a void in both the clubhouse and lineup.
Best New Addition: Justin Turner
Rookie to Watch: Ricky Tiedemann
Breakthrough Candidate: Daulton Varsho
Fun Fact: Guerrero Jr., Varsho, Cavan Biggio, and Bo Bichette all had fathers who played in the majors.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
NL WEST | WINS | LOSSES | WIN % |
|---|---|---|---|
Los Angeles Dodgers | 106 | 56 | .654 |
Arizona Diamondbacks | 89 | 71 | .549 WC2 |
San Diego Padres | 88 | 76 | .543 WC3 |
San Francisco Giants | 83 | 79 | .512 |
Colorado Rockies | 61 | 101 | .376 |
Los Angeles Dodgers (102-60): When you lock down the best baseball player on Earth to a record-breaking contract, you’re allowed to operate with just a little bit more swagger than usual. Now that Shohei Ohtani is officially in Dodger Blue, we can look at Los Angeles’ offseason and marvel at the work done to build on an already great team. With the high-profile additions of Tyler Glasnow, Teoscar Hernandez, and Ohtani’s fellow countryman Yoshinobu Yamamoto now in the fold, there may be nothing to stop this team from breaking baseball.
Best New Addition: Shohei Ohtani
Rookie to Watch: Yoshinobu Yamamoto
Breakthrough Candidate: Gavin Lux
Fun Fact: Max Muncy shares his name with an Oakland Athletics minor leaguer. They’re of no relation.
Arizona Diamondbacks (89-71): It was a season to remember for Snakes fans. Projected to finish in fourth place by most major publications, the D-Back beat out all expectations to outperform their peripherals, smack around superior squads, and return to the desert as the National League champs. While they may have ultimately fallen short of a ‘ship, budding star Corbin Carroll and sneaky pick-ups such as Eugenio Suarez, Joc Pederson, and Eduardo Rodriguez have expectations dialed all the way up for 2024.
Best New Addition: Eduardo Rodriguez
Rookie to Watch: Jordan Lawlar
Breakthrough Candidate: Gabriel Moreno
Fun Fact: Joc Pederson was a high school football teammate of the Packers’ Davante Adams.
San Diego Padres (88-76): Conversely, it was a season to forget for Friars fans. From unrest in the clubhouse to payroll problems to the tragic loss of celebrated owner Pete Seider, it damn near felt like the franchise was cursed at times. With a clean slate and new manager Mike Shildt at the command, things should be different on the corner of Tony and Trevor in 2024. It’ll be up to de facto team leaders Manny Machado and Joe Musgrove to set a winning tone.
Best New Addition: Dylan Cease
Rookie to Watch: Yuki Matsui
Breakthrough Candidate: Luis Campusano
Fun Fact: Fernando Tatis Jr's dad once hit two grand slams in one inning.
San Francisco Giants (88-76): You’ve got to give it to the San Francisco brass. Despite being publicly turned down by Ohtani and catching flack in the process, they pivoted fast landing major upgrades in reigning NL Cy Young Award Winner Blake Snell, Matt Chapman, Jorge Soler, Jordan Hicks, Jung Hoo Lee, and a recovering Robbie Ray. It may not be enough to keep pace with the hated Dodgers, but they should still remain in the hunt all season long.
Best New Addition: Blake Snell
Rookie to Watch: Jung Hoo Lee
Breakthrough Candidate: Marco Luciano
Fun Fact: Chapman was a high school teammate of the St. Louis Cardinals’ Nolan Arenado.
Colorado Rockies (61-101): I wish I had a more favorable projection to give here. Colorado’s issues are almost evergreen at this point. A lack of pitching at the big league level, poor systematic player development, and money invested into players who just can’t seem to stay healthy. Charlie Blackmon deserves a gold star for loyalty.
Best New Addition: Dakota Hudson
Rookie to Watch: Yanquiel Fernandez
Breakthrough Candidate: Adael Amador
Fun Fact: Kris Bryant was named his high school’s salutatorian.
NL CENTRAL | WINS | LOSSES | WIN % |
|---|---|---|---|
Cincinnati Reds | 91 | 71 | .561 |
Chicago Cubs | 85 | 77 | .524 |
Milwaukee Brewers | 82 | 80 | .506 |
St. Louis Cardinals | 75 | 87 | .462 |
Pittsburgh Pirates | 70 | 92 | .432 |
Cincinnati Reds (91-71): Going to take a big swing here. While very few have Cincy amongst the NL’s best, I happen to think that their collection MLB-ready young talent will catapult them to the top of their division. Provided he stays healthy, Elly De La Cruz should rule the highlight reels nightly, while Will Benson hits tanks into the Ohio River.
Best New Addition: Jeimer Candalario
Rookie to Watch: Connor Phillips
Breakthrough Candidate: Wil Benson
Fun Fact: TJ Freidl is the second cousin of Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball coach John Calipari.
Chicago Cubs (85-77): Go, Cubs, Go. Those three simple words likely echoed through the mind of new Chicago manager Craig Counsell when he made the inter-divisional move from Milwaukee. Inheriting a roster that just missed out on the playoffs last season, there’s a distinct lack of star power for a high-payroll team. What he does have however is the return of former-MVP Cody Bellinger and future star Pete Crow-Armstrong.
Best New Addition: Hector Neris
Rookie to Watch: Pete Crow-Armstrong
Breakthrough Candidate: Kevin Alcántara
Fun Fact: Pete Crow-Armstrong is the son of actress Ashley Crow (Little Big League, Minority Report).
Milwaukee Brewers (82-80): The Brew Crew are one of those teams that always seem to still be in the picture come late September. While a case can be made that they have the roster to do the same this season, much of their success will hinge on the health of new addition Rhys Hoskins and the continual development of Sal Frelick, Jackson Chourio, and Aaron Ashby. Bottoms up, boys.
Best New Addition: Rhys Hoskins
Rookie to Watch: Jackson Chourio
Breakthrough Candidate: Freddy Peralta
Fun Fact: Christian Yelich bears an uncanny resemblance to comedian Pete Davidson.
St. Louis Cardinals (75-87): Coming off their first losing season since 2007, St, Louis isn’t only searching for new talent – they're also searching for a new identity. As franchise icons like Albert Pujols, Yadier Molina, and Adam Wainwright have hung up the cleats over the last few years, the team is reliant on aging all-stars Nolan Arenado and Paul Goldschmidt to bring them back to contention.
Best New Addition: Sonny Gray
Rookie to Watch: Masyn Winn
Breakthrough Candidate: Tommy Edman
Fun Fact: Brandon Crawford is the Brother-in-Law of the Yankees Gerrit Cole.
Pittsburgh Pirates (70-92): With a rich history and a picturesque stadium, the fans of Steel City are chomping at the bit to cheer on a winning team. Although this season’s buccos brigade is still a work in process, the pending arrival of top pitching prospect Paul Skenes and the dominance of Oneil Cruz may expedite a return to prominence for the long-suffering franchise.
Best New Addition: Aroldis Chapman
Rookie to Watch: Braxton Ashcroft
Breakthrough Candidate: Oneil Cruz
Fun Fact: Closer David Bednar was born in Pittsburgh and goes by the nickname "The Renegade".
NL EAST | WINS | LOSSES | WIN % |
|---|---|---|---|
Atlanta Braves | 100 | 62 | .617 |
Philadelphia Phillies | 97 | 65 | .598 WC1 |
Miami Marlins | 83 | 81 | .512 |
New York Mets | 74 | 87 | .456 |
Washington Nationals | 67 | 95 | .413 |
Atlanta Braves (100-62): With only the Phillies operating as a realistic threat to their divisional crown, the high-powered Atlanta Braves should make quick work of the opposing teams and steamroll their way back into postseason play. Sporting a lineup that looks like something I’d make with the trade refusals option toggled off on MLB: THE SHOW, it’s difficult not to have complete faith in Ronald Acuna Jr., Matt Olson, Spencer Strider and the rest of the crew.
Best New Addition: Chris Sale
Rookie to Watch: AJ Smith-Shawver
Breakthrough Candidate: Bryce Elder
Fun Fact: Sale was once suspended for shredding his Turn-Back-The-Clock jersey before a game.
Philadelphia Phillies (97-65): Did somebody say Phillies? If the Braves are 1a of the NL East, the Phils are a close 1b. Stacked with studs like Bryce Harper and Trea Turner, and backed by the loudest fans in baseball, Philadelphia will attempt to be the last team standing in 2024. Can they pull it off? It’ll likely come down to the pitching.
Best New Addition: Whit Merrifield
Rookie to Watch: Mick Abel
Breakthrough Candidate: Orion Kerkering
Fun Fact: Bryce Harper first graced the cover of Sports Illustrated at just 16 years old.
Miami Marlins (83-81): Perhaps the most surprising team to factor into the 2023 postseason picture, Skip Schumacher’s squad kept the pressure on all summer before usurping the Chicago Cubs for the last remaining playoff spot over the season’s final weekend. The magic would end soon after, but there’s reason to hope that it wasn’t all some fish-flavored fever dream. With the eclectic Jazz Chisholm Jr. and NL batting champ Luis Arráez sparking the offense, they could easily beat their projections and end up back in the mix.
Best New Addition: Josh Bell
Rookie to Watch: Max Meyer
Breakthrough Candidate: Nick Gordon
Fun Fact: Jesús Luzardo is an avid Call of Duty player.
New York Mets (74-87): Meet the Mess...I mean the Mets. Following last season’s debacle, the team from Queens is already dealing with injury woes as ace Kodai Senga will miss opening day. Combine this with the offensive struggles of Starling Marte and the uncertain future of Pete Alonso, and things aren’t looking so peachy-keen in the Big Apple. At least the return of closer Edwin Diaz will be a welcome scene.
Best New Addition: Harrison Bader
Rookie to Watch: Luisangel Acuña
Breakthrough Candidate: Francisco Alvarez
Fun Fact: Sean Manaea recently cut his hair for the first time in four years.
Washington Nationals (67-95): Don’t be fooled by the prediction, something is brewing in our nation’s capital. While an armada of curly Ws may not happen consistently in 2024, the production levels of Mackenzie Gore, CJ Abrams, and Joey Meneses should only continue to rise. As far as I'm concerned, they’re a sleeping giant.
Best New Addition: Joey Gallo
Rookie to Watch: Jackson Rutledge
Breakthrough Candidate: Cade Cavalli
Fun Fact: While operating as a batboy for the 2002 Giants, Darren Baker was nearly run over at home plate during the World Series.