10 bold predictions for MLB in 2016

The 2016 baseball season is right around the corner with pitchers and catchers set to report for spring training next month, and that means it's time to glance into the crystal ball, and shed some light on the intriguing storylines that could unfold.

Here's how theScore's MLB editors see the calendar year shaping up with their 10 bold predictions:

Red Sox sign Bautista

The Boston Red Sox have one more year to lean on the big bat of David Ortiz, who plans to retire following the 2016 season, and Dave Dombrowski will act swiftly next fall to fill the void left by Big Papi. Toronto Blue Jays slugger Jose Bautista will be the top free agent available, and he'll want to join a World Series contender with deep pockets as he enters his age-36 season. Bautista has thrived at Fenway Park, clubbing 21 homers and collecting 48 RBIs in 56 career games at the iconic ballpark. - Greg Warren

Chapman becomes first reliever to land 6-year deal

Barring a suspension that defers his free agency until 2017, Aroldis Chapman will become the highest-paid relief pitcher in history later this year. With free-agent salaries continuing to escalate, not only will his price tag far exceed the $50 million that Jonathan Papelbon landed from the Phillies, but the soon-to-be 28-year-old will also become the first reliever to command a six-year commitment on the open market. Though he remains the subject of ongoing domestic violence investigation, Chapman is also the most dominant reliever in baseball history, and will be paid accordingly next offseason, even with draft-pick compensation attached to him. - Jonah Birenbaum

Harper wins Triple Crown

Coming off his first MVP season, Washington Nationals star outfielder Bryce Harper adds to his already impressive resume by becoming the first National League Triple Crown winner since Joe Medwick in 1937. The 23-year-old finished tied for the NL lead with 42 homers, and missed out on the batting title by .003 points in 2015. The Nationals' inability to get on base ahead of Harper led to him driving in only 99 runs, but the addition of Daniel Murphy, along with a healthy Anthony Rendon, Ryan Zimmerman, and Jayson Werth helps Harper achieve one the game's greatest offensive feats. - Brandon Wile

Cubs end curse

It's been over a century since the Chicago Cubs last won a World Series and 2016 will be their year thanks to a dominating offense featuring Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and Jason Heyward. Add in a pitching rotation featuring Cy Young winner Jake Arrieta alongside seasoned veterans Jon Lester and John Lackey and the Windy City's northsiders will finally claim a title, making Theo Epstein arguably the best executive in major-league history after ending not one, but two of baseball's greatest curses. - Bryan Mcwilliam

Yankees sign Strasburg

While New York Yankees fans anxiously await the 2018 offseason, when Harper is set to become a free agent, another Nationals phenom could soon pass through their crosshairs. The Yankees have been quiet in the free-agent pitching market in recent years, but with Stephen Strasburg's electric arm hitting the open market in the 2016 offseason, and New York's rotation overdue for a big splash, expect the Yankees to finally flex their deep-pocket spending again. - Dan Toman

Marlins trade Jose Fernandez

Miami Marlins officials insist Fernandez isn't being shopped, but the 23-year-old's tenure in Miami will end shortly. Even if reports of a rift between Fernandez and the Marlins' front office have been exaggerated, the club has too much to gain by trading him. Though Fernandez remains an elite starter, even after Tommy John surgery, he might hit free agency before Miami can contend, and considering how much he could command in a trade - the Braves got Dansby Swanson and more for three years of Shelby Miller - the Marlins will part ways with the talented (but allegedly unmanageable) hurler sometime in 2016. - Birenbaum

Angels fire Mike Scioscia

After a managerial career that's included a World Series title, two Manager of the Year awards, and more than 1,400 career wins, 2016 will be Mike Scioscia's last with the Los Angeles Angels, who will fire the manager at season's end after the club misses the postseason. Despite another stellar year from Mike Trout, who will be among the league's best players, the Angels will finish near the bottom of the AL West, forcing Billy Eppler to end Scioscia's long tenure with the club. - Mcwilliam

Blue Jays trade Encarnacion at deadline

After failing to agree to an extension before Opening Day and sitting out of postseason contention at the non-waiver deadline, Blue Jays president Mark Shapiro opts to trade slugger Edwin Encarnacion, as he knows he won't have the necessary funds to bring back both Encarnacion and Bautista. While trading Encarnacion is viewed as an unpopular decision by the fan base, the move helps restock a depleted farm system that was emptied following the acquisitions of David Price and Troy Tulowitzki the year prior. - Wile

Cardinals win 4th straight NL Central title

The balance of power has shifted in the National League Central, but the St. Louis Cardinals will persevere and claim the division title for the fourth straight season. St. Louis always finds a way to win, and despite an aging roster, Mike Matheny and Co. will edge the revamped Cubs. A huge bounce-back campaign from ace Adam Wainwright, combined with the continued development of youngsters Stephen Piscotty, Kolten Wong, and Randal Grichuk, will solidify this club's standing as the model for success in the majors. - Warren

Dodgers, Royals, and Mets miss the playoffs

It's not that they're not good, it's that everyone else got that much better. The defending champs will have their hands full in the Central after losing key contributors to free agency and watching their rivals make blockbuster moves. Ditto for the Dodgers and Mets, who both boast formidable rosters, but just haven't improved as much as other NL contenders this offseason. - Toman