2024 MLB season predictions
MLB editors Michael Bradburn, Josh Goldberg, Bryan Mcwilliam, Tom Ruminski, Travis Sawchik, Simon Sharkey-Gotlieb, and Brandon Wile make their predictions for the 2023 season:
Last year appeared to be the dawn of a new era in the AL East. The Orioles are now the favorites in baseball's most competitive division, poised to win back-to-back titles for the first time in 50 years. Presenting the biggest threats to Baltimore are the Blue Jays and Yankees, even with Gerrit Cole's injury. And it's always tough to write off the Rays. However, those three clubs are flawed. Boston could surprise, but Alex Cora's Red Sox are widely regarded as this division's weakest link.
The only consensus surrounding baseball's weakest division is that the White Sox will be in the basement. Everything else is up for grabs. While the Twins and Tigers are the rightful favorites, it's easy to see any of the four non-Chicago clubs finishing first. After last year's success, Minnesota didn't spend much money to try to repeat as division champions. But the perpetually rebuilding Royals and Tigers are showing signs of returning to relevancy. Kansas City was busy in free agency, and Detroit has a sneaky-talented young roster. Even the Guardians, who are sort of floating in no-man's land, could be a tough out with their excellent pitching staff.
The Rangers may be the reigning world champions, but the road to the AL West still runs through Houston in most of our minds. This race could end up being one of the most intense and dramatic division battles of 2024. Not only are the Texas rivals poised to duke it out again after nearly coming to blows during the ALCS, but the pesky Mariners also improved and could easily upend the dreams of the Rangers and Astros if things break right. Speaking of breaks, that's what the Shohei Ohtani-less Angels will need to be competitive in the AL West. Those four teams will feast on the hapless A's, who are about to slog through what'll likely be a lame-duck final season in Oakland.
The Braves return a roster that slugged its way to the best record in baseball last season. Atlanta's poised to put up gaudy numbers and rack up wins again. The Phillies are built for October and just need to get to the postseason to make noise for a third straight campaign. It looks like a transitional year in Queens as the Mets enter 2024 with muted expectations after last season's disappointment. The Marlins had a disappointing offseason on several levels following a surprising postseason berth in 2023 and look to be moving in the wrong direction. With Dylan Crews and James Wood waiting in the wings, the future is bright in Washington.
The Cubs are a popular pick to reach the summit of the NL Central for the first time since 2020. Bringing back Cody Bellinger has Chicago as the favorite entering the season. The Reds improved by 20 wins from 2022 and are on an upward trajectory entering 2024. The Brewers traded their ace and will be without All-Star closer Devin Williams for a few months. The bottom could fall out this season in Milwaukee. The Cardinals are an aging team that should rebound from last year's disappointing 71-win season. That said, there's still a lot of downside to St. Louis' roster. The Pirates are trending in the right direction for the first time in years but are still likely at least one more campaign away from really contending for a postseason spot.
After a glitzy offseason, the Dodgers are the overwhelming favorite to win the NL West for the 12th time in 13 years. The D-Backs are riding high following last year's shocking run to the World Series, and the club added a number of proven veterans as part of a strong offseason. The Padres were a popular preseason pick last year. The roster isn't quite as strong, but it could still surprise some people in 2024. The Giants also stayed busy this offseason, as they'll attempt to return to the postseason after missing out the past two years. The Rockies set a franchise record for losses last season and could set a new mark for futility in 2024.
Everyone is looking at the National League to win the World Series, with the Braves and Dodgers predictably leading the charge. Atlanta and Los Angeles will have to remove some postseason scar tissue from the past two years to get over the hump. The Phillies have been knocking on the door to the franchise's third championship and could finally be ready to kick it down in 2024. The Orioles are a popular pick to represent the American League in the Fall Classic as they look to take another step forward after an impressive 2023.