24 Bold MLB Predictions for 2024: Ohtani’s Power, Tigers’ Surge, and Phillies’ Surprise
The ongoing offseason has been nothing short of extraordinary, marked by impactful free agents yet to be signed and impending pitcher trades. Despite the uncertainty, we present our bold-ish predictions for 2024, grounded in the current baseball landscape.
- Ohtani’s Impact:
- A. Shohei Ohtani smashes 40 home runs, delivering awe-inspiring and magical moments.
- B. The Dodgers secure an easy victory in the NL West.
- C. Ohtani falls short of the NL MVP but lands in the top 5. Yoshinobu Yamamoto earns All-Star status and garners Cy Young consideration.
- D. Despite significant offseason spending, the Dodgers do not clinch the World Series due to lingering concerns in rotation, lineup, and bullpen.
- Bobby Witt Jr.’s Rise:
- Bobby Witt Jr. experiences a full-season breakthrough, showcasing immense talent. He could contend for the AL MVP with a potential 40/40 season at just 24 years old.
- Orioles’ Ascendance:
- The Orioles, anchored by Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, remain the AL East’s top team. Their young core, coupled with the arrival of Jackson Holliday, positions them as contenders.
- AL Rookie Impact:
- Young talents make a significant impact in the AL, and Evan Carter of the Rangers stands out. Carter’s late-season performance, including a strong postseason, propels him into the AL Rookie of the Year conversation.
- NL Rookie Watch:
- In the NL, Kyle Harrison emerges as a standout rookie. The lefty, aided by San Francisco’s pitcher-friendly park, showcases his skills, impacting division and wild-card races.
- Century Sluggers:
- Aaron Judge and Juan Soto of the Yankees aim for nearly 100 combined home runs. With Soto joining the lineup, Judge’s impressive home run rate from the previous season is expected to continue.
- Phillies’ Surprise Move:
- The Phillies make a significant unexpected move, leaving fans in awe. Dave Dombrowski’s proactive approach continues to shape the team beyond the regular season, possibly involving unforeseen transactions.
- Tigers Claim AL Central:
- The Tigers, boasting a potentially strong rotation, clinch the AL Central title. Despite some roster issues, Detroit’s arms, including Tarik Skubal, contribute to their success.
- Skubal’s Brilliance:
- Tarik Skubal’s exceptional talent shines for the Tigers. The lefty, often overlooked, is compared to AL Cy Young favorite Gerrit Cole and is expected to be a top contender in the Cy Young race.
- Longshot AL MVP Candidates:
- Among longshot AL MVP candidates, young players like Junior Caminero, Ceddanne Rafaela, and Evan Carter stand out. Carter’s impressive September and October performance positions him as a potential dark horse.
- Longshot NL MVP Candidates:
- In the NL, dark horses for the MVP include Seiya Suzuki. The impact bat, demonstrated in the latter part of the 2023 season, makes Suzuki a formidable candidate for the NL MVP.
- Mariners’ Win Total:
- Despite a disappointing offseason for the Mariners, the team still manages to finish with 87 or 88 wins. Seattle’s strong rotation and the presence of superstar Julio Rodriguez keep them in the playoff conversation.
- A’s Struggles:
- The Oakland A’s face a challenging season, projected to win only 54 games. The messy situation, driven by indifferent ownership, leaves players, fans, and the city of Oakland yearning for a better future.