With the preseason coming to an end, MLB Opening Day brings renewed hope for both clubs and players. Here are the predictions for the start of the 2023 regular season in the Major Leagues.
The World Series Champion
The last team to repeat as champion was the New York Yankees with three consecutive crowns between 1998 and 2000. Since then, no team has repeated as champion in back-to-back seasons. This year, the Astros will try to win the crown for two consecutive seasons. The Astros have the offense and pitching to do it. While they won't have much opposition in the American League West Division, their path to the Fall Classic will be through the East Division.
The Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and Boston Red Sox stand in their way. Likewise, the Cleveland Cavaliers are positioned to pull off the upset this season. On the National League side, the Los Angeles Dodgers, Atlanta Braves, and San Diego Padres are strong contenders for the crown. The odds currently favor the Astros at +400. Much remains to be seen if Houston can indeed repeat.
Most Valuable of All
One of the most pressing unknowns is whether Yankees outfielder Aaron Judge can repeat his historic 2022 season in which he hit 62 homers, breaking Roger Maris' mark set in 1961. While Judge is the most immediate contender after signing a juicy extension, the focus will be on Mike Trout, who deployed the heavy artillery for Team USA in the World Classic. Trout will be a strong contender for his fifth American League MVP award.
On the National League side, St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Paul Goldschmidt captured his first MVP trophy after finishing second twice while with the Arizona Rattlers. While Goldschmidt looks positioned to repeat after his World Classic performance, keep an eye on the Padres' Manny Machado.
Machado has been a perennial force in the middle of San Diego's order, who will put up a strong battle for MVP. Likewise, Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies will also have a strong campaign. Harper is a two-time winner of the award so he will be in search of his third.
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Cy Young Arms Race
The American League Cy Young belongs to Justin Verlander, who took home the trophy at the age of 38. Verlander moved out of the league, however, and is now part of the New York Mets. This leaves the door open for Japanese sensation Shohei Ohtani. On the other hand, young Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Alek Manoah could pull off a surprise after finishing third in the 2022 voting.
On the National League side, Verlander's presence puts reigning winner Sandy Alcantara in a tough spot. Alcantara took the prize pitching for a team with no postseason hopes. Max Fried of the Atlanta Braves could put up a good fight.
But keep an eye on Mexican left-hander Julio Urias. If Urias has a good season alongside a star-studded team in Los Angeles, he could join Fernando Valenzuela as the two Mexican left-handers to take home the Cy Young with the Dodgers.
