Spring training is underway, and we are less than a month away from Opening Day. This past offseason was a wild one, with several marquee players signing massive contracts with new teams. While some teams and players seem destined for failure or success this season, there are always a few surprises. Last year, few expected the Baltimore Orioles to be relevant or Aaron Judge to break the AL home run record. Although foretelling baseball’s biggest surprises is challenging, here are our bold predictions for the 2023 MLB season.
Los Angeles Angels End Playoff Drought
For the past decade, Mike Trout has been a consensus top-three player in baseball. Unfortunately, his brilliance has led to a grand total of one playoff berth for the Los Angeles Angels, whom he has spent his entire career with. That was way back in 2014 when the Halos were swept 3-0 in the ALDS. This season feels like the year where the Angels’ fortunes shift. Trout and two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani deservingly receive all the attention, but this roster is vastly improved from last year. The team acquired Hunter Renfroe, Gio Urshela, and Brandon Drury to bolster their lineup, which looks much deeper than it did last season. 2022 All-Star starting pitcher Tyler Anderson also signed with the Angels, giving the team another reliable weapon. If Trout, Ohtahi, and third baseman Anthony Rendon can stay healthy, this team has a great shot at ending their near decade-long playoff drought.
Mookie Betts Wins NL MVP
Predicting the MVP is never easy, as there are no fewer than a dozen legitimate candidates from each league. Former AL MVP Mookie Betts is undeniably one of those players, and he looks poised for a huge 2023 season. The Dodgers’ outfielder finished fifth in voting last season despite missing twenty games. What sets Betts apart from other candidates is his consistent two-way dominance, as he is an elite two-way player. Betts is arguably the game’s best defensive right fielder and has won five Silver Slugger awards. The Dodgers lost several of their top players from last season, and are not predicted to win the NL West. If Betts can keep the Dodgers atop their division, he should be squarely in the mix for NL MVP.
Carlos Rodón Wins AL Cy Young
The New York Yankees made two massive moves this offseason: re-signing Aaron Judge and bringing in Carlos Rodón. Yes, the Judge signing understandably received more attention, but signing Rodón was a crucial move for the Yankees. After struggling early in his career with injuries, Rodón has emerged as one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers. The southpaw has been an All-Star in each of the last two seasons, posting a sub-3.00 ERA in both years. Rodón also led the majors in Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) and Strikeouts per 9 Innings Pitched (SO9) in 2022. While the Yankees already have two All-Star caliber starting pitchers in Gerrit Cole and Nestor Cortés, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Rodón emerge as the Yankees’ top option. There are many aces in the AL, but Rodón is someone to look out for in the CY Young race.
