Trying to predict what's going to happen over the course of a Major League Baseball seasons is a fool's errand.
Who could've seen Paul Skenes starting the All-Star Game at this time last year? Or Luis Gil winning American League Rookie of the Year after beginning the season off the board at most sportsbooks? Imagine telling yourself a year ago the 2024 Chicago White Sox would be the worst time in MLB history — ok, wait, that one is actually pretty believable.
Regardless, our panel of baseball-obsessed writers did our best to get a little weird and make bold predictions before Opening Day on Thursday. Because as silly as it is to try and predict baseball, it's also irresistible.
American League Bold Predictions
Blake Schuster: The White Sox lose 110+ games again and Jerry Reinsdorf finally agrees to sell.
Charles Curtis: The Athletics will be in Wild Card contention until late August.
Mary Clarke: The Astros miss the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Andrew Joseph: The Red Sox finish in last place in the AL East.
Bryan Kalbrosky: This is the last year that Aaron Boone will coach the Yankees.
Christian D’Andrea: The Rays win the AL East while playing in a spring training facility.
Prince Grimes: Mike Trout plays more than 100 games.
National League Bold Predictions
Blake Schuster: We'll get a Game 163 in the NL Central between the Cubs and Brewers.
Charles Curtis: The Pirates will be in Wild Card contention until late August.
Mary Clarke: Zack Wheeler finally wins his Cy Young Award in a crowded NL field as penance for Phillies fans suffering through more Taijuan Walker starts than they deserve to this season (please help me.)
Andrew Joseph: Shohei Ohtani comes close to having a 60-60 season.
Bryan Kalbrosky: Shohei Ohtani does not pitch an inning until at least the All-Star Game.
Christian D’Andrea: Paul Skenes and Bubba Chandler combine to be the 1-2 force Pittsburgh eventually rides to a frustrating playoff exit before, years later, being sold for pennies on the dollar by incompetent ownership (that last part isn't especially bold).
Prince Grimes: Elly De La Cruz becomes the first player to steal at least 80 bases since 1988.
Meghan Hall: The Atlanta Braves will break their 2023 record for most home runs in a season by a team (307) with 315 home runs.
This article originally appeared on For The Win: 15 Bold predictions for the 2025 MLB season (including a Pirates playoff run!)
