Predicting pennant races in early April is precarious at best.
Picking winners is always challenging, but picking last-place teams is easier than ever: the White Sox, Marlins, Rockies and Angels all figure to be horrible and seem destined to finish at the bottom of their respective divisions.
Still, here’s my annual Take-A-Shot-At-It.
American League East
- 1. Orioles: Organization is at the top.
- 2. Yankees: Bellinger and Goldschmidt look good in pinstripes, but they won’t be able to replace the production of Soto and Stanton. Though Judge might do it himself.
- 3. Blue Jays: Vladdy Jr. and Bichette will be free agents at the end of the year. They could be traded earlier.
- 4. Red Sox: No Big Papi, No Yaz, No playoffs.
- 5. Rays: Best 5th-place team in baseball.
American League Central
- 1. Guardians: I have to pick them because of my dear old friend, the late great Al Rosen.
- 2. Tigers: Could easily threaten.
- 3. Twins: Have had a winning record five of the last six seasons.
- 4. Royals: Bobby Witt, Jr. worth the price of admission
- 5. White Sox: Lost 121 games in 2024. Can they repeat?
American League West
- 1. Rangers: Huge offensive firepower makes them dangerous.
- 2. Astros: Loss of Tucker and Bregman will be hard to overcome.
- 3. Mariners: Ichiro might return at 51.
- 4. A’s: Homeless, not helpless.
- 5. Angels: Sad but true. More fans root for Trout than the team.
National League East
- 1. Phillies: Too many weapons up and down the roster.
- 2. Braves: Will be even better when Ronald Acuna, Jr. and Spencer Strider return.
- 3. Metropolitans: Lindor will be an MVP candidate.
- 4. Nationals: Bipartisan team – below average on offense and defense.
- 5. Marlins: Payroll of $70 million is the lowest in majors.
National League Central
- 1. Brewers: Somehow they are always there. Underrated franchise.
- 2. Reds: Elly De La Cruz is a must-see.
- 3. Pirates: Paul Skenes is a must-see.
- 4. Cubbies: Wrigley Field is a must-see,
- 5. Cardinals: Hard to believe this once-great franchise has fallen so far.
