The Rangerswere the talk of the offseason before the lockout when they made two major splashy signings in bringing in Corey Seager and Marcus Semien to produce maybe the best middle-infield combination in baseball. Good shortstop defense and a league average-ish bat is a path to 3 WAR, and if Kim plays well enough, San Diego will find a way to keep him in the lineup even after Tatis returns. Noah Lyles won his second consecutive world title at 200 meters, breaking the American record in one of the week's most highly anticipated events. The rotation remains the bright spot with Shane Bieber leading a staff that featured a breakout season from Cal Quantrill and solid campaigns from Triston McKenzie, Zach Plesac and Aaron Civale. CBS Sports is a registered trademark of CBS Broadcasting Inc. Commissioner.com is a registered trademark of CBS Interactive Inc. site: media | arena: mlb | pageType: stories | Kim really struggled last year, though he was a monster in Korea in 2020 (.306/.397/.523 with 30 homers), and his top-end exit velocities were strong last season. It was meant to be one of the happiest times of her life. There was a point in the 2021 season when it felt the Mets were going to run away with the division. I hope Witt and Rodrguez give us a Rookie of the Year race (and go on to have careers) like those two.
Highest Floor and Highest Upside in Each Round. As if Europes Ryder Cup campaign was not in enough of a mess after Henrik Stensons firing as captain on Wednesday, a major-winning candidate to replace the Swede has called the likelihood of Thomas Bjorn stepping up a joke. The AL playoff picture will likely not come as a surprise. Regardless of the package, Ramrez to the Blue Jays makes a ton of sense and I am boldly predicting it will happen sometime before the trade deadline.
Get in and you can win. The Rangers always seem to need more pitching and Mahle is under team control through 2023. That works in my favor too. Marcus Semien and Carlos Correa stayed in the Junior Circuit while Javier Bez, Corey Seager, and Trevor Story all made the jump from the National League. The moves bythe Marlinsmight not have been as splashy as the Mets or Phillies, but don't sleep on the additions they made this offseason. Last year, the division placed three teams in the playoffs the most of any division in baseball and it expects to be right back in that same position next year. 1 isn't exactly bold, but the jump from High-A to Double-A is the biggest in the minors. It's too bad Brandon got hurt. The model likes the Dodgers to win the pennant and finish with the best record in baseball, while the Giants are the second-most likely team to win the pennant, barely edging out the Braves, who are likely to earn the second bye by virtue of winning their division with the second-best record among division winners. The Raysare that team that is constantly underloved by metrics and subsequently overperforms. The average nurse salary this year will make your jaw drop! He's also the kind of pitcher Texas could look to sign long-term. With all due respect to the Braves, I don't see that streak ending this year. The White Sox and Astros were picked to reach the top two spots in the American League more than any other team, while the top four AL East teams were the most likely in the simulations to also reach the playoffs. Just when everyone thoughtthe Rockiesmight be headed toward a rebuild, they go out and make a big splash by signing Kris Bryant. They can put together a real nice package. Maybe Cruz proves to be the next Cordero rather than the next Judge. The model has them in third in the AL East, but it would surprise no one to see them win the division. This year it will become the first division to send four teams to the postseason (sorry Orioles, not you). Do I love Milwaukee's offense? That said, I expect big things, and I have him taking over as the game's No. The injury to Jacob deGrom is a major blow to the Mets' chances of winning the division, but if he's healthy once he comes back from his shoulder injury, New York would look like one of the best teams in the NL. I was very self-concerned about whether that number was going to turn from a 2 to a 1, Lyles conceded after Thursday nights history-making win. AL Central teams are 4-23 in the postseason since Cleveland took a 3-1 lead in the 2016 World Series. The Fernando Tatis Jr. injury is bad for the Padres and terrible for baseball overall. FIVE BIG QUESTIONS: The kind of haul that can get Cleveland back into contention fairly soon. Welcome to the 700 homer club, Mr. Pujols. They've got that again in 2022. (Note: Cleveland made this bold prediction unlikely before Opening Day. If Byron Buxton is healthy, he's one of the games' brightest stars, but that continues to remain a big "if.". Camden Yards in Baltimore has historically been one of the most homer-happy ballparks in the baseball, and that has been especially true given some of the pitching staffs the Orioles have run out there during their tank job rebuild. The Piratesremain fully in rebuild mode, but the young talent in the system is starting to reach the big leagues. Jumping from No. The front end of the rotation offers some star arms in Nathan Eovaldi, Chris Sale and Tanner Houck, who can match up with many of the best in the AL. The bullpen, which was already one of the best last year, improved with the signing of Kenley Jansen to join Will Smith, Tyler Matzek and AJ Minter. Fans of the Yankeesare disappointed that New York wasn't able to land any major name in free agency, but that doesn't stop the model from being bullish on the Bronx Bombers' chances to make the playoffs. All Rights Reserved. AL East | AL Central | AL West Zac Gallen and Luke Weaver look like they could front Arizona's rotation at some point, but for now, those two spots belong to the more experienced Merrill Kelly and Madison Bumgarner. 1 to start second half, MLB DFS picks, July 21, 2022 lineups, advice, strategy, MLB rumors: Suitors for Dom Smith, Keuchel DFA, Power Rankings: Second half starts with new No. Carter Kieboom has been hyped for some time, and will finally be given a full opportunity once he returns from his forearm injury. Soto rejected a 13-year, $350 million extension prior to the lockout, and indicated he will go year-to-year through the arbitration process. The Cardinals say they plan to use Pujols as a righty platoon bat, but if he's nearing 700 homers late in the season, you can bet he'll start getting at-bats against righties. Despite believing that the Astros are more likely to win the pennant, it sees the Rays as a slightly more likely team to win the World Series. We just haven't seen enough of it. The Reds aggressively cut costs over the winter and it feels like only a matter of time until Luis Castillo and Mahle are dealt. While the signing of Carlos Correa and the trade for Sonny Gray will help, the rest of the team has a lot of question marks, particularly after Berrios was traded midseason last year and Donaldson was traded in the offseason. Instead, the model likes the chances ofthe Cardinalsto win the NL Central. The model's concerns for Seattle stem from its uncertain pitching depth beyond Ray and Marco Gonzales and the risk of an underperforming infield, but make no mistake, the future is bright in Seattle. All those almost rob-able home runs that plop into the first or second row will now stay in play. Webb made the jump from "hey this guy is pretty good and flying under the radar" last regular season to "this guy is a star" in the postseason, when he dominated the Dodgers twice in the NLDS. Marcus Semien might have left in free agency, but Toronto acquired Matt Chapman to man third and give the team a star defender to the left of Bichette. in some spots, and they've increased the wall height as well. That might be too much to ask given the need to manage his workload. Carson Kelly is entrenched behind the plate, though injuries happen, and I'm guessing there will be 30 starts behind the plate available. This team is largely the same one that went on a 17-game winning streak at the end of the season to blaze past the Reds, Phillies and Padres to capture the second wild-card and sneak into the playoffs. So it shall be. Things could come together quickly. There was nothing fluky about that NL MVP win a few years ago. Brandon's and Logan's. I've been beating this drum since December and it makes too much sense. Will it be easy? I'm boldly predicting it. And with Michael Kopech and Liam Hendriks at the backend of the bullpen, they could be a real weapon to end games in the playoffs. 1 prospect later this year. Pittsburgh is waiting for the Mitch Keller breakout to happen this spring, he's shown glimpses that it could be on the way as the rotation starts to weave in younger arms like Bryse Wilson and Roansy Contreras. Adley Rutschman and Grayson Rodriguez aren't far away from reaching the majors, and bats like Cedric Mullins, Trey Mancini and Ryan Mountcastle have already proven they can mash in the big leagues. 6-keys: media/spln/mlb/reg/free/stories. Texas needs pitching and they have several near-MLB-ready middle infield prospects who are suddenly blocked by Corey Seager and Marcus Semien (Ezequiel Duran, Justin Foscue, Josh Smith, etc.). Mookie Betts felt quiet in 2021, but he's still one of baseball's best at the dish. Signing Seiya Suzuki, one of Japan's biggest sluggers over the past six seasons, is a big addition as he'll likely slot right into the middle of the lineup. He has the power, speed, and all-around awesomeness I associate with cycles. So is Webb's. Also, the universal DH will boost home run totals at National League parks going forward, moving them up the leaderboard. Now in the new year, they'll have a target on their backs as several teams loaded up this offseason with the goal of avoiding a repeat champion. (Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports), Earlier this month, we cast the widest possible net as to the teams that could or should or may be interested in 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. It's not like Arizona has a veteran backup catcher lined up (with all due apologies to Jose Herrera). The Diamondbacksfinished tied with Baltimore for the worst record in baseball in 2021, but like the Orioles, they are starting to see the future of the franchise. I honestly couldn't tell you what it would take to pry Soto loose (maybe the Rays would put Wander Franco on the table? He's launched titanic dingers, legged out an inside-the-park homer, made a leaping catch, and bat flipped a walk after falling behind in the count 0-2. Jose Altuve continues to hit, and the cast around around him continues to get younger. But what the model really likes is the rotation. The reason the model likes the Cardinals over Milwaukee comes from the lack of trust in the Brewers' lineup, but if Willy Adames can repeat and Christian Yelich can bounce back somewhere closer to his 2019 levels, it could have just enough to support Milwaukee's tremendous pitching staff. ), but it never hurts to ask.
He's been tinkering with his swing all spring, and while spring training stats usually don't matter a whole lot, Bellinger having 18 strikeouts and one walk in 31 plate appearances going into Monday's game kinda feels like it matters? The team has pieces that will help it win games, with Frankie Montas at the front of that rotation and top prospect Cristian Pache immediately slotting into the outfield with Ramon Laureano. Joey Votto continues to produce at a star talent, but heading into his age 38 campaign, the model expects some regression to take a toll. It's unclear whether Witt will play shortstop or third base for the Royals this season, but he will play for them, and he will join that exclusive club with 30 homers. The tide begins to turn this season. This is notable because a) the White Sox have not won a postseason series since the 2005 World Series, and b) an AL Central team has not won a postseason series since Cleveland won the 2016 ALCS. Even then, it feels like the offense's ceiling is pretty good rather than great, and offenses like that can get exposed (like in the NLDS last year). However, there are reasons for why it turned out as it did. The model indicates that in a World Series against the NL, which is loaded with teams that boast top-line pitching staffs, Tampa Bay's staff is more likely to hold up in a series. Jesus Luzardo wasn't sharp in his Miami debut, but he's shown off his electric skillset and sky-high potential in Spring Training and will likely be a popular breakout pick. They will join Joe Musgrove, Yu Darvish and Blake Snell. Last season Suzuki, who will play most of this year at age 27, authored a .317/.433/.636 batting line with 38 home runs for the Hiroshima Carp in Japan. Joey Gallo should improve without the shift, and Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton and Josh Donaldson make for three of the best right-handed power bats in the sport when healthy. The Reds righty has made the team and is Cincinnati's No. I don't think so. A similar pace this year would require 366 plate appearances to get to 700 homers, though there are indications the league home run rate is about to skyrocket, which will work to his advantage. This season I have Varsho jumping into the 30/30 club -- 30 starts at catcher and 30 starts in center. MORE:Cody Bellinger is struggling again, but Dodgers are so good that it might not matter. Here are the highest ground ball rates among qualified pitchers since then: Lowe also has the 7th, 14th, and 18th best ground ball seasons on that list. But how does the model see it shaking out? Toronto has the best odds of winning the pennant at 16.9 percent, while the White Sox and Astros trail narrowly behind at 15.2 and 13.9 percent, respectively. With MLB's second half resuming Thursday, let's take a look at some predictions for the 2022 World Series, MVP and where Juan Soto will end up. The model isn't as bullish on San Diego as others due to concerns over Tatis' ability to play a full season and the depth in the lineup, but it's easy to see this being the magical year for which many have been waiting. Andre Iguodala jokingly apologizes to Joe Lacob at ESPYs for getting him fined, The 30 Worst Movies Ever, Says Rotten Tomatoes, Draymond shades 2016 NBA Finals suspension to Steph Curry at ESPYs, Elina Svitolina exclusive: 'The Russian invasion changed everything for me', Noah Lyles sets American record to win 200 meter world title, as U.S. sweeps again, Cam Heyward: Larry Ogunjobi was very open and upfront about Mason Rudolph fight, MLB Rumors: Mets have engaged Red Sox in Dominic Smith trade talks, Lyles leads U.S. sweep; Jackson tops Jamaica 1-2 in 200. However, the playoffs are expected to expand as part of the new CBA, which could mean going from 10 playoff teams to 12 or 14. Witt is arguably the best prospect in baseball and last season he hit .290/.361/.576 with 35 doubles and 33 home runs in 124 games split between Double-A and Triple-A. Elina Svitolina had just discovered she was pregnant with her first child but the joy she shared with her partner, and fellow tennis player, Gal Monfils was painfully short-lived: days later, her native Ukraine was invaded by Vladimir Putin's Russian forces. The Red Sox reportedly fielded a call from the Mets about a potential trade for first baseman Dominic Smith as they weigh their options ahead of the MLB trade deadline. They're the only franchise without one. Cruz is a freak of nature and I mean that in the nicest way possible. They're pushing the left field wall back as much as 30 feet (!) They also made big splashes by signing Rodon, Alex Cobb and Matthew Boyd, who will only make this rotation stronger. Before long, Hayes will soon be joined on the left side of the infield by towering shortstop Oneil Cruz. Edwin Diaz was a dominant closer in 2021, and figures again to be among the best relievers in 2022. The Mariners' charismatic outfield prospect has been a one-man highlight reel this spring. The projections, which tend to skew conservative, have the Mets going 88-74 and finishing second in the NL East -- 2.0 games behind the 90-72 Atlanta Braves. With the new campaign comes the intrigue over how it will turn out. But I am predicting we will begin to see sincere "teams have called the Nationals about Soto" trade rumors this summer. No, definitely not. Last season he started 21 games in center and 30 games at catcher. The rotation might be even better in 2022 with the return of Mike Soroka to join Max Fried, Ian Anderson, Charlie Morton and Huascar Ynoa. Mac McClung, the high school phenom that many may recall from his viral Ballislife mixtapes, has An NFL fan took to Twitter to sell some J.J. Watt merchandise only to be answered by the Arizona Cardinals player himself.