by Jasper Abrahams
The Major League Baseball season is here. The weather is warmer, the fields are prepared and there’s nothing better than hearing an umpire emphasize the words, “play ball”. March Madness is behind us and it’s time to sit back, relax and watch America’s pastime all summer long.
Here are some predictions to keep an eye on as the season kicks off Thursday, April 1.
Rookie of Year
American League: New York Yankees, Anthony Volpe
Is this Yankees bias? A little bit, but not really.
If you ask anyone in the Yankees front office, they all believe Anthony Volpe is THE guy when it comes to the future at the shortstop position. Volpe is looking to bring a firm consistency to the position for the first time since Derek Jeter. Growing up in New Jersey and attending Delbarton High School, Volpe should feel comfortable when playing at Yankee Stadium.
Look for Anthony Volpe to take the league by storm.
National League: Arizona Diamondbacks, Corbin Carroll
The preseason front runner for National League Rookie of the Year, Corbin Caroll previewed his talents in Spring Training. The No. 2 overall prospect according to MLB.com brings elite speed and a plus glove to any outfield position. Caroll’s speed on the basepaths gives him the ability to stretch out extra base hits and put himself in scoring position. Many insiders call his base-running abilities the best in the game and puts him in the category with Trea Turner and Bobby Witt Jr. Caroll has only played 32 games in the big leagues, but is looking to thrive with a full season under his belt.
Most Valuable Player
American League: Los Angeles Angels, Shohei Ohtani
All signs are pointing to Ohtani to win another American League MVP (barring a home run record broken). The two-way superstar proved himself as the global face of baseball with a World Baseball Classic championship with Team Japan. In 2022, Ohtani finished second in AL MVP and fourth in Cy Young. The 6-foot-4 slugger – and ace – should be able to finish among the best in baseball once again.
National League: Philadelphia Phillies, Trea Turner
When the stove is hot, stay away. The World Baseball Classic brought out a version of Trea Turner that we as fans have never seen before. Turner’s bat was quite literally the best in the world as he connected on five home runs, nine hits and 11 RBIs in six games played. The 2019 World Series Champion landed in Philadelphia this offseason following their World Series run. Turner along with Bryce Harper, J.T. Realmuto and co. will aim to bring the Phillies back to the promised land.
Cy Young
National League: Arizona Diamondbacks, Zac Gallen
It’s not an ordinary pick, but let’s circle back to this pick in July. Zac Gallen has been the ace at the front of the Arizona Diamondbacks rotation for three years and has been improving each season. Gallen’s 2022 campaign was among the best in baseball as the right-hander finished fifth in NL Cy Young voting.
Gallen finished the year with a 12-4 record, a 2.54 ERA and 192 strikeouts in 31 starts. The 27-year old has had a productive spring training and should be able to replicate and improve on his prior season. The Diamondbacks have built a fantastic young core and Gallen headlines the pitching staff for the up-and-coming Arizona roster.
Watch out for Gallen and the Diamondbacks this season.
American League: Toronto Blue Jays, Alek Manoah
The Blue Jays are led by Opening Day starter Alek Manoah to kick off their 2023 season. Manoah is deemed a “workhorse” on the mound and brings an edge of competitiveness to every pitch. Leading the team up North, Manoah comes into 2023 with a career 2.60 ERA. The 6-foot-6 right-hander had a breakout season in 2022 as he finished third in the AL Cy Young race with 16 wins and a 2.24 ERA.
The Blue Jays have the pieces to contend in the AL East and contend in the American League. With superstars up and down their lineup, Toronto’s rotation is one of the best in baseball too. Manoah will be able to bring the Blue Jays back to October, potentially with an award in his hands.
League Winners
American League: Seattle Mariners
2022: 90-72, ALDS
The 2022 Seattle Mariners became America’s team after clinching their first playoff berth in 21 years. The Mariners made it to the ALDS but were unable to get past AL West and World Series Champions, Houston Astros. Although the goal is to win a World Series, Seattle made a huge step forward in the progress to eventually bring a ring to the northwest.
Leading the Mariners into 2023, the face of the franchise Julio Rodriguez brings leadership and fire-power into the everyday lineup. Rodriguez had a fantastic 2022 campaign as he slugged a batting average of .284%, had 28 home runs, 25 stolen bases and 75 RBI. At only 22-years old, the center fielder is well on his way to a potential MVP season in 2023.
Seattle also made plenty of moves to strengthen their lineup this offseason. Teoscar Hernandez was acquired and brings a consistent bat from the right-side. Hernandez last played for the Blue Jays in 2022 and slugged .267/.315.316 with 25 home runs. Former Cardinals and Brewers INF Kolten Wong was also added to the team this offseason. Wong is entering his 11th season in the league and brings stability on both sides of the ball for Seattle. Veteran AJ Pollock also landed with the M’s this offseason. The one-time All Star brings an experienced perspective into the clubhouse.
As for the pitching staff, Seattle is led by Luis Castillo, Logan Gilbert, Robbie Ray and Marco Gonzales. On paper, this staff does not intimidate hitters but when these arms are firing, nothing can get in their way. Castillo landed in Seattle prior to the 2022 Trade Deadline and made 11 appearances as a starter. In his first glimpses in Seattle, Castillo went 4-2 with a 3.17 ERA and 77 strikeouts in 65.1 IP.
Logan Gilbert is slotted as the No. 2 arm in Seattle to begin the season and quite frankly, he deserves it. Gilbert went 13-6 with a 3.2 ERA in 32 starts last season. In his sophomore season, Gilbert broke out and proved that he can be a consistent starter every fifth-day in the rotation. The 6-foot-6 right-hander is a sleeper pick to take home the AL Cy Young award.
Sticking with the award, 2021 AL Cy Young winner Robbie Ray is looking to bolster his resume and get back on track after a down year in 2022. Comparing his 2021 season to 2022, Ray’s ERA ticked up nearly a full run as he almost doubled his loss total from the previous season. All signs are pointing toward Ray bouncing back to his dominant-self.
Keep an eye on Seattle as they prepare to take down the Houston Astros and recapture the AL West
National League: San Diego Padres
2022: 89-73, NLCS
It seems as if the San Diego Padres just keep improving each and every season with one goal in mind: take down the Los Angeles Dodgers. San Diego has one of the most elite lineups in baseball and is better than ever. Many argued that 2022 was their year to win it all as they made it to the NLCS, but this season is different.
San Diego added a franchise-altering superstar in Xander Bogaerts to their lineup. The former Red Sox All-Star signed an 11-year, $280 million contract with the Padres to help them compete in a grueling National League race. Bogaerts brings a plus glove and a power bat to the middle of their order. On top of the superstar middle infielder, General Manager AJ Preller added Nelson Cruz and Matt Carpenter for depth and experience.
Let’s not forget about the other superstars: Juan Soto, Manny Machado and Fernando Tatis Jr.. The trio of MVP-caliber names speaks for themselves and if healthy, should be able to bring San Diego back into October.
The Padres pitching staff brings questions into the season but if they limit the damage, the lineup should be able to take over games this season. 2018 Cy Young winner Blake Snell will take the ball on Opening Day and lead at the forefront of the staff.
Nick Martinez, Michael Wacha and Yu Darvish are arms in the rotation that should be able to heal the damage on the defensive side. San Diego added Seth Lugo to help bolster their pitching staff. Lugo appeared in 62 games with the Mets in 2022 and struck out 69. Lugo has not started a game since 2020, but will probably be asked to this season.
In relief, the Padres are equipped with closer Josh Hader to shut the door at the end of games. Though, Hader has been shaky of late but should be able to get back to his dominant-self this season. Other names in the ‘pen include Drew Pomeranz, Brent Honeywell and Ryan Weathers.
As the Dodgers project to take a step back with the losses of Trea Turner and Gavin Lux, this is the season San Diego takes over the NL West.
Jasper Abrahams is a first-year student studying Communications at Penn State. To contact him, please email jasperabrahams@gmail.com
