Baseball is back, and I am happy. After a long offseason, teams are getting hot, and fans are ready for another crazy season. There were some insane moves this offseason, some young players to keep an eye on, and, of course, a lot of teams predicted to win the World Series.
Biggest Offseason Moves
This offseason was wild. Some teams went all-in, and some just kinda sat there (looking at you, Rockies). Here are some of the biggest moves that will make a difference right away:
Roki Sasaki to the Dodgers: The Dodgers got the best pitcher out of Japan, signing him for 10 years and $450 million. He has got a nice upper 90’s fastball and a nasty splitter and slider.
Kyle Tucker to the Cubs: The Cubs wanted a superstar since Cody left, and they got one. Tucker is a beast at the plate and in the field. Let’s see if he can finally help Chicago make a deep run.
Juan Soto to the Mets: The Mets threw a 15-year mega-deal at Soto. If he struggles, that’s a long time to regret it. But if he crushes it? Mets fans are gonna be thrilled.
Corbin Burnes to the Diamondbacks: The D-backs needed an ace, so they paid Burnes $210 million for six years. Will it be worth it? We’ll find out soon.
Cody Bellinger to the Yankees: Belli’s back and playing for a big franchise. The Yankees are hoping he keeps up the comeback he started in Chicago. Will he be a star, or will he get crushed by the Bronx pressure?
Young Guys
Every year, there are some young players who just explode onto the scene. Here are a few guys who could be next:
Junior Caminero (Rays) – Tampa Bay always finds studs, and Caminero looks like the next one.
James Wood (Nationals) – A 6’7” outfielder who smashes? Yeah, he’s gonna be fun to watch.
Dylan Crews (Nationals) – Another future star in D.C., Crews is just a great hitter in general.
Tyler Soderstrom (A’s) – The A’s don’t have a lot going for them, but Soderstrom could be a bright spot.
Kyle Manzardo (Guardians) – He doesn’t strike out a lot and has power and I believe Cleveland fans are gonna love him.
Jackson Holliday (Orioles) – This kid is the future of the Orioles. If he plays well, Baltimore could be intimidating.
Paul Skenes (Pirates) – The Pirates don’t usually have much to be excited about, but Skenes throws gas and could be/already has been a real ace.
World Series Picks
Even though it’s only Opening Day, let’s make some predictions anyway just for fun.
Los Angeles Dodgers: Even with some early injuries, they still have Mookie, Shohei, and a crazy lineup. Plus, Sasaki and Snell might be unreal.
New York Yankees: If Judge, Bellinger, and the rest of their lineup stay healthy, they could dominate in the AL.
Houston Astros: They always find a way to win, even when people count them out.
Chicago Cubs: They made some big moves, and if it all comes together, watch out.
Atlanta Braves: Probably the most well-rounded team in baseball. They just don’t have weaknesses.
Final Thoughts
Opening Day is the best. Every team still has hope (even if it won’t last long for some of them). Will the big free agents live up to the hype? Which young guys will take over? Who’s winning the World Series? We’ll find out soon enough, but for now, let’s just enjoy that baseball is finally back.
Great article. What is your thoughts on the Yankees bats?