New Arena senior writers Jason Fray, Dylan Fraychineaud, and Harris Ahmadzai will offer their divisional and World Series predictions — as well as major awards predictions — for the upcoming 2022 season.
American League West
DF: Houston Astros
The AL West has been ruled by the Houston Astros since 2017. Houston has won the division four of the past five seasons — and reached the ALCS in 2020 despite finishing the Covid-shortened season 29-31. This year, three teams have a realistic shot at winning the division. In the end, however, I believe the Astros are simply a more complete team than the Angels and Mariners. It will come down to the wire, but Houston will win the division yet again.
HA: Los Angeles Angels
It’s finally time for the Angels to put it all together and make a postseason run. A team that has never lacked in talent, the Angels have routinely failed to live up to expectations in recent years. Since 2014, the Angels have four regular season MVP’s and zero playoff wins. LA’s last postseason victory came all the way back in 2009 — the same year Mike Trout was drafted out of high school. That being said, the Angels finally return to the playoffs in ’22 on the backs of two of the most talented players the sport has ever seen.
JF: Houston Astros
Though losing Carlos Correa may end up being a blow, Houston still has a very productive lineup. The pitching staff is loaded with good, young arms. Justin Verlander has returned to assume his role as the ace.
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American League Central
DF: Chicago White Sox
The White Sox were the only team in the AL Central to finish 2021 with a winning record. At 93-69, Chicago breezed to the division crown by 13 games. The division figures to be slightly more competitive in ’22, as the Twins and Tigers both improved in the offseason. However, Chicago remains the clear top dog and should cruise to a second AL Central triumph in a row.
HA: Chicago White Sox
Minnesota went out and signed one of the biggest marquee free agents in Carlos Correa. Cleveland boasts one of the best pitching rotations in all of baseball. The Tigers and Royals are brimming with talent. With that said, the AL Central remains the White Sox division to lose. While Minnesota and Detroit should be commended for their willingness to spend this offseason, Chicago is too talented from top-to-bottom to let this division slip from their grasp.
JF: Chicago White Sox
The most talented team in the American League, there are few holes within this group. Trading Craig Kimbrel to the Dodgers was a curious move. With that said, the bullpen still has a bevy of dudes throwing between 98-100.
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American League East
DF: Toronto Blue Jays
In 2021, the Blue Jays played ‘home’ games in three different stadiums and still managed to win 91 games…and finished fourth in the AL East. Toronto missed the postseason by one game, but its luck will change this year. The Blue Jays are absolutely stacked and should have enough to top a loaded division.
HA: Toronto Blue Jays
Outside of the O’s, the AL East is up for grabs among its stacked group of competitors. Tampa Bay has taken the division two years in a row — overcoming the star power of the Yankees and Red Sox. In 2022, a new juggernaut appears to be on the rise. The Blue Jays are among the title favorites this year, and it’s not all that hard to see why. With a powerful young offense and plenty of pitching depth, Toronto should challenge for 100 wins this season.
JF: Toronto Blue Jays
Toronto is going for it this year. The lineup is absolutely loaded across the board — boasting multiple future/current MVP candidates. Matt Chapman came over from Oakland to strengthen the infield further. Plus, adding Kevin Gausman gives the Jays another potent arm atop their rotation.
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National League West
DF: Los Angeles Dodgers
Last year, the Dodgers failed to win the National League West for the first time since 2012. Los Angeles won 106 games — one less than the Giants, and six more than any other team. The team will look different in ’22. Corey Seager (Texas), Kenley Jansen (Atlanta), and Max Scherzer (Mets) are no longer in Dodger Blue…but one Frederick Freeman is. The Dodgers remain the team to beat in the NL.
HA: Los Angeles Dodgers
Is there much that needs to be said here? The Giants will be in the mix, and the Padres are looking to bounce back from an embarrassing campaign (sans Fernando Tatis Jr. for the first few months). With that said, nobody is touching this Dodgers roster out West.
JF: Los Angeles Dodgers
Los Angeles has the deepest team in the division — along with arguably the best lineup we’ve seen in baseball since the 1998 Yankees. Pitching could be an issue, though the franchise will shore up any deficiencies (whether via trade or calling up the likes of Bobby Miller).
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National League Central
DF: Milwaukee Brewers
Pitching wins ballgames, and Milwaukee’s staff is amongst the best in baseball. With a three-headed monster at the front of the rotation and a devastating one-two punch in the bullpen, Milwaukee has the ability to beat any team — especially those that comprise a mediocre NL Central. St. Louis cannot be counted out, but Milwaukee appears to be the class of the division. If Christian Yelich rediscovers his MVP-form, the Brewers will have an easy ride to the postseason.
HA: St. Louis Cardinals
Milwaukee is the defending division champions, but the Cardinals came on strong towards the end of ’21. St. Louis enjoyed a magical 17-game winning streak in September before being unceremoniously ousted by the Dodgers in the Wild Card game. This year, the Cards get off to a better start powered by longtime veterans Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina, and the returning Albert Pujols.
JF: St. Louis Cardinals
Though Milwaukee is a slight favorite, I like the Cards’ lineup to carry them to the division crown. Getting Jack Flaherty healthy is key. However, there should be enough rotational depth to account for his absence.
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National League East
DF: Atlanta Braves
The defending World Series champions remain the team to beat in the East. Even though Freddie Freeman is no longer manning first base, the Braves are in good hands with Matt Olson. Olson is one of the top 1B’s in the game and should help power Atlanta’s thumping offense. New York and Philadelphia spent a lot of money in the offseason, but money doesn’t always buy success. Advantage, Atlanta.
HA: Philadelphia Phillies
One of the best offenses in baseball belongs to the Philadelphia Phillies. Already boasting a load of talented hitters, the Phillies went out and added Nick Castellanos and Kyle Schwarber through free agency. Additionally, Philadelphia has the arms to quiet the lineups in Atlanta, New York, Miami and Washington. Going into the season, Phillies starters Aaron Nola and Zach Wheeler are among early Cy Young candidates.
JF: Atlanta Braves
Other than Los Angeles, this might be the most complete team top-to-bottom. Losing Freddie Freeman might turn out to be a bigger blow than expected (with the intangibles he brings to the table). With that said, Matt Olson is a bopper brought over from Oakland. Ronald Acuna Jr. will be back sooner than later, and future HOF Kenley Jansen was added to shore up the back end of an already elite ‘pen.
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American League Wild Card
DF: Los Angeles Angels, Tampa Bay Rays, New York Yankees
I don’t want to include the Yankees in my postseason bracket, but they always seem to find a way to reach the playoffs. The Angels will secure a playoff berth in the final week of the regular season thanks to a monster homer off the bat of Mike Trout — and an easy end to the year (vs. Oakland, vs. Texas, @ Oakland). My final AL Wild Card spot goes to the Rays. Tampa, powered by Wander Franco, will finish two games ahead of Seattle — extending the Mariners’ postseason drought to 21 years.
HA: Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox
Three squads who are no strangers to the postseason. It’s going to be a potential bloodbath in the American League with just about every team potentially in the hunt for the Wild Card. The Astros aren’t quite as stacked as they’ve been in years past, but they’re hoping their young stars like Kyle Tucker, Yordan Alvarez and Jeremy Pena can help usher in a new era.
The Rays are a model of consistency, and boast one of the most dynamic 1-2 punches in Wander Franco and Randy Arozarena (in addition to a stacked pitching staff). Boston always finds a way to put themselves into the picture, and they’ll receive major boosts from the incoming Trevor Story and a healthy Chris Sale. The Red Sox narrowly edge out their rival Yankees, who tumble a bit given their lack of pitching depth and unbalanced starting lineup.
JF: Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, Seattle Mariners
The Rays can pitch with the best of them. The Red Sox can slug with the best of them. Seattle is a more complete team at this point than the Yankees are. Without question, this will be a grueling battle for the three precious Wild Card spots among the elite in the American League.
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National League Wild Card
DF: San Francisco Giants, Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals
The Giants are being overlooked once again. Despite winning an MLB-best 107 games last year, the Giants are not entering the season with much respect. San Francisco’s 92 wins will be enough to earn another trip to the postseason. Two classic clubs — the Cardinals and Phillies — will secure the NL’s final two spots. Philadelphia’s lineup figures to produce a ton of runs, and its pitching surely will improve…I think. The Cardinals are fortunate to play in the NL’s worst division. With the Brewers looking like the only other contender in the NL Central, St. Louis will feast on the Reds and Pirates en route to another dose of playoff baseball.
HA: San Francisco Giants, Milwaukee Brewers, Atlanta Braves
San Francisco has the pedigree and experience to put together another playoff run even with the retirement of Buster Posey. Essentially exchanging Kevin Gausman for former White Sox pitcher Carlos Rodon might be more of a positive move than some think. Milwaukee has the league’s best starting rotation, and two of its most dominant relievers. Even if Christian Yelich doesn’t return to MVP form, Milwaukee will be a threat in the National League.
And, how can we forget about the defending champions? Matt Olson is no Freddie Freeman, but he’s capable of hitting 40-plus homers and playing Gold Glove defense. Oh, and Ronald Acuna Jr. will be back sooner rather than later. Pencil in the Braves for another postseason berth.
JF: San Diego Padres, New York Mets, Milwaukee Brewers
Milwaukee’s pitching depth (and expected revival of Christian Yelich) gets them a spot here. Additionally, both San Diego and New York boast ridiculous levels of pitching talent across the board. The team narrowly missing out on a playoff berth would be the San Francisco Giants (though I wouldn’t be surprised if they snuck in there).
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American League Pennant
DF: Chicago White Sox
On paper, two teams have separated themselves from the rest of the American League — the Chicago White Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. Both teams have fantastic lineups and above-average pitching. Ultimately, I believe Chicago’s bullpen is the difference between the two teams. Chicago closer Liam Hendriks is the best in the game, and the rest of the pen is littered with talent. The Sox appeared overwhelmed in the postseason last year, but they will be ready for the bright lights this time around. Chicago in 6.
HA: Chicago White Sox
Tony La Russa’s club is the team to beat in the American League. Equipped with a star-studded lineup and a bevy of electric pitching options, Chicago boasts the most complete team in the AL. Swapping out Craig Kimbrel for former Dodger outfielder AJ Pollock was a savvy move from this club. Just one more bopper in a lineup filled with talented bats.
JF: Chicago White Sox
This is the year for Chicago. The rotation is loaded with power arms, the bullpen is treacherous for any lineup to work through, and the starters 1-9 have real depth across the board. In fact, this might be Tony La Russa’s most talented team top-to-bottom (and that’s saying something).
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National League Pennant
DF: Los Angeles Dodgers
Who else can I pick? The Dodgers boast the league’s best lineup, Walker Buehler and Julio Urias are Cy Young contenders and the bullpen is stacked. Despite Corey Seager leaving for the Rangers, Los Angeles will be able to trot out three MVP hopefuls — Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, Freddie Freeman — on a nightly basis…and then you can start talking about Will Smith, Max Muncy, Justin Turner, Chris Taylor and former MVP Cody Bellinger. If healthy, the Dodgers are the best team.
HA: Los Angeles Dodgers
For the fourth time in the last seven seasons, the Los Angeles Dodgers will win the National League. We don’t need to delve into the particulars of LA’s lineup. The Dodgers boast one of the most star-studded offenses the sport has seen in decades. Starting pitching depth could be a problem — like it was during last year’s postseason run — but Clayton Kershaw is still chugging along. We should also expect even more development from Walker Buehler and Julio Urias. The Dodgers return to the World Series.
JF: Los Angeles Dodgers
Adding Freeman to a group featuring Mookie Betts, Trea and Justin Turner, Will Smith, and others simply isn’t fair. It’s a dynamic team possessing multiple ways to beat the opposition. The bullpen figures to be better with the additions of Kimbrel and Daniel Hudson. The rotation is a little thin — though if there’s any club to make a move to shore up their team’s postseason hopes, it’s the Dodgers. Simply put, this team is a juggernaut in every sense of the term.
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American League Rookie of the Year
DF: Julio Rodriguez
The American League is going to showcase a handful of elite prospects in 2022. Bobby Witt Jr. (Kansas City), Adley Rutschman (Baltimore), and Spencer Torkelson (Detroit) are the future of the game. It wouldn’t be a surprise to see any of those players win the AL Rookie of the Year, but my money is on Julio Rodriguez. Rodriguez has tremendous ability at the plate. Entering 2022, J-Rod has a career .331/.412/.543 line. Playing for a good team, J-Rod’s production and skill will stand out a bit more to voters than the rest of the field.
HA: Bobby Witt Jr.
With a swing reminiscent of Mike Trout, the Royals couldn’t keep its young shortstop off the Opening Day roster. Witt Jr. is baseball’s top prospect, and expected to contribute in all facets of the game from the jump. It’ll only be a matter of time until he’s batting in the middle of KC’s lineup and sending missiles into the fountain at Kauffman Stadium.
JF: Spencer Torkelson
The former No. 1 Overall pick has been pegged as the everyday first baseman. A power hitter dating back to his days at Arizona State, the 22-year-old has hit at every level thus far in his professional career. The upstart Tigers could use his thunder in the heart of the order. Torkelson has the upside to one day be one of the game’s best sluggers.
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National League Rookie of the Year
DF: Seiya Suzuki
The top international free agent available this offseason was outfielder Seiya Suzuki. The power-hitting corner outfielder is coming off a sensational year with the Hiroshima Carp of the NPB. In 133 games last year, Suzuki slashed .319/.436/.640 while slugging 38 homers. He’s an accomplished base stealer as well, having swiped 102 bags over his professional career. Suzuki will start for the Cubs Opening Day and should quickly earn the respect of the devoted fanbase.
HA: Seiya Suzuki
Baseball fans should get acquainted with 27-year-old rookie Seiya Suzuki. He will be making his MLB debut for the Chicago Cubs in ’22. Suzuki showcased his extraordinary talent in NPB since 2013, earning five All-Star nods and holding a career OPS of .943. Suzuki projects to be a plus hitter, defender, and base runner. He hit 189 homers and stole 102 bases during his Japanese pro career. He’ll waste no time putting up big numbers for the Cubs.
JF: Joey Bart
With Buster Posey retired, Bart does have some big shoes to fill. He’s long been one of the game’s best catching prospects. Now that he’ll get an opportunity to play every day, Bart should transition quite nicely around a team loaded with poised vets. He’ll ease his way in without pressure, and ultimately could end up as one of the more potent bats in the lineup.
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American League Manager of the Year
DF: Charlie Montoyo
Can Kevin Cash win his third-straight Manager of the Year award? Yes, but he won’t. It is Charlie Montoyo’s year. Montoyo is entering his fourth year with the club. In 2019, Montoyo’s Jays finished the year 67-95. In just two years, Montoyo’s club improved by 24 games. With a loaded lineup and solid pitching — despite losing Robbie Ray — the Jays are going to win more than 91 games in ’22. Montoyo will take home the MoY award after leading Toronto to the AL East crown.
HA: Mark Kotsay
The A’s aren’t built to win many games this year. That’s what happens when you trade away just about every established talent on your roster. However, something tells us Oakland will be friskier than many expect. The A’s always do a wonderful job of developing talent and uncovering hidden gems. In his first year as skipper, former A’s utility man Mark Kotsay leads the team to 70-plus wins — enough of an overachievement to secure this award.
JF: Charlie Montoyo
If Toronto is as good as I think they’ll be, Montoyo should be squarely in consideration to take this award home. Remember, the Jays are the youngest team in what many feel is the deepest and most competitive division in all of baseball. Aside from the Orioles, any of the four teams in the AL East could come away with the division crown.
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National League Manager of the Year
DF: Joe Girardi
Unless the Dodgers win 110 games, Dave Roberts shouldn’t be considered a candidate for this award. Roberts won the NL MoY in 2016 when his club went 91-71. Since that time, Roberts has led the Dodgers to two 106-win seasons (and 104 in ’17) and hasn’t won the award for a second time. So, I will default to Joe Girardi. Girardi’s Phillies will claim one of the Wild Card spots, and that will be enough for him to claim his second NL MoY — won in ’06 with the Marlins.
HA: Dave Roberts
It’s time for Roberts to gain some recognition for his job. Of course, the Dodgers are expected to win games at a high clip. Roberts has led the team to two 106-win game seasons over the last three years. Even then, he failed to finish within the top-3 in NL Manager of the Year voting in either year. With LA potentially winning 110-plus games this year, it’s going to be difficult to pick anybody but the former ALCS hero.
JF: Oliver Marmol
I’m projecting that Marmol wins under the assumption that St. Louis sits atop the NL Central. The Cardinals aren’t considered to be among the upper crust of the National League. Those teams sit primarily in the NL West and the NL East. However, should they best the Brewers for the No. 1 spot in the Central, the managers of the other powerhouses (Dodgers, Braves, Giants, Mets, Padres) could cancel each other out.
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Home Run Leader
DF: Mike Trout
Mike Trout is going to remind some people just how great he is. In 2019, Trout slugged 45 homers in 134 games. During the 60-game Covid season, the future Hall of Famer hit 17 HR in 53 games. Last year, Trout launched eight homers in 36 games before a calf injury ended his season. Trout is one of the best players of all-time. In ’22, he will hit a career-high 51 HR.
HA: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Nobody hits the ball hard more consistently than the 23-year-old phenom. He tied Royals catcher Salvador Perez for the league-lead in homers last year (48), and has a legitimate chance to hit 50-plus over the fence in ’22. Other possible candidates include Eloy Jimenez, Franmil Reyes, or any of the Yankees sluggers (Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, Joey Gallo).
JF: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Guerrero Jr. is the premier hitter in all of baseball. Yes, with respects to Mike Trout and Juan Soto, this is the guy I want up there when it matters most. As a 22-year-old, he hit .311 with 48 HRs and 111 RBIs. Though the stakes are higher within the franchise, big time players usually rise to the occasion in these moments. Vladdy Jr. is only scratching the surface of what many feel will be a Hall of Fame career.
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American League Cy Young
DF: Jose Berrios
This is the year that Jose Berrios taps into his immense potential. After being acquired by the Blue Jays at the trade deadline last year, Berrios flashed brilliance with his new club. The former Twin closed the year with seven-straight quality starts. In 46.0 IP, Berrios fanned 53 batters and yielded just five walks. If he can continue to pitch like that for a full season, Berrios will reach his third All-Star Game and capture his first Cy Young.
HA: Shane McClanahan
Keep a close eye on two White Sox hurlers — Lucas Giolito and Dylan Cease — who both have elite swing-and-miss stuff and should collect plenty of wins playing for one of the best teams in the league. That being said, I’m going with Rays youngster Shane McClanahan. He burst onto the scene as a rookie and is looking to make a bigger impact in Year 2. The Rays always seem to have dominant pitching, and McClanahan appears to be the next in line.
JF: Lucas Giolito
This one may be a little out of left field. However, if we are to expect the White Sox to be a World Series contender, we’d assume the ace of their staff (Giolito) to get ample run support. Giolito’s stuff has never been in question. The LA native possesses all of the traits necessary in becoming one of the game’s best. As he’s matured, I’m expecting his command to improve. Maybe this is the year Giolito puts it all together.
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National League Cy Young
DF: Walker Buehler
Jacob deGrom is — when healthy — the best pitcher in the world. New York’s ace is capable of winning the award every season. However, deGrom is once again dealing with an injury. According to the Mets, their ace will miss at least four weeks with an injured shoulder. This year, Walker Buehler will capture his first CY. The Vanderbilt alum was sensational in 2021. En route to a fourth place finish for the CY, Buehler went 16-4 with a career-best 2.47 ERA. He is going to be even better this year.
HA: Corbin Burnes
It’s going to be difficult for Corbin Burnes to repeat his numbers from an exquisite 2021 campaign. However, his stuff is elite — and he’s in the prime of his career. Burnes led the league in SO/9 while cutting his walk-rate in half. Good luck to National League teams having to face off against the Brewers in a weekend series. Milwaukee boasts three potential Cy Young candidates in Burnes, Brandon Woodruff and Freddy Peralta.
JF: Corbin Burnes
Many will look to the Mets’ rotation featuring deGrom and Scherzer. Well, both are injury-prone — and have already started this current season with physical ailments. Walker Buehler figures to be right there in the mix, and you could see one of the Braves’ hurlers (Ian Anderson, Max Fried) pop up. However, Burnes is my guy. Assuming he gets just average run support, he’ll be the favorite.
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American League MVP
DF: Shohei Ohtani
If Shohei Ohtani is as good on the mound as he was in ’21 and plays 140+ games, he will once again win the MVP. He is too special and unique to be denied.
HA: Shohei Ohtani
With Ohtani, it comes down to a matter of health. If he plays a majority of the season, his mix of power-hitting and pitching makes him arguably the most valuable player in all of baseball. Barring a record-breaking season from one of the American League hitters, it’s Ohtani’s award to lose.
JF: Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
See the slide when I spoke about the HR king of the league. Much like his father, the younger Guerrero has lighting quick hands, unbelievable power, an easy swing, and ridiculous hand-eye coordination. We’re talking about raking on pitches that aren’t even in the strike zone. He should put up another video game-esque season.
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National League MVP
DF: Juan Soto
While the American League MVP is Ohtani’s to lose, the NL MVP is very much in play. The Dodgers have three legitimate contenders in Betts, Freeman, and Trea Turner. Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna Jr. cannot be counted out if he returns to the field as soon as the team expects him to. While there are a handful of others who can contend, including Bryce Harper, my money is on Juan Soto. Washington’s superstar is the best hitter in baseball and is due after finishing runner-up to Harper last season.
HA: Juan Soto
Much like Ohtani, a healthy Juan Soto season will likely lead to him hoisting up the MVP trophy by season’s end. The Nationals aren’t going to be particularly good, but the offense will score plenty of runs (especially with the addition of Nelson Cruz). Soto is the odds-on favorite to lead the league in OBP and OPS, and will hammer 40-plus homers for good measure.
JF: Freddie Freeman
Freeman benefits from two things: One, he’s headed back home to Southern California — where his entire extended family can see him play on a weekly basis. Secondly, he’s hitting in the best lineup he’s ever been in. Freeman will have Mookie Betts and Trea Turner in front of him. Oh — and then he’ll be protected by Will Smith, Max Muncy, Chris Taylor, Cody Bellinger, and Justin Turner (all former All-Stars except Smith). You can’t pitch around Freeman — which means he should be feasting at the cavernous Dodger Stadium (especially with his ability to spray the ball to all parts of the park).
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World Series Champion
DF: Los Angeles Dodgers
The Dodgers are an All-Star team. Baseball’s best team will claim its second World Series trophy in three years. The final out of the World Series? Craig Kimbrel striking out A.J. Pollock.
HA: Los Angeles Dodgers
It feels like every year the Dodgers enter the season as prohibitive favorites. This year is a bit different. The Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, Freddie Freeman trio is as good as it gets. Adding Craig Kimbrel to the mix to replace Kenley Jansen could prove to be a vital move come September (and October). The Dodgers are going to be difficult to beat on a nightly basis — let alone taking four of seven from them.
JF: Los Angeles Dodgers
This is the World Series I want to see. It pits the two most talented teams against one another. You’ll see star power on both sides — both in the forms of veterans and youngsters. Each team will boast elite bullpens, lineup depth, managerial prowess, and high-end talent. However, I’m giving the Dodgers a slight edge based upon collective experience. Plus, I think the front office has a trick or two up their sleeves as it pertains to getting another starting pitcher.
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