2023 MLB Season Predictions

Opening Day of the 2023 MLB season is just over a week away. With spring training winding down and the World Baseball Classic concluding, teams and their outlooks are starting to take shape. That means it’s the perfect time for season predictions!

Let’s start with some division standings.

National League East

1. Atlanta Braves

2. Philadelphia Phillies

3. New York Mets

4. Miami Marlins

5. Washington Nationals

There’s a good chance that the top three teams not only all make it to the postseason, but they finish within 3-5 wins of each other. We’ll say that the Braves once again ride a second half surge to their sixth straight division title. The unexpected earlier than expected return of Bryce Harper helps the Phillies nearly edge out the Mets. New York takes a step back but still wins over 90 games despite already having injury problems. Miami contemplates a mid-season trade of Sandy Alcantara to perhaps finally find some core offensive players. The Nationals sell off any useful pieces that arise and reside comfortably in the cellar. 

National League Central

1. St. Louis Cardinals

2. Chicago Cubs

3. Milwaukee Brewers

4. Cincinnati Reds

5. Pittsburgh Pirates

The Cardinals should easily win this division once again even on the backs of their dynamic duo of Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado even if their true contender status comes into question. Chicago surprises with newcomer Dansby Swanson but ultimately falls just short of a Wild Card berth. The Brewers have a disappointing season that is capped off with a mid-season trade of disgruntled ace Corbin Burnes. The Reds and Pirates battle it out to see who’s worse.

National League West

1. San Diego Padres

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

3. Arizona Diamondbacks

4. San Francisco Giants

5. Colorado Rockies

The Padres finally topple the Dodgers’ reign as division champions with their full lineup. L.A. settles for the top Wild Card and comes dangerously close to a trade for Shohei Ohtani. The Diamondbacks break out a bit and find a building block in Corbin Carroll. The Giants suffer from the loss of Carlos Rodon. The Rockies continue to be irrelevant but at least Kris Bryant starts hitting some home runs at Coors Field. 

American League East

1. New York Yankees

2. Toronto Blue Jays

3. Tampa Bay Rays

4. Baltimore Orioles

5. Boston Red Sox

The Yankees finally feel good about their chances heading into the postseason and yet another showdown with the Astros after acquiring Corbin Burnes at the deadline. The Blue Jays mash their way into the second Wild card spot looking to avenge last season’s disappointing finish. The Rays lack of offense catches up to them despite a strong season from Randy Arozarena. The Orioles young core has them in contention until late summer until they fade out thanks to yet another kneecapping at the deadline from ownership. The Red Sox interesting mix of young and old on their roster get them off to a good start, but they fail to keep up with the rest of the division.

American League Central

1. Cleveland Guardians

2. Chicago White Sox

3. Minnesota Twins  

4. Kansas City Royals

5. Detroit Tigers

Cleveland once again easily clinches a weak division with its strong pitching and a lineup boost from free agent signing Josh Bell. The White Sox rebound with a new manager and some injury luck, but ultimately their lack of impact upgrades this offseason keeps them out of the postseason. The Twins finally get a healthy season from Byron Buxton but are sunk by poor pitching. Kansas City enjoys some growth from Bobby Witt Jr. but says goodbye to Salvador Perez at the trade deadline. The Tigers are once again in contention for the number one pick, but Miguel Cabrera gets a deserved retirement tour and moves into the top 20 on the all-time home run list. 

American League West

1. Houston Astros

2. Seattle Mariners

3. Texas Rangers

4. Los Angeles Angels

5. Oakland Athletics 

Framber Valdez and Cristian Javier more than make up for the loss of Justin Verlander and propel the Astros to yet another 100-win season. The Mariners make the transition from hopefuls to full-fledged contenders behind an MVP finalist season from Julio Rodriguez. The Rangers are the surprise of baseball as they just sneak into the final Wild Card thanks to a dominant resurgence from Jacob deGrom. The Angels decline to move Ohtani, instead gearing up for one last push, but live to regret the decision when they fall short anyway. The A’s continue to trade away any good players they employ. 

Now let’s finish with some postseason predictions and end of season awards.

NLCS- Padres over Phillies in 6

ALCS- Yankees over Astros in 7

World Series- Padres over Yankees in 5

N.L. MVP- Juan Soto

A.L. MVP- Shohei Ohtani

N.L. Cy Young- Spencer Strider

A.L. Cy Young- Jacob deGrom

N.L. Rookie of the Year- Andrew Painter

A.L. Rookie of the Year- Gunnar Henderson