Opening Day … A Gift Waiting to be Opened!
It’s getting close to Opening Day and it’s time for Baseball Roundtable to look ahead (and make predictions) for the 2022 season. We’ll start with American League won-loss predictions, move on to a look at some of the players (on each AL team) that BBRT will be watching in the coming months and wrap up with BBRT favorites for some key junior circuit awards. A word of caution, these predictions are coming in late, due to the late movement of so many players (post-lockout). In fact, as I was editing this, I received notification on my smartphone that Sean Manaea had been traded from the A’s to the Padres. I did my best to keep up with all the movement, so here are my AL predictions (really informed guesses given my track record).
AL East
Blue Jays 95-67
Yankees 90-72
Rays 89-73
Red Sox 86-76
Orioles 59-103
Blue Jays
The Blue Jays won 91 games a year ago – and played only 36 games truly at home (in Toronto). “Home Cooking” should help them be even better.
The Jays lost staff ace (and strikeout artist) Robbie Ray, but free-agent pickups Kevin Gausman (14-6, 2.81 for the Giants in 2021) and Yusei Kikuchi, plus a full year of Jose Berrios should more than make up for it. Add the emerging arm of Alek Manoah and you’ve got the basis of a solid rotation.
While the Blue Jays will miss Marcus Simeon’s 45 home runs and 102 RBI, they still have plenty of firepower in the likes of 1B Vlad Guerrero, Jr. (an MVP candidate); SS Bo Bichette; and outfielders Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Teoscar Hernandez and George Springer. Newcomer Matt Chapman adds plus defense at 3B and proven power (27 home runs last season).
Closer Jordan Romano, Tim Mayza, Adam Cimber. Julian Merryweather and Yimi Garcia lead a bullpen that could see some shifting roles as the season progresses.
Player To Watch
Vlad Guerrero, Jr., just 23, is a “must-watch” most valuable player candidate – .311-48-111 a year ago, he should put up similar numbers in 2022.
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Yankees
The Yankees should be in the fight, but I do have some concerns about the pitching. You can’t go wrong when you start your rotation with Gerrit Cole (a perennial Cy Young candidate). Following Cole are Luis Severino and Jordan Montgomery, who could both present some injury concerns, as could Jameson Taillon. Still, if Severino and Montgomery are back – and they do appear to be healthy again – the rotation should keep the Yankees in the race. The Yankees’ bullpen will again be a plus, with the arms of Aroldis Chapman, Jonathan Loaisiga, Chad Green (and I could go on) shutting the door in the late innings. The addition of 3B Josh Donaldson and SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa brings solid offense and quality defense to the left side – and the move to 2B should help Gleyber Torres. Then there are 1B Anthony Rizzo, outfielders Aaron Judge and Giancarlo Stanton to bring plenty of power (not to mention Joey Gallo, who needs to make more contact, but still produced 38 home runs a year ago). Lots to like here.
Player(s) to Watch
Luis Severino looked solid in his most recent Spring Training outing. The Yankees need him back in form if they are to challenge the Blue Jays. Nestor Cortes, Jr. could also be interesting. The 27-year-old altered his pitch mix last season ( replacing his slider with a cutter and developing a softer slider) – and it seemed to work. He put up a 2.29 EERA in 19 2/3 relief innings and, when moved into the rotation, a 3.07 ERA in 14 starts.
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Rays
The Rays always seem to surprise me, but they will miss staff ace Tyler Glasnow (August Tommy John surgery) and 22-year-old righty Shane Baz (elbow surgery), who may be out for the first few weeks of the season. The Rays did sign free-agent Corey Kluber (5-3, 3.83 in 16 games with the Yankees), but he hasn’t shown the stuff that made him a Cy Young Candidate in the past. Southpaw Shane McClanahan (10-6, 3.43 in 25 starts a year ago) should start the season at the top of the rotation. The Rays will also look to Drew Rasmussen, Luis Patino and, very likely, versatile veteran Ryan Yarbrough to start games.
The bullpen is where the Rays do their magic. They combine quantity and quality with a plan that focuses not on specific roles, but on specific pitchers delivering outs in game-dictated situations. Andrew Kittredge may be the closest thing to a closer – he led the team with eight saves a year ago. There will also be plenty of work for the likes of Matt Wisler (2-3, 2.15 for the Rays in 27 appearances after coming over from the Giants); Pete Fairbanks (3-6, 3.59, with five saves in 47 appearances); JT Chargois (5-1. 1.90 after coming over from the Mariners last season); J.P. Feyereisen; and free-agent signee Brooks Raley – and the list goes on. What you can expect is to see plenty of arms getting plenty of work out of the pen. And, if history repeats itself, they will be effective.
On offense, there is plenty of firepower. Last season OFs Randy Arozarena and Austin Meadows combined for 47 home runs and 175 RBI and 28 Brandon Lowe chipped in 39 dingers and 99 RBI. SS Wander Franco is a rising star and the supporting cast includes Manuel Margot, super-defender Kevin Kiermaier in the outfield, Ji -Man Choi at 1B and Mike Zunino behind the plate. The Rays will still have plenty of platoon-style options with Yandy Diaz, Taylor Walls, Vidal Brujan (the latter two still have to prove themselves on offense).
Player(s) to Watch
The entire bullpen. In 2021, the Rays had an MLB-record 14 pitchers record saves. As whole, they got an MLB-leading 703 innings of work out of the pen and an MLB-high 58 victories from relievers. Will the strategy repeat? If so, will it be as effective?
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Red Sox
The Red Sox lost starter Eduardo Rodriguez to free agency and Chris Sale (for at least part of the season) to a rib cage stress fracture. They still have Nathan Eovaldi, who had a fine season last year, and Nick Pivetta. Tanner Houck, who went 1-5, but with a 3.52 ERA in 2021, should also be in the mix. The Sox also brought in some veterans to shore up the rotation (Rich Hill, Michael Wacha, James Paxton), but the pitching losses may be too much for the Sox to move up in the tough AL East.
Closer Matt Barnes had an up and down year in 2022 – a 2.61 ERA with 19 saves before the All Star break; 6.48 with five saves after the break. Gary Whitlock, 8-4, 1.96 in 46 games as a rookie in 2021 may eventually move into that role. Ryan Brasier and Darwinzon Hernandez should also see important innings.
Expect solid offense from DH JD Martinez (28 home runs, 99 RBI in 2021), new 2B Trevor Story, 3B Rafael Devers (.279-38-113) and SS Xander Bogaerts. The Red Sox scored an AL fourth-best 829 runs a year ago. Unfortunately, two of the three teams that outscored them are in the AL East.
A lot depends on when Chris Sale comes back – and how he comes back.
Player to Watch
Closer Matt Barnes. Will he bounce back from a tough second-half in 2021? If he does, it sets up the bullpen roles nicely.
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Orioles
The Orioles pushed the AL’s second-fewest runs across the plate a year ago (only the Rangers scored fewer in the AL) and allowed MLB’s most runs.
The Orioles lost 110 games in 2021 and went through a quiet off-season. It looks like another tough year for Baltimore fans – as rebuilding continues. Plenty of young players should get a chance to prove themselves. Here’s what they can look forward to in Baltimore. The rotation will be led by John Means (6-9, 2.62 a year ago) and free-agent signee Jordan Lyles (10-13, 5.15 for the Rangers). In the competition for the rest of the rotation are Bruce Zimmerman, Keegan Akin, Zac Lowther, Dean Kremer and Jorge Lopez. In the pen, 2021 closer Cole Sulser (5-4, 2.70 with eight saves in 60 appearances should retain that role. Other likely bullpen arms include Tanner Scott, Dillon Tate and Joey Krehbiel. Lots of “tryouts” for the rotation and pen – not a good sign in the tough AL East.
On offense, there are a few players to watch. 25-year-old 1B Ryan Mountcastle popped 33 home runs, the most among MLB rookies a year ago. DH Trey Mancini’s comeback (colon cancer) story included a .255-21-71 season. CF Cedric Mullins joined the 30-30 club in 2021. Mullins hit .291, with 30 homers and 30 steals. You can expect to see the Orioles do some mix and match around the infield with Rougned Odor, Ramon Urias, Jorge Mateo, Kelvin Gutierrez and, perhaps, Chris Owings.
Player to Watch
Grayson Rodriguez. Just 22-years-old, the 6’5” righthander may not get to Baltimore this season – but Baseball Roundtable hopes he does. At High-A and Double-A last season, he went 9-1, 2.36 in 23 starts, fanning 161 batters (just 27 walks) in 103 innings.
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AL Central
White Sox 92-70
Twins 85-77
Tigers 82-80
Indians 81-81
Royals 75-87
White Sox
The White Sox lost All-Star free-agent Carlos Rodon (and his 13 wins) to the Giants, but they still have plenty of solid arms in the rotation – with Lucas Giolito (11-9, 3.53 a year ago); Lance Lynn 11-6, 2.69); Dylan Cease (13-7, 3.91). The back of the rotation likely will be drawn from Dallas Keuchel, Reynaldo Lopez and Michael Kopech. Behind the rotation, the bullpen should be a major plus – and improved from a year ago. Liam Hendriks (8-2, 2.54 with 38 saves ) is back to close. One key to the improvement should be free-agent signee Kendall Graveman (5-1, 1.77 with ten saves for the Astros and Mariners). Returnees Aaron Bummer and Reynaldo Lopez should also get some high-leverage appearances.
The offense, potent last season, also has the potential to be improved, with full (healthy) seasons from outfielders Eloy Jimenez (.249-10-37 in 55 games) and Luis Robert (.338-13-43 in 68 games). SS Tim Anderson is a quality leadoff hitter and 1B Jose Abreu is also an offensive force. They also added RF AJ Pollock (.297, with 21 home runs in 117 games for the Dodgers) in a late trade. The White Sox led the AL Central in runs scored last season and gave up the fewest runs in the Division. They could easily repeat that performance.,
Player(s) to Watch
A full season of Luis Robert and Eloy Jimenez would bring joy to the hearts of White Sox fans – think a combined 70 home runs and 200 RBI.
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Twins
Before the lockout ended, I probably would have put my hometown Twins in fourth place. However, some (unexpected) moves improved their prospects. Picking up Sonny Gray to head the rotation and (perhaps the top free agent on the market) Carlos Correa to play SS were major moves. Still the rotation of Gray, free-agent newcomer Dylan Bundy, Bailey Ober, Joe Ryan and late-signee Chris Archer does not seem ready to challenge the White Sox. They could really used Jose Berrios (traded last season) and Kent Maeda (lost to Tommy John surgery.).
The bullpen should be competitive with a healthy closer Taylor Rogers, along with Tyler Duffy, Caleb Thielbar and Jorge Alcala, The Twins added some depth with veteran free-agent Joe Smith, who should be a positive influence on the bullpen staff.
A bright spot for that pitching staff will be the defense behind them. Correa brings Gold Glove defense to shortstop, as does Byron Buxton (when healthy) to CF. Newcomer Geo Urshela has a plus glove at 3B, as does Max Kepler in right field. Jorge Polanco should benefit full-time work at 2B. There will be plenty of pop (as usual) in the lineup (even without Josh Donaldson, traded to the Yankees). 1B/DH Miguel Sano hit 30 homers in 135 games a year ago (but does need to cut down on the strikeouts); 2B Polanco hit .269-33-98; Byron Buxton has the potential to be a 30-30 player in a full season; and RF Max Kepler and SS Carlo Correa should each put 25 out of the park. Overall, the Twin looks to be contenders on offense and defense. I look for a trade to add another solid middle-of-the-rotation starting pitcher as the season progresses.
Player(s) to Watch
Byron Buxton and Joe Ryan. A full season of Byron Buxton would be a thing of beauty. He’s capable of .300, with 30 homers, 30 steals and Platinum-Glove defense if he avoids injury (he’s only played 100+ games in one of seven seasons). Keep an eye on Buxton, especially when he closes in on the outfield walls. I’ll also be watching right-hander Joe Ryan. He was 2-1, 4.05 in five starts for the Twins in 2022 and will get the Opening Day nod. In three minor-league seasons, Ryan was 15-8, 2.67. A dozen wins from Ryan would give the Twins rotations a boost.
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Detroit Tigers
The Tigers are a team on the rise. They have added SS Javier Baez (.265-31-87 a year ago) to a lineup that includes LF Akil Baddoo and RF Robbie Grossman at the top and Baez, 3B Jeimer Candelario (.271-16-67) and veteran DH Miguel Cabrera (.256-15-75) in the middle. 2B Jonathan Schoop should also continue to provide 20-homer power in the middle infield. The Tigers did take a hit when top-prospect Riley Greene (.301-24-84,with 16 steals at Double- and Triple -A last season) suffered a fractured foot in Spring Training. Penciled in as Detroit’s CF, Greene is expected to be out for several weeks.
On the mound, The Tigers added Eduardo Rodriguez (13-8, 4.74 for Boston) and Michael Pineda (9-8, 3.62 for the Twins) to the rotation. (Although Pineda, a late signee, will get a few starts at Triple-A early in the season.) The presence of these two veterans should aid in the development of Casey Mize (7-9, 3.71) , Tarik Skubal (who set a Tigers’ rookie record with 164 whiffs lasts year) and Tyler Alexander. All Star Closer Gregory Soto (18 saves a year ago) is back to anchor a bullpen that still needs some work.
Player to Watch
1B Spencer Torkelson is a legitimate Rookie of the Year candidate. Torkelson worked his way up from High-A to Triple-A last season – and popped 30 home runs in 121 games.
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Guardians
With the Guardians is starts with the pitching. The Guardians boast a solid rotation headed by Shane Bieber who went 7-4, 3.17 in 16 starts a year ago (shoulder issues). Bieber looks healthy going into the 2022 season and should give the Guardians an ace (and a Cy Young Award contender). He could be the last Indians’ and first Guardians’ CYA honoree. Cal Quantrill, who stepped into the breach when Bieber went down, is a number-one in the making. In 40 appearances (22 starts) a year ago, he went 8-3 2.89. There is quality down the rotation as well in Aaron Civale, Zach Plesac and Triston McKenzie.
In the bullpen Emmanuel Clase (24 saves and a 1.29 ERA) will close and the supporting cast can bring some heat. The issue is on offense, which appears a bit thin after 3B Jose Ramirez (.266-36-103) and DH Franmil Reyes (.254-30-85). Bats to watch are CF Myles Straw (.271, with 86 runs scored and 30 steals) and SS Amed Rosario (.285, with 77 runs scored and 13 steals) at the top of the lineup and 1B Bobby Bradley (16 home runs and 41 RBI in 74 games – but a .208 average).
Player to Watch
Cal Quantrill stepped up for Cleveland in 2022, 8-2, 3. 12 in 22 starts. (He didn’t make his first start util May 31). He also went 0-1, 1.98 in 18 relief appearances. It will be fun to see what he can do with a full year in the rotation.
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Royals
The Royals may not be quite ready to contend, but they are building for the future and have the resources to cause some consternation among the division leader. RF Whit Merrifield will give you all you want from a leadoff hitter (.277, ten home runs and 40 steals in 2022 – and a career .291 hitter). In the middle of the lineup, you’ll find C Salvador Perez (.273-48-1211), LF Andrew Benintendi (.296-17-73) and 1B/DH Carlos Santana, who needs to rebound (at age 36) from an off year in 2021. Top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. (the 2021 Minor League Player of the Year) should be ready to contribute. Witt hit .290-33-97, with 29 steals in 124 games at Double- and Triple-A in 2021. The Royals can also expect some punch and speed from SS Aldaberto Mondesi and CF Michael Taylor. The return of veteran Zack Greinke (11-6, 4.16 for the Astros last year) should help in the development of the young arms that will round out the rotation – Brad Keller, Brady Singer, Kris Bubic, Carlos Hernandez. How these arm progress will determine how high the Royals can go and how quickly they can contend. Scott Barlow (16 saves, 2.42 in 2002), Josh Staumont and Domingo Tapia will be key arms in the pen.
Player to Watch
Bobby Witt, Jr. seems ready to join the likes of Vlad Guerrero, Jr. and Bo Bichette as second-generation MLB stars. Last year’s Minor league Player of the Year (.290-33-97, with 99 runs and 29 SB at Double-A and Triple A), the 22-year-old is a must-watch Rookie of the Year Candidate.
AL West
Astros 94-68
Mariners 91-71
Angels 85-77
Rangers 75-87
A’s 70-92
Astros
The Astros lost SS Carlos Correa, SP Zack Greinke and reliever Kendall Graveman to free agency. On the pitching side, Justin Verlander should be back from Tommy John surgery and they picked up free-agent reliever Hector Neris. They will miss Correa’s glove and bat, but there is still more than enough here to win the AL West.
The middle of the lineup will feature 3B Alex Bregman, DH Yordan Alvarez (.277-33-104 in 2021) and 1B Yuli Gurriel (.319 with 81 RBI) – plenty of punch there. At the top of the order are 2B Jose Altuve (271-31-83 a year ago) and LF Michael Brantley (.311 in 2021). There’s also under-rated RF Kyle Tucker, .294-30-92, and still improving.
Verlander is back to bolster the rotation, but he is 39, so time will tell. Framer Valdez may be the number-one starter (11-6, 3.14 in 22 starts in 2021). Jose Urquidy (8-3, 3.62 in 20 starts), Jake Odorizzi and Luis Garcia will round out the rotation. Closer Ryan Pressley converted 26 of 28 save opportunities last season and Ryan Stanek, Hector Neris are reliable setup men. Astros should finish atop the West.
Player to Watch
SS Jeremy Pena, son of former big leaguer Geronimo Pena, has been a solid hitter and a plus-defender wherever he has played. In 30 games at Triple-A Sugar Land last season, the 24-year-old hit .287-10-19, with five steals. In three minor-league seasons (182 games), he has a .291-19-85 line, with 29 steals. He has some big shoes (Correa’s) to fill. It’ll be interesting to see how he develops.
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Mariners
The Mariners won 90 games a year ago – and just missed the post-season. This year, 90 wins should get them in – and they appear positioned to deliver those victories.
The Mariners made some moves to strengthen the team for 2022, the most important of which may be the signing of strikeout artist Robbie Ray (13-7, 2.84 with the Blue Jays last season) to head their rotation. Following Ray likely will be Marco Gonzales (10-6, 3.96); Chris Flexen (14-6, 3.61); Logan Gilbert and Matt Brash.
The bullpen proved to be a strength last season. The question is can they repeat. Saves may again be split Paul Sewalk (10 wins, 11 saves and a 3.06 ERA last season) and Drew Steckenrider (five wins, 14 saves, 2.00). If one of these emerges as the full-time ninth-inning guy, the other will get plenty of high leverage, late innings. Diego Castillo and veteran (39-year-old) free-agent signees Sergio Romo are also in the set-up mix. Ken Giles, slated to e an important part of the pen, will start the season on the IL.
The retirement of 3B Kyle Seager triggered some changes on offense, with a couple of new faces (via trade) in the lineup: power-hitting 3B Eugenio Suarez (31 homers for the Reds, but just a .198 average a year ago) and OF Jesse Winker (.305, with 77 runs scored for the Reds.). At the top of the order are returnees 2B Adam Frazier (.305, with 83 runs) and either Winker or 1B Ty France (.291-18-73). RF Mitch Haniger will be right in the middle of things, after his .253-39-100 season. The offense could get a boost from prospect Jarred Kelenic. The 22-year-old struggled as a rookie (.181, with 14 home runs and 43 RBI in 93 games), but is 294-38-138 over 203 games in three minor-league seasons. We can expect more from this 2018 first-round draft pick (Mets). The Mariners seem well-positioned to again put 90 wins up on the board.
Player(s) to Watch
Mitch Haniger is at the heart of the Seattle offense – .253-39-100. The Mariners need him to keep on hitting. They could also use a return to health from 2020 Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis, probably at DH, who hit .246-5-11 in just 36 games a year ago. Finally, the energy of Sergio Romo is just fun to watch.
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Angels
Despite 2021 MVP Shohei Ohtani and perennial MVP candidate Mike Trout, I don’t see the Angels finishing higher than third place. As a hitter, Ohtani brings solid power and speed (46 home runs and 26 steals a year ago) to the lineup and Mike Trout is, well , Mike Trout – having him for a full-season means , .300-30-100. The middle of the lineup looks like 1B Jarred Walsh (,277-29-98), 3B Anthony Rendon (who got in only 58 games last season– but has 30-homer power if healthy); and C Max Stassi (.241, with 13 home runs.) The Angels are also hoping to see offensive progress from OFs Brandon Marsh (who can bring plus defense to CF) and Jo Adell.
The Angels lost a couple of veteran arms to Free agency (Alex Cobb and Dylan Bundy) and added free agents Mike Lorenzen (moving back to a starting role) and Noah Syndergaard (coming back from Tommy John Surgery). Shohei Ohtani and Pablo Sandoval (who may be ready for a breakout season) seemed poised to deliver solid innings, but there are question marks in the rotation. The bullpen looks set with returning closer Raisel Iglesias (34 saves, 2.57 in 2022), Mike Mayers and a handful of newcomers (free agents Ryan Tepera, Aaron Loop and Archie Bradley). Just too many questions on offense and in the rotation.
Player to Watch
This is an easy one. What better to watch then the “Shohei Ohtani Show.” Triple-digit fastballs, 400-foot home runs and 25+ steals?
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Rangers
Hard to judge the Rangers this year. Consider the new faces in the lineup: 2B Marcus Semien (free agent); SS Corey Seager (FA); C Mitch Garver (trade); RF Kole Calhoun (FA); LF Brad Miller (FA). Notably, you can expect 20+ home runs from each of these newcomers. You can also expect considerable power from incumbent 1B Nathaniel Lowe (.264-18-72) and CF Adolis Garcia (.243-31-90). The middle of the infield will deliver plenty of punch with 2B Semien (.265-45-115) and SS Seager (.306-16-57 in 95 games). This team will score a lot of runs.
On the mound, the rotations will be led by free-agent signees Jon Gray (8-12, 4.59 with the Rockies.) and Martin Perez (7-8, 4.74 with the Red Sox). Both have shown better in the past. Gray, in particular, should benefit from getting away from Coors Field. There should be plenty of competitions for the remaining rotations spots, with the leaders appearing to be Dane Dunnings, Taylor Hearn and A.J. Alexy. Joe Barlow, 11 saves and a 1.55 ERA in 2022, should be the closer in a bullpen that will get plenty of work. They will miss Jonathan Hernandez and Jose LeClerc, both recovering from Tommy John surgery and not expected before late May or early June. Free agents Garrett Richards and Greg Holland will join Spencer Patton, Brett Martin and Josh Sborz in a busy bullpen.
The Rangers won’t lose 102 games again in 2022. They may not have improved enough to make the post-season, but they will give their fans more to cheer about.
Player to Watch
Adolis Garcia had a great rookie season in 2021 – .243, with 31 home runs and 16 steals. He’s only 29-years-old, so it would be nice to watch him improve on those numbers.
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A’s
The fact that the A’s traded away a pair of Matts (Olson and Chapman) who gave the team Gold Glove defense and solid power at the comers for eight prospects (four each from the Blue Jays and Braves) is solid evidence the A’s are in a rebuilding mode. Two of those prospects, Cristian Pache and Kevin Smith seem likely to make the A’s lineup at CF and 3B, respectively. In mid-March the A’s also traded away Chris Bassitt, the late blooming 32-year-old) righty who went 12-4, 3.15 in 27 starts. The main piece in return was 27-year-old righty Adam Oller (9-4, 3.45 at double-A and Triple A in 2021.) Oller has yet to throw an inning in the majors, but is likely to start 2022 in the A’s rotation. Side note: As I finished up on this, it was announced that the A’s had traded number-two starter Sean Manaea (11-10, 3.91) to the Padres for a pair of prospects.
Frank Montas will head the rotation (13-9, 3.37) – if he’s still around. Among the competitors for other rotation spots are Cole Irvin, Daulton Jefferies and Paul Blackburn. The bullpen will be led by closer Lou Trevino, who notched 22 saves with a 3.18 ERA a year ago). A.J. Puk and Domingo Acevedo should also get key innings.
Looking at the A’s offense, the middle of the lineup should include C Sean Murphy (17 home runs, but a .216 average in 2021); LF Seth Brown (20 home runs, but a .214 average); and DH Jed Lowrie.245, with 14 home runs). 2B Tony Kemp and SS Elvis Andrus should be at the top of the lineup. The versatile Chad Pinder getting some playing time. It could be a long season, as Oakland rebuilds for the future.
Player to Watch
The trade of Sean Manaea seems to pave the way for Adam Oller to take a rotation spot, although he has been knocked around a bit in Spring Training. Last season, Oller was 9-4, 3.45 at Double-A and Triple-A. Later in the season, you might also want to watch for another newcomer to the A’s system – J.T. Ginn. The 22-year-old was 5-5, 3.03 at A and High-A in 2021. He may need a bit more seasoning, but the A’s look to be a team of opportunity for young pitchers.
—-American League Awards Predictions—–
MVP
- Vlad Guerrero, Jr. Blue Jays
- Shohei Ohtani, Angels
- Luis Robert, White Sox
- Mike Trout, Angels
Cy Young Award
- Gerrit Cole, Yankees
- Shane Bieber, Indians
- Robbie Ray, Mariners
Rookie of the Year
- Bobby Witt, Jr., Royals
- Spencer Torkelson, Tigers
Primary Resources: Baseball-Reference.com; MLB.com
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