Although the Equinox officially signifies the passing of winter, its Opening Day, for me, that celebrates the birth of spring. The start of a new season—the baseball season—mentally ushers in a time of warmth and optimism. It’s something to look forward to.
Ever since I was a kid, in anticipation of Opening Day, I’ve been making season predictions. Back then I knew every player in the league and would look at all the stat forecasts—PECOTA, Zips, CAIRO, etc—to make the most informed prognosis. Now I can’t even name you all the players on the team I care about.
But that won’t stop me from continuing the tradition. I would also insert a witty joke about sports betting and its ubiquitous advertising, but I’m not witty or funny. So just like, don’t put your paycheck on these picks, because I don’t offer free bets if your first one is a loser.
AL WEST
New York Yankees
Toronto Blue Jays
Tampa Bay Rays
Baltimore Orioles
Boston Red sox
AL CENTRAL
Chicago White Sox
Cleveland Guardians
Minnesota Twins
Detroit Tigers
Kansas City Royals
AL WEST
Houston Astros
Seattle Mariners
Texas Rangers
Los Angeles Angels
Oakland Athletics
NL EAST
Atlanta [Censored]
New York Mets
Philadelphia Phillies
Miami Marlins
Washington National
NL CENTRAL
St. Louis Cardinals
Milwaukee Brewers
Chicago Cubs
Pittsburgh Pirates
Cincinnati Reds
NL WEST
San Diego Padres
Los Angeles Dodgers
San Francisco Giants
Colorado Rockies
Arizona Diamondbacks
AL WILD CARD ROUND
New York Yankees (3) over Seattle Mariners (6)
Toronto Blue Jays (4) over Cleveland Guardians (5)
NL WILD CARD ROUND
St. Louis Cardinals (3) over Philadelphia Phillies (6)
New York Mets (4) over Los Angeles Dodgers (5)
ALDS
Houston Astros (1) over Toronto Blue Jays (4)
Chicago White Sox (2) over New York Yankees (3)
NLDS
Atlanta [Censored] (1) over New York Mets (4)
St. Louis Cardinals (3) over San Diego Padres (2)
ALCS
Houston Astros (1) over Chicago White Sox (2)
NLCS
Atlanta [Censored] (1) over St. Louis Cardinals (3)
WORLD SERIES
Houston Astros (1) over Atlanta [Censored] (1)
AL MVP
Vladimir Guerrero Jr
NL MVP
Juan Soto
AL CY YOUNG
Gerrit Cole
NL CY YOUNG
Max Fried