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

1. New York Yankees

2. Toronto Blue Jays

3. Tampa Bay Rays

4. Baltimore Orioles

5. Boston Red sox

AL CENTRAL

1. Chicago White Sox

2. Cleveland Guardians

3. Minnesota Twins

4. Detroit Tigers

5. Kansas City Royals

AL WEST

1. Houston Astros

2. Seattle Mariners

3. Texas Rangers

4. Los Angeles Angels

5. Oakland Athletics

NL EAST

1. Atlanta [Censored]

2. New York Mets

3. Philadelphia Phillies

4. Miami Marlins

5. Washington National

NL CENTRAL

1. St. Louis Cardinals

2. Milwaukee Brewers

3. Chicago Cubs

4. Pittsburgh Pirates

5. Cincinnati Reds

NL WEST

1. San Diego Padres

2. Los Angeles Dodgers

3. San Francisco Giants

4. Colorado Rockies

5. 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