On March 18, the MLB season is set to start with the World Series champion Dodgers facing off against the Chicago Cubs. This two-game series is set to be played in Tokyo.
This offseason was busy, with many all-star caliber players moving teams and creating new narratives. Along with this, the Tampa Bay Rays will be playing in a minor league ballpark due to Hurricane Milton’s impact on Florida.
The Athletics will also relocate to a minor league facility, leaving their longtime home in Oakland to head to Sacramento.
None of the offseason signings were more impactful than Juan Soto’s signing with the New York Mets.
Going into his seventh professional season, he has already cemented himself as one of the greatest players in this generation. With five silver slugger awards, four all-star appearances and the highest on base percentage since he broke onto the scene at age 19, the Mets have their star center fielder for the next 15 years.
Some other important moves were that of Kyle Tucker to the Cubs, who are gearing up to make a run for the National League Central’s best record, as well as Alex Bregman leaving his longtime home of Houston for the often rival Boston Red Sox.
Conversations surrounding a salary cap being implemented also took place in the offseason. This would curtail teams from outspending their opponents as we have seen with the Los Angeles Dodgers over the past two seasons.
Another addition, albeit only for spring training, was the implementation of an automated ball strike system. This allows both the offensive and defensive team to challenge the call of a pitch.
While this system will not be in play during the 2025 MLB season, it may be something to look forward to in the future.
Despite games having yet to be played this does not mean that it is too early for bold predictions.
With the offseason being so chaotic I expect anarchy to be the name of the game this coming season.
Firstly, this season will give Jose Ramirez his first MVP award. Over the last eight seasons, Ramirez has been in the top five of MVP voting five times, coming as close as second place in 2020. I believe this will be the year he breaks through on a Guardians team primed to make another deep run.
Another star player is Paul Skenes, who may already be the best pitcher in the game after his rookie season. It would not be shocking at all if he was able to steal the Cy Young Award in his first full season and even snag some down-ballot MVP votes in the National League.
There is also a massive shakeup happening in the AL East, with the entire division seemingly making a run for the first seed.
After two World Series wins and seven division titles over the past eight seasons, I believe the Houston Astros will miss the playoffs. Instead, I have the Los Angeles Angels stealing their spot.
With a very busy offseason behind them and Mike Trout hopefully healthy, I could see them bouncing back from their worst season in franchise history to clinch a rare playoff berth.
There is loads to be excited about for the coming season, whether its wondering if the Dodgers will set the wins record or if its watching the Chicago White Sox somehow get worse after losing 121 games, this season will certainly not be one to miss out on.
