Well, after that off-season where the Dodgers deferred enough money to build the Athletics a new ballpark, it's time for the remaining fanbases who don't have Guggenheim money to hope for the best. Even with Opening Day finally here, it's the only time of the year we can actually pretend everyone has a chance, and hope feels, well, somewhat authentic.
White Sox fans, how are we feeling?
As we do every year around these parts, I'm throwing out some predictions and wild guesses for the upcoming MLB 2025 season.
Good luck, White Sox.
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STANDINGS (WIN)
AL EAST
Yankees - 92
Red Sox - 90
Orioles - 88
Rays - 85
Blue Jays - 82
AL CENTRAL
Royals - 90
Tigers - 90
Guardians - 88
Twins - 87
White Sox - 65
AL WEST
Rangers - 92
Astros - 92
Athletics - 86
Mariners - 85
Angels - 77
NL EAST
Phillies - 94
Mets - 92
Braves - 88
Nationals - 78
Marlins - 75
NL CENTRAL
Cubs - 88
Brewers - 88
Reds - 87
Pirates - 83
Cardinals - 80
NL WEST
Dodgers - 96
Diamondbacks - 90
Padres - 88
Giants - 84
Rockies - 69
GOALS/AWARDS/LEADERS
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Batting Champion: Bobby Witt Jr. (.329)
Home Runs: Aaron Judge (60)
RBIs: Aaron Judge (141)
Stolen Bases: Bobby Witt Jr. (41)
ERA: Max Fried (2.49)
Wins: Garrett Crochet (16)
Strikeouts: Logan Gilbert (221)
Saves: Mason Miller (41)
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Batting Champion: Luis Arraez (.339)
Home Runs: Shohei Ohtani (53)
RBIs: Shohei Ohtani (123)
Stolen Bases: Shohei Ohtani (43)
ERA: Chris Sale (2.21)
Wins: Corbin Burnes (15)
Strikeouts: Paul Skenes (229)
Saves: Raisel Iglesias (34)
1st TEAM ALL-MLB
C: Austin Wells - NYY
1B: Freddie Freeman - LAD
2B: Ozzie Albies - ATL
3B: Manny Machado - SD
SS: Bobby Witt Jr. - KC
OF: Aaron Judge - NYY
OF: Juan Soto - NYM
OF: Corbin Carroll - ARI
DH: Shohei Ohtani - LAD
SP: Paul Skenes - PIT
SP: Garrett Crochet - BOS
SP: Max Fried - NYY
SP: Logan Gilbert - SEA
SP: Corbin Burnes - ARI
RP: Emmanuel Clase - CLE
RP: Mason Miller - OAK
AWARDS
AL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Jasson Dominguez - NYY
NL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Bubba Chandler - PIT
AL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Jacob deGrom - TEX
NL COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Spencer Strider - ATL
AL CY YOUNG WINNER: Garrett Crochet - BOS
NL CY YOUNG WINNER: Paul Skenes - PIT
AL MVP: Aaron Judge - NYY
NL MVP: Shohei Ohtani - LAD
BREAK OUT STARS
AL: Mason Miller - A's
AL: Jasson Dominguez - NYY
NL: Jackson Merill - SD
NL: Elly De La Cruz - CIN
BIGGEST NAMES TO BE TRADED
AL: Vladimir Gerrero Jr. (Blue Jays -> Cubs)
AL: Mike Trout (Angels -> Phillies)
NL: Nolan Arenado (Cardinals -> Astros)
NL: Ryan Helsley (Cardinals -> Rangers)
5 RANDOM, WILD, OR BOLD PREDICTIONS
JUDGE GETS BONDS TREATMENT
Ohhhh yes, I am seeing in my extremely cloudy crystal ball a big year for Aaron Judge. In fact, it will be such a big year that at some point, we will see Judge receive an intentional walk with the bases loaded in a game.
ROCKET TAKES TEXAS
No, no, not that guy. I'm talkin' bout' Kumar Rocket making the big leagues and instantly becoming a force with the Rangers alongside former Vanderbilt teammate, Jack Leiter.
MINOR LEAGUE SITUATIONAL SURPRISES
MLB can try to spin it, there is something especially terrible about two major league franchises playing major league games in minor league stadiums. Sure, one cause was due to greed and the other a natural disaster, but both have been longstanding issues facing the game for almost a decade.
This year? Well my friend, I see this becoming a startling positive as Sacramento - a great sports town, ask the Kings - shock the A's and the sport will overwhelming support for the transitioning Athletics.
And down in Tampa? Well, the Rays will fall in love with their tenant's short porch at Steinbrenner Field and set a new season record for total home runs. And while we're at it, people in Tampa LOVE not having to travel to St. Petersburg and they too enjoy the minor league experience.
Yay!
SOTO SIMMERS
Some might take this as a hot take - or possibly a hating take. Take it however you see it. I see Soto doing Soto things and being well, Juan Soto.
However, I also see Soto's contract and expectations tied to a lofty mega-deal feeling disappointing.
TROUT LOYAL NO MORE
We'll see Trout return to Trout. But, we'll see Trout go the way of Kevin Garnett and realize that loyalty will only get him so far. Trout heads (home) to Philadelphia via a kind gesture by the Angels, and Trout picks up a World Series win.
WORLD SERIES
WORLD SERIES: Phillies d. Rangers (4-2)
WORLD SERIES MVP: Bryce Harper