Opening Day 2021 is almost here and for baseball fans it’s a sigh of relief gearing up for our first full season since 2019. Sure the shortened 2020 was fun and definitely enjoyable especially with what everyone was dealing with, but the fact that some normalcy is coming back is nothing short of a dream come true. All the ballparks will host some amount of fans heading into 2021, with restrictions becoming looser and looser as more people get vaccinated across the country. A lot has happened this offseason as many big names changed teams and look to shake up 2021 in a way we haven’t seen before. Below are my season predictions for standings, playoffs, awards, rosters, and a write-up on every team and where they rank in my eyes. As I do every year, I always look forward to releasing my season preview’s and can’t wait for everyone to take a look. Hopefully this helps you get excited for baseball in 2021.
*These projected rosters, rotations, bench, bullpens, standings, etc. are completely compiled by myself and only myself. No research or influence by any depth charts or other analysts’ predictions are used from other sources. The only research that is done is based on articles written about potential position battles. These are completely 100% my own opinions on each team, their season outcome predictions, and what their Opening Day rosters should look like.
Standings
AL EAST
x-New York Yankees 98-64
Tampa Bay Rays 85-77
Toronto Blue Jays 82-80
Boston Red Sox 71-91
Baltimore Orioles 66-96
AL CENTRAL
x-Chicago White Sox 91-71
Minnesota Twins 84-78
Kansas City Royals 81-81
Cleveland Indians 74-88
Detroit Tigers 68-94
AL WEST
x-Oakland Athletics 90-72
y-Houston Astros 87-75
y-Los Angeles Angels 86-76
Seattle Mariners 74-88
Texas Rangers 65-97
NL EAST
x-Atlanta Braves 93-69
y-New York Mets 91-71
Washington Nationals 90-72
Philadelphia Phillies 81-81
Miami Marlins 74-88
NL CENTRAL
x-St. Louis Cardinals 90-72
Milwaukee Brewers 86-76
Chicago Cubs 84-78
Cincinnati Reds 76-86
Pittsburgh Pirates 59-103
NL WEST
x-Los Angeles Dodgers 104-58
y-San Diego Padres 100-62
Arizona Diamondbacks 84-78
San Francisco Giants 83-79
Colorado Rockies 67-95
Playoffs
AMERICAN LEAGUE
| WILD CARD | ALDS | ALCS | |
| 1 – NY Yankees | |||
| Houston | vs. (In 4 games) | 1 – NY Yankees | |
| vs. | 4 – LA Angels | ||
| LA Angels | vs. (In 6 games) | Chicago White Sox | |
| 2 – CHI White Sox | AL CHAMPIONS | ||
| vs. (In 5 games) | 2 – CHI White Sox | ||
| 3 – Oakland |
NATIONAL LEAGUE
| WILD CARD | NLDS | NLCS | |
| 1 – LA Dodgers | |||
| San Diego | vs. (In 4 games) | 1 – LA Dodgers | |
| vs. | 4 – NY Mets | ||
| NY Mets | vs. (In 5 games) | Los Angeles Dodgers | |
| 2 – Atlanta | NL CHAMPIONS | ||
| vs. (In 5 games) | 3 – St. Louis | ||
| 3 – St. Louis |
WORLD SERIES
Chicago White Sox over Los Angeles Dodgers in 7 games
Lineups
| POS. | NO. | PLAYER NAME | AGE | B/T THROWS (P) | 2020 Season Stats |
AMERICAN LEAGUE
MVP: Mike Trout, LAA
CY YOUNG: Lucas Giolito, CWS
MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Aaron Boone, NYY
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: Trey Mancini, BAL
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Jarred Kelenic, SEA
Baltimore Orioles
Manager: Brandon Hyde (3rd year, Career/Team record: 79-144)
LINEUP
| LF | #21 | Austin Hays | 25 | R/R | .279 AVG, 4 HR, 9 RBI, 2 SB |
| RF | #25 | Anthony Santander | 26 | S/R | .261 AVG, 11 HR, 32 RBI, .315 OBP |
| DH | #16 | Trey Mancini | 28 | R/R | DNP – BEAT CANCER |
| C | #28 | Pedro Severino | 27 | R/R | .250 AVG, 5 HR, 21 RBI |
| 3B | #3 | Maikel Franco | 28 | R/R | .278 AVG, 8 HR, 38 RBI, .321 OBP – KC |
| 1B | #6 | Ryan Mountcastle (R) | 24 | R/R | .333 AVG, 5 HR, 23 RBI |
| SS | #2 | Freddy Galvis | 31 | S/R | .220 AVG, 7 HR, 16 RBI – CIN |
| 2B | #13 | Yolmer Sanchez | 28 | S/R | 5/16, 1 HR, 1 RBI – SF |
| CF | #31 | Cedric Mullins | 26 | S/L | .271 AVG, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 7 SB |
BENCH
| C | #15 | Chance Sisco | 26 | L/R | .214 AVG, 4 HR, 10 RBI, .364 OBP |
| 1B | #19 | Chris Davis | 34 | L/R | .115 AVG, 0 HR, 1 RBI |
| 3B | #14 | Rio Ruiz | 26 | L/R | .222 AVG, 9 HR, 32 RBI |
| UTIL | #11 | Pat Valaika | 28 | R/R | .277 AVG, 8 HR, 16 RBI |
| RF | #24 | D.J. Stewart | 27 | L/R | .193 AVG, 7 HR, 15 RBI, 20 BB |
ROTATION
| SP | #47 | John Means | 27 | LHP | 2-4, 4.53 ERA, 42 Ks, 0.98 WHIP |
| SP | #64 | Dean Kremer (R) | 25 | RHP | 4 GS, 4.82 ERA, 22 Ks, 1.45 WHIP |
| SP | #45 | Keegan Akin | 25 | LHP | 1-2, 4.56 ERA, 35 Ks, 1.44 WHIP |
| SP | #34 | Felix Hernandez | 35 | RHP | DNP – SAT OUT |
| SP | #32 | Matt Harvey | 32 | RHP | 7 GP, 11.57 ERA, 10 Ks – KC |
BULLPEN
| CP | #43 | Shawn Armstrong | 30 | RHP | 2-0, 1.80 ERA, 14 Ks, 0.80 WHIP |
| SU | #51 | Paul Fry | 28 | LHP | 0-1, 2.45 ERA, 29 Ks, 1.41 WHIP |
| RP | #55 | Dillon Tate | 26 | RHP | 1-1, 3.24 ERA, 14 Ks, 0.84 WHIP |
| RP | #66 | Tanner Scott | 26 | LHP | 1 SV, 1.31 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.06 WHIP |
| RP | #70 | Travis Lakins | 26 | RHP | 1 SV, 2.81 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.48 WHIP |
| RP | #54 | Cole Sulser | 30 | RHP | 5 SVs, 5.56 ERA, 19 Ks, 1.50 WHIP |
| RP | #48 | Jorge Lopez | 28 | RHP | 2-2, 6.69 ERA, 28 Ks – KC/BAL |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Adley Rutschman (Catcher, Age: 23, S/R, MLB Rank: #2)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: RF/1B Trey Mancini
Breakout Player: 1B Ryan Mountcastle
Grade: D+
Projected Record: 66-96, 5th in AL East
Leading off the season previews we have, as always, the Baltimore Orioles. The struggling Orioles are still deep in a rebuild and will look to continue to make some progress in 2021. Their MVP Trey Mancini will be returning in 2021 after a bout with colon cancer that he made a full recovery from. A few veterans were added to the roster including Freddy Galvis who should take over starting SS duties for Jose Iglesias, as well as Felix Hernandez and Matt Harvey who were added on minor-league contracts. Besides young cornerstones John Means and Dean Kremer, the other three rotation spots will be completely up in their and create good opportunities for the two former all-stars to make their MLB comebacks. Although 2020 was tough in many ways for the O’s, they saw positive years from a few young bats in Anthony Santander, Pedro Severino, and Cedric Mullins who should all be everyday players in 2021. Top prospect Ryan Mountcastle raked in limited action in 2020 and could take over 1B duties for the struggling veteran Chris Davis. The bullpen will be extremely up in the air, but Shawn Armstrong, Paul Fry, and Tanner Scott were all pleasant surprises last season. The Orioles will hope to continue their rebuilding ways in 2021.
Boston Red Sox
Manager: Alex Cora (3rd year in BOS (2nd stint), Career/Team record: 192-132)
LINEUP
| CF | #99 | Alex Verdugo | 24 | L/L | .308 AVG, 6 HR, 15 RBI, .367 OBP |
| 3B | #11 | Rafael Devers | 24 | L/R | .263 AVG, 11 HR, 43 RBI, .310 OBP |
| SS | #2 | Xander Bogaerts | 28 | R/R | .300 AVG, 11 HR, 28 RBI, 8 SB |
| DH | #28 | J.D. Martinez | 33 | R/R | .213 AVG, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 22 BB |
| 1B | #29 | Bobby Dalbec (R) | 25 | R/R | .263 AVG, 8 HR, 16 RBI |
| LF | #23 | Michael Chavis | 25 | R/R | .212 AVG, 5 HR, 19 RBI, 3 SB |
| 2B | #5 | Kike Hernandez | 29 | R/R | .230 AVG, 5 HR, 20 RBI – LAD |
| C | #7 | Christian Vazquez | 30 | R/R | .283 AVG, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 4 SB |
| RF | #10 | Hunter Renfroe | 29 | R/R | .156 AVG, 8 HR, 22 RBI – TB |
BENCH
| C | #25 | Kevin Plawecki | 30 | R/R | .341 AVG, 1 HR, 17 RBI, .393 OBP |
| UTIL | #12 | Marwin Gonzalez | 31 | S/R | .211 AVG, 5 HR, 22 RBI – MIN |
| INF | #3 | Jonathan Arauz | 22 | S/R | .250 AVG, 1 HR, 9 RBI |
| LF/1B | #22 | Danny Santana | 30 | S/R | .145 AVG, 1 HR, 7 RBI – TEX |
ROTATION
| SP | #57 | Eduardo Rodriguez | 27 | LHP | DNP – COVID-19 ISSUES |
| SP | #17 | Nathan Eovaldi | 31 | RHP | 4-2, 3.72 ERA, 52 Ks, 1.20 WHIP |
| SP | #54 | Martin Perez | 29 | LHP | 3-5, 4.50 ERA, 46 Ks, 1.34 WHIP |
| SP | #43 | Garrett Richards | 32 | RHP | 2-2, 4.03 ERA, 46 Ks, 1.25 WHIP – SD |
| SP | #89 | Tanner Houck (R) | 24 | RHP | 3 GS, 0.53 ERA, 21 Ks, 0.88 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #32 | Matt Barnes | 30 | RHP | 9 SVs, 4.30 ERA, 31 Ks, 1.39 WHIP |
| SU | #0 | Adam Ottavino | 35 | RHP | 2-3, 5.89 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.58 WHIP – NYY |
| RP | #70 | Ryan Brasier | 33 | RHP | 1-1, 3.96 ERA, 30 Ks, 1.40 WHIP |
| RP | #48 | Colten Brewer | 28 | RHP | 0-3, 5.61 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.75 WHIP |
| RP | #38 | Josh Taylor | 28 | LHP | 1-1, 9.82 ERA, 7 Ks, 1.64 WHIP |
| RP | #31 | Austin Brice | 28 | RHP | 1-1, 5.95 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.53 WHIP |
| RP | #35 | Matt Andriese | 31 | RHP | 2-4, 4.50 ERA, 33 Ks, 1.00 WHIP – LAA |
| RP | #63 | Darwinzon Hernandez | 24 | LHP | 1-0, 2.16 ERA, 13 Ks, 1.56 WHIP |
IL
| OF | #16 | Franchy Cordero | 26 | L/R | COVID-19 Could miss first month of season |
| SP | #41 | Chris Sale | 32 | LHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in August |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Jeter Downs (Short Stop, Age: 22, R/R, MLB Rank: #49)
Jarren Duran (Outfielder, Age: 24, L/R, Team Rank: #4)
Bryan Mata (Pitcher, Age: 21, RHP, Team Rank: #5)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: 3B Rafael Devers
Breakout Player: SP Tanner Houck
Grade: C-
Projected Record: 71-91, 4th in AL East
The Red Sox came off of a 2020 season struggling mightily, with nearly no pitching help and little to be desired at the plate after trading their franchise cornerstone Mookie Betts. Boston was somewhat launched into a rebuild this past year, just a couple of seasons removed from winning their fourth World Series this century. The Sox had some money to spend this offseason and added a few veterans with it in Kike Hernandez, Marwin Gonzalez, and Garrett Richards. They also took on the contract of former Yankees’ reliever Adam Ottavino, in an extremely rare trade between the two big time rivals. Even with the money, the Red Sox didn’t do much to help their bullpen which has been a huge issue over the past several years. Matt Barnes will be slated to step in as the closer again after a 9-save 2020 that showed some inconsistency. Former top prospect Andrew Benintendi was also dealt to the Royals, a shocking deal that landed the Sox young outfielder Franchy Cordero. With Chris Sale slated to return sometime over the summer from Tommy John, Eduardo Rodriguez will be a huge piece after missing all of 2020 with heart complications after being diagnosed with COVID-19. The Red Sox still do have some depth and all-star caliber players, but in a division overshadowed by the Yankees, Rays, and Jays, as well as an overhanging rebuild in the midst, they don’t look like anything better than a 4th place team well under .500.
New York Yankees
Manager: Aaron Boone (4th year, Career/Team record: 236-148)
LINEUP
| 2B | #26 | D.J. LeMahieu | 32 | R/R | .364 AVG, 10 HR, 27 RBI, .421 OBP |
| RF | #99 | Aaron Judge | 28 | R/R | .257 AVG, 9 HR, 22 RBI, .336 OBP |
| DH | #27 | Giancarlo Stanton | 31 | R/R | .250 AVG, 4 HR, 11 RBI, .387 OBP |
| SS | #25 | Gleyber Torres | 24 | R/R | .243 AVG, 3 HR, 16 RBI, .356 OBP |
| CF | #31 | Aaron Hicks | 31 | S/R | .225 AVG, 6 HR, 21 RBI, .379 OBP |
| 1B | #30 | Jay Bruce | 33 | L/L | .198 AVG, 6 HR, 14 RBI – PHI |
| 3B | #29 | Gio Urshela | 29 | R/R | .298 AVG, 6 HR, 30 RBI, .368 OBP |
| C | #24 | Gary Sanchez | 28 | R/R | .147 AVG, 10 HR, 24 RBI |
| LF | #77 | Clint Frazier | 26 | R/R | .267 AVG, 8 HR, 26 RBI, 3 SB |
BENCH
| C | #66 | Kyle Higashioka | 30 | R/R | .250 AVG, 4 HR, 10 RBI |
| 3B | #41 | Miguel Andujar | 26 | R/R | .242 AVG, 1 HR, 5 RBI |
| UTIL | #14 | Tyler Wade | 26 | L/R | .170 AVG, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 4 SB |
| LF | #11 | Brett Gardner | 37 | L/L | .223 AVG, 5 HR, 15 RBI, .354 OBP |
| OF | #39 | Mike Tauchman | 30 | L/L | .242 AVG, 0 HR, 14 RBI, 6 SB |
ROTATION
| SP | #45 | Gerrit Cole | 30 | RHP | 7-3, 2.84 ERA, 94 Ks, 0.96 WHIP |
| SP | #28 | Corey Kluber | 34 | RHP | 1 IP, 1 K – TEX |
| SP | #50 | Jameson Taillon | 29 | RHP | DNP – INJURED – PIT |
| SP | #47 | Jordan Montgomery | 28 | LHP | 2-3, 5.11 ERA, 47 Ks, 1.30 WHIP |
| SP | #83 | Deivi Garcia (R) | 21 | RHP | 3-2, 4.98 ERA, 33 Ks, 1.19 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #54 | Aroldis Chapman | 33 | LHP | 3 SVs, 3.09 ERA, 22 Ks, 0.86 WHIP |
| SU | #57 | Chad Green | 29 | RHP | 1 SV, 3.51 ERA, 32 Ks, 0.82 WHIP |
| RP | #34 | Justin Wilson | 33 | LHP | 2-1, 3.66 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.37 WHIP – NYM |
| RP | #56 | Darren O’Day | 38 | RHP | 4-0, 1.10 ERA, 22 Ks, 0.80 WHIP – ATL |
| RP | #85 | Luis Cessa | 28 | RHP | 1 SV, 3.32 ERA, 17 Ks, 1.25 WHIP |
| RP | #43 | Jonathan Loaisiga | 26 | RHP | 3-0, 3.52 ERA, 22 Ks, 1.22 WHIP |
| RP | #55 | Domingo German | 28 | RHP | DNP – SUSPENDED |
IL
| 1B | #59 | Luke Voit | 30 | R/R | Torn meniscus Potential return in June |
| SP | #40 | Luis Severino | 27 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in July |
| RP | #53 | Zach Britton | 33 | LHP | Elbow Surgery Potential return in June |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Estevan Florial (Outfielder, Age: 23, L/R, Team Rank: #10)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: 2B D.J. LeMahieu
Breakout Player: LF Clint Frazier
Grade: A-
Projected Record: 98-64, 1st in AL East
At the top of the American League yet again we have the New York Yankees who on paper have to look to be the favorites to make their first World Series appearance since 2009. I don’t necessarily think they had the most lucrative offseason, but the bottom line is, they didn’t really have to. The American League is extremely weak and as we saw teams like the Twins, Rays, Astros, and Athletics all take steps back, this is the year the Yankees need to make it to the World Series. Although they basically didn’t touch their offense at all this offseason besides re-signing Brett Gardner, they made a few moves to shake up the rotation. Both Masahiro Tanaka and James Paxton left in free agency, and the Yanks took a flyer on the former 2x Cy Young winner Corey Kluber who has dealt with so many injury issues over the past few years. They also traded for young Pirates’ starter Jameson Taillon who battled cancer and underwent Tommy John surgery in his short career. Luis Severino will be slated to return to the rotation by mid-summer and Domingo German will be available after serving his Domestic Violence suspension in 2020. Zach Britton will undergo elbow surgery, a huge blow to the bullpen that has relied heavily on Britton over the last few years. The Yanks signed veterans Darren O’Day and Justin Wilson to aid the bullpen and are even more crucial additions now that Britton will miss approximately half of the season. The real competition the Yanks will face in their division are the new and improved Jays and the Rays who always seem to put together a winning squad. It’ll be a pivotal year for the great Yankees who, if healthy, have almost no excuse to at least win a pennant this year.
Tampa Bay Rays
Manager: Kevin Cash (7th year, Career/Team record: 454-416)
LINEUP
| DH | #17 | Austin Meadows | 25 | L/L | .205 AVG, 4 HR, 13 RBI, .296 OBP |
| 2B | #8 | Brandon Lowe | 26 | L/R | .269 AVG, 14 HR, 37 RBI, 3 SB |
| LF | #56 | Randy Arozarena | 26 | R/R | .281 AVG, 7 HR, 11 RBI, .382 OBP |
| 1B | #26 | Ji-Man Choi | 29 | L/R | .230 AVG, 3 HR, 16 RBI, .331 OBP |
| SS | #1 | Willy Adames | 25 | R/R | .259 AVG, 8 HR, 23 RBI, .332 OBP |
| 3B | #18 | Joey Wendle | 30 | L/R | .286 AVG, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 8 SB |
| CF | #39 | Kevin Kiermaier | 30 | L/R | .217 AVG, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 8 SB |
| C | #10 | Mike Zunino | 29 | R/R | .147 AVG, 4 HR, 10 RBI |
| RF | #13 | Manuel Margot | 26 | R/R | .269 AVG, 1 HR, 11 RBI, 12 SB |
BENCH
| C | #28 | Francisco Mejia | 25 | S/R | 3/39, 1 HR, 2 RBI – SD |
| INF | #43 | Mike Brosseau | 26 | R/R | .302 AVG, 5 HR, 12 RBI, .378 OBP |
| 3B/1B | #2 | Yandy Diaz | 29 | R/R | .307 AVG, 2 HR, 11 RBI, .428 OBP |
| RF | #35 | Brett Phillips | 26 | L/R | .196 AVG, 2 HR, 5 RBI – KC/TB |
| LF | #25 | Yoshi Tsutsugo | 29 | L/R | .197 AVG, 8 HR, 24 RBI, .314 OBP |
ROTATION
| SP | #20 | Tyler Glasnow | 27 | RHP | 5-1, 4.08 ERA, 91 Ks, 1.13 WHIP |
| SP | #48 | Ryan Yarbrough | 29 | LHP | 1-4, 3.56 ERA, 44 Ks, 1.19 WHIP |
| SP | #22 | Chris Archer | 32 | RHP | DNP – INJURED – PIT |
| SP | #14 | Rich Hill | 40 | LHP | 2-2, 3.03 ERA, 31 Ks, 1.16 WHIP – MIN |
| SP | #52 | Michael Wacha | 29 | RHP | 1-4, 6.62 ERA, 37 Ks, 1.56 WHIP – NYM |
BULLPEN
| CP | #63 | Diego Castillo | 27 | RHP | 4 SVs, 1.66 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.06 WHIP |
| SU | #50 | Chaz Roe | 34 | RHP | 1 SV, 2.89 ERA, 9 Ks, 1.39 WHIP |
| RP | #71 | Ryan Sherriff | 30 | LHP | 1 SV, 0.00 ERA, 2 Ks, 0.83 WHIP |
| RP | #81 | Ryan Thompson | 28 | RHP | 1-2, 4.44 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.41 WHIP |
| RP | #29 | Peter Fairbanks | 27 | RHP | 6-3, 2.70 ERA, 39 Ks, 1.39 WHIP |
| RP | #31 | Collin McHugh | 33 | RHP | DNP – SAT OUT – BOS |
| RP | #61 | Luis Patino (R) | 21 | RHP | 1-0, 5.19 ERA, 21 Ks – SD |
IL
| CP | #70 | Nick Anderson | 30 | RHP | Elbow tear Potential return in July |
| RP | #47 | Oliver Drake | 34 | RHP | Elbow Potential return in June |
| RP | #72 | Yonny Chirinos | 27 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Will miss the entire season |
| RP | #38 | Colin Poche | 27 | LHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in September |
| RP | #68 | Jalen Beeks | 27 | LHP | Tommy John Surgery Will miss the entire season |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Wander Franco (Short Stop, Age: 20, S/R, MLB Rank: #1)
Vidal Brujan (Second Base, Age: 23, S/R, MLB Rank: #50)
Shane McClanahan (Pitcher, Age: 23, LHP, MLB Rank: #84)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: 2B Brandon Lowe
Breakout Player: INF Mike Brosseau
Grade: B
Projected Record: 85-77, 2nd in AL East
Coming off of their second World Series appearance in franchise history, losing both, the Rays definitely took a step back this offseason from where they were a year ago. Tampa always makes interesting moves, as they are truly the epitome of the “moneyball” mindset in baseball. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned over the years, no matter what you can’t count out the Rays regardless of what their roster looks like. The team traded their star pitcher and former Cy Young winner Blake Snell to the Padres and also lost veteran arm Charlie Morton in free agency. To make up for their rotation losses they added Chris Archer who will look to resurrect his career where it all began, 40-year-old Rich Hill, and Michael Wacha who’s coming off back-to-back terrible seasons. Although they have a bit of a shake up in the rotation, their bullpen and lineup look identical to the squad that won them a pennant in a shortened 2020 season. Former top prospect Francisco Mejia was added in the Blake Snell deal and will most likely be the only new face on the team’s offense. Injuries will definitely play a factor for Tampa though, as Yonny Chirinos, Colin Poche, and Jalen Beeks will all miss the entire season from Tommy John Surgery. Three guys that have helped hold down their dominant bullpen, they’ll need some youngsters like Josh Fleming or Luis Patino to step up in their place. Baseball’s top prospect SS Wander Franco will also be on pace to make his debut in 2021 which could add a jolt to the lineup. Although the Yanks remain at the top of the division and Toronto looks much improved, Tampa Bay is a tough Wild Card contender and can even make another run at the division.
Toronto Blue Jays
Manager: Charlie Montoyo (3rd year, Career/Team record: 99-123)
LINEUP
| CF | #4 | George Springer | 31 | R/R | .265 AVG, 14 HR, 32 RBI, .359 OBP – HOU |
| SS | #11 | Bo Bichette | 23 | R/R | .301 AVG, 5 HR, 23 RBI, 4 SB |
| DH | #27 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | 21 | R/R | .262 AVG, 9 HR, 33 RBI, .329 OBP |
| RF | #37 | Teoscar Hernandez | 28 | R/R | .289 AVG, 16 HR, 34 RBI, 6 SB |
| 1B | #44 | Rowdy Tellez | 25 | L/L | .283 AVG, 8 HR, 23 RBI, .346 OBP |
| LF | #13 | Lourdes Gurriel Jr. | 27 | R/R | .308 AVG, 11 HR, 33 RBI, .348 OBP |
| 2B | #10 | Marcus Semien | 30 | R/R | .223 AVG, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 4 SB – OAK |
| 3B | #8 | Cavan Biggio | 25 | L/R | .250 AVG, 8 HR, 28 RBI, 6 SB |
| C | #30 | Alejandro Kirk (R) | 22 | R/R | 9/24, 1 HR, 3 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #9 | Danny Jansen | 25 | R/R | .183 AVG, 6 HR, 20 RBI, .313 OBP |
| 2B/3B | #5 | Santiago Espinal | 26 | R/R | .267 AVG, 0 HR, 6 RBI |
| INF | #2 | Joe Panik | 30 | L/R | .225 AVG, 1 HR, 7 RBI, .340 OBP |
| OF | #3 | Jonathan Davis | 28 | R/R | 7/27, 1 HR, 6 RBI |
ROTATION
| SP | #99 | Hyun-Jin Ryu | 33 | LHP | 5-2, 2.69 ERA, 72 Ks, 1.15 WHIP |
| SP | #38 | Robbie Ray | 29 | LHP | 2-5, 6.62 ERA, 68 Ks, 1.90 WHIP – ARI/TOR |
| SP | #24 | Nate Pearson (R) | 24 | RHP | 1-0, 6.00 ERA, 16 Ks, 1.50 WHIP |
| SP | #14 | Tanner Roark | 34 | RHP | 2-3, 6.80 ERA, 41 Ks, 1.74 WHIP |
| SP | #22 | Steven Matz | 29 | LHP | 0-5, 9.68 ERA, 36 Ks, 1.70 WHIP – NYM |
BULLPEN
| CP | #39 | Kirby Yates | 33 | RHP | 6 GP, 2 SVs, 12.46 ERA – SD |
| SU | #41 | Rafael Dolis | 33 | RHP | 5 SVs, 1.50 ERA, 31 Ks, 1.25 WHIP |
| RP | #56 | Ryan Borucki | 26 | LHP | 1-1, 2.70 ERA, 21 Ks, 1.44 WHIP |
| RP | #31 | David Phelps | 34 | RHP | 2-4, 6.53 ERA, 31 Ks – MIL/PHI |
| RP | #31 | Thomas Hatch (R) | 26 | RHP | 3-1, 2.73 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.18 WHIP |
| RP | #34 | Tyler Chatwood | 31 | RHP | 5 GS, 5.30 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.50 WHIP – CHC |
| RP | #47 | Anthony Kay (R) | 25 | LHP | 2-0, 5.14 ERA, 22 Ks, 1.71 WHIP |
| RP | #48 | Ross Stripling | 31 | RHP | 3-3, 5.84 ERA, 40 Ks – LAD/TOR |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Simeon Woods-Richardson (Pitcher, Age: 20, RHP, MLB Rank: #87)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: SS Bo Bichette
Breakout Player: SP Nate Pearson
Grade: B+
Projected Record: 82-80, 3rd in AL East
Possibly the most active squad this offseason, the Blue Jays have become legitimate contenders with solid star power throughout their lineup and rotation. Although the bullpen will still be in question, closer Kirby Yates was added on to take over 9th inning duties. Robbie Ray was re-signed and will look to make a big bounce back after a dreadful shortened 2020 season, as well as Steven Matz who was traded from the Mets and struggled mightily last year. George Springer was the big everyday signing of the offseason, as the star CF chose the Blue Jays over the Mets on a 6-year, $150m deal. Former AL MVP finalist Marcus Semien was also added on a 1-year, $12.5m deal to move from his normal position at SS to 2B full-time. Add these to the young elite bats in Bichette, Guerrero, Hernandez, Biggio, and Tellez, the Blue Jays have a squad to be proud of in 2021. There’s no doubt they will be able to put up runs, but the real question will be what kind of depth they can get out of their rotation and bullpen. Ross Stripling, youngster Anthony Kay, and Tyler Chatwood are all long relieving options that could be slotted into the rotation at any time if struggles continue. The #10 prospect in all of baseball, Nate Pearson, will join the rotation to play his first full season in the majors, looking to add big help behind ace Hyun-Jin Ryu. It will be a tough thing for the Blue Jays to catch up to the Yankees for a potential division winner, but if everything is hitting on all cylinders you never know. At the very least the new Jays are a Wild Card threat in 2021.
Chicago White Sox
Manager: Tony La Russa (1st year in CWS (2nd stint), Career record: 2,728-2,365)
LINEUP
| SS | #7 | Tim Anderson | 27 | R/R | .322 AVG, 10 HR, 21 RBI, 5 SB |
| RF | #12 | Adam Eaton | 32 | L/L | .226 AVG, 4 HR, 17 RBI, 3 SB – WAS |
| 1B | #79 | Jose Abreu | 34 | R/R | .317 AVG, 19 HR, 60 RBI, .370 OBP |
| 3B | #10 | Yoan Moncada | 25 | S/R | .225 AVG, 6 HR, 24 RBI, .320 OBP |
| C | #24 | Yasmani Grandal | 32 | S/R | .230 AVG, 8 HR, 27 RBI, .351 OBP |
| CF | #88 | Luis Robert | 23 | R/R | .233 AVG, 11 HR, 31 RBI, 9 SB |
| LF | #28 | Leury Garcia | 29 | S/R | .271 AVG, 3 HR, 8 RBI, .317 OBP |
| DH | #15 | Adam Engel | 29 | R/R | .295 AVG, 3 HR, 12 RBI |
| 2B | #1 | Nick Madrigal | 24 | R/R | .340 AVG, 0 HR, 11 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #44 | Seby Zavala | 27 | R/R | 1/12, 0 HR, 0 RBI |
| INF | #20 | Danny Mendick | 27 | R/R | .243 AVG, 3 HR, 6 RBI, .281 OBP |
| CF | #32 | Billy Hamilton | 30 | S/R | 4/32, 1 HR, 2 RBI, 6 SB – NYM/CHC |
| CF | #17 | Luis Gonzalez (R) | 25 | L/L | 0/1 |
ROTATION
| SP | #27 | Lucas Giolito | 26 | RHP | 4-3, 3.48 ERA, 97 Ks, 1.04 WHIP |
| SP | #60 | Dallas Keuchel | 33 | LHP | 6-2, 1.99 ERA, 42 Ks, 1.09 WHIP |
| SP | #33 | Lance Lynn | 33 | RHP | 6-3, 3.32 ERA, 89 Ks, 1.06 WHIP – TEX |
| SP | #84 | Dylan Cease | 25 | RHP | 5-4, 4.01 ERA, 44 Ks, 1.44 WHIP |
| SP | #40 | Reynaldo Lopez | 27 | RHP | 1-3, 6.49 ERA, 24 Ks, 1.63 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #31 | Liam Hendriks | 32 | RHP | 14 SVs, 1.78 ERA, 37 Ks, 0.67 WHIP – OAK |
| SU | #45 | Garrett Crochet (R) | 21 | LHP | 5 GP, 0.00 ERA, 8 Ks |
| RP | #43 | Evan Marshall | 30 | RHP | 2-1, 2.38 ERA, 30 Ks, 1.06 WHIP |
| RP | #57 | Jace Fry | 27 | LHP | 0-1, 3.66 ERA, 24 Ks, 1.42 WHIP |
| RP | #65 | Codi Heuer (R) | 24 | RHP | 1 SV, 1.52 ERA, 25 Ks, 0.89 WHIP |
| RP | #39 | Aaron Bummer | 27 | LHP | 1-0, 0.96 ERA, 14 Ks, 1.07 WHIP |
| RP | #63 | Matt Foster | 26 | RHP | 6-1, 2.20 ERA, 31 Ks, 0.87 WHIP |
| RP | #34 | Michael Kopech (R) | 24 | RHP | DNP – SAT OUT |
IL
| LF | #74 | Eloy Jimenez | 24 | R/R | Ruptured pectoral tendon Potential return in September |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Andrew Vaughn (First Base, Age: 22, R/R, MLB Rank: #14)
Blake Rutherford (Outfielder, Age: 23, L/R, Team Rank: #12)
Gavin Sheets (First Base, Age: 24, L/L, Team Rank: #13)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: 1B Jose Abreu
Breakout Player: CF Luis Robert
Grade: B+
Projected Record: 91-71, 1st in AL Central
The South Side of Chicago finally has something to celebrate as the White Sox head into 2021 as the clear cut favorites to win the AL Central. With the Twins taking steps backwards this offseason, and Chicago only getting stronger, I think it’s their division to lose at this point. With young cornerstones in Tim Anderson, Lucas Giolito, Luis Robert, Yoan Moncada, and Eloy Jimenez, the Sox have also gotten great production from their veterans including a career year from franchise star Jose Abreu that resulted in a 2020 AL MVP. Some good moves were made this offseason as Chicago landed the top closer on the market in Liam Hendriks, traded for dominant right-hander Lance Lynn, and added veteran outfielder Adam Eaton who started his career with the White Sox. Their lineup will undoubtedly be stacked with star power all over the place and a potential breakout second season looming from former MLB top prospect Luis Robert. Giolito, Kuechel, Lynn, and Cease will headline the rotation with the fifth spot up in the air between Reynaldo Lopez, Matt Foster, and Michael Kopech. The Yankees will by-far be the favorites to come out of the AL, but I think the White Sox are their biggest threat at a pennant. If all goes right for Chicago, they’re going to be a tough squad to beat led by long time manager and 3x World Series Champion Tony La Russa.
Cleveland Indians
Manager: Terry Francona (9th year in CLE, Career record: 1,702-1,412, Team record: 673-498)
LINEUP
| SS | #1 | Amed Rosario | 25 | R/R | .252 AVG, 4 HR, 15 RBI – NYM |
| 2B | #7 | Cesar Hernandez | 30 | S/R | .283 AVG, 3 HR, 20 RBI, .355 OBP |
| 3B | #11 | Jose Ramirez | 28 | S/R | .292 AVG, 17 HR, 46 RBI, 10 SB |
| LF | #9 | Eddie Rosario | 29 | L/R | .257 AVG, 13 HR, 42 RBI, .316 OBP – MIN |
| DH | #32 | Franmil Reyes | 25 | R/R | .275 AVG, 9 HR, 34 RBI, .344 OBP |
| RF | #22 | Josh Naylor | 23 | L/L | .247 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI – SD/CLE |
| CF | #35 | Oscar Mercado | 26 | R/R | .128 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 3 SB |
| C | #55 | Roberto Perez | 32 | R/R | .165 AVG, 1 HR, 5 RBI |
| 1B | #10 | Jake Bauers | 25 | L/L | DNP – Alternate Site |
BENCH
| C | #17 | Austin Hedges | 28 | R/R | .145 AVG, 3 HR, 6 RBI – SD/CLE |
| INF | #0 | Andres Gimenez | 22 | L/R | .263 AVG, 3 HR, 12 RBI, .333 OBP – NYM |
| LF | #40 | Harold Ramirez | 26 | R/R | 2/10, 0 HR, 1 RBI – MIA |
| RF | #28 | Ben Gamel | 28 | L/L | .237 AVG, 3 HR, 10 RBI – MIL |
ROTATION
| SP | #57 | Shane Bieber | 25 | RHP | 8-1, 1.63 ERA, 122 Ks, 0.87 WHIP |
| SP | #34 | Zach Plesac | 26 | RHP | 4-2, 2.28 ERA, 57 Ks, 0.80 WHIP |
| SP | #24 | Triston McKenzie (R) | 23 | RHP | 2-1, 3.24 ERA, 42 Ks, 0.90 WHIP |
| SP | #43 | Aaron Civale | 25 | RHP | 4-6, 4.74 ERA, 69 Ks, 1.32 WHIP |
| SP | #47 | Cal Quantrill | 26 | RHP | 2-0, 2.25 ERA, 31 Ks – SD/CLE |
BULLPEN
| CP | #99 | James Karinchak | 25 | RHP | 1 SV, 2.67 ERA, 53 Ks, 1.11 WHIP |
| SU | #62 | Nick Wittgren | 29 | RHP | 2-0, 3.42 ERA, 28 Ks, 1.01 WHIP |
| RP | #88 | Phil Maton | 27 | RHP | 3-3, 4.57 ERA, 32 Ks, 1.34 WHIP |
| RP | #27 | Cameron Hill | 26 | RHP | 1 SV, 4.91 ERA, 16 Ks, 0.87 WHIP |
| RP | #39 | Oliver Perez | 39 | LHP | 3 SVs, 2.00 ERA, 14 Ks, 1.06 WHIP |
| RP | #48 | Emmanuel Clase (R) | 22 | RHP | 1 SV, 2.31 ERA, 21 Ks |
| RP | #54 | Logan Allen | 23 | LHP | 0-0, 3.38 ERA, 7 Ks |
| RP | #45 | Adam Plutko | 29 | RHP | 1 SV, 4.48 ERA, 15 Ks, 1.34 WHIP |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Nolan Jones (Third Base, Age: 22, L/R, MLB Rank: #36)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: SP Shane Bieber
Breakout Player: RP James Karinchak
Grade: C+
Projected Record: 74-88, 4th in AL Central
The Indians enter the 2021 campaign in a tough spot after losing franchise icons Francisco Lindor, Carlos Carrasco, and Brad Hand. All irreplaceable talents, the Indians were put in a tough situation with a rebuild in the horizon and no funds to be able to retain what their star Lindor would get in the free agent market. In their deal with the Mets they landed former MLB top prospect Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez who had a great rookie year last year in New York. Shane Bieber is also coming off of a ridiculous 122 strikeout shortened 2020 season that helped him win the AL Cy Young. Top prospect Triston McKenzie will join Bieber in the rotation with other good young talents in Plesac and Civale. After James Karinchak’s nasty burst onto the scene, the submarine pitcher should be able to take over ninth inning duties from Brad Hand who signed with the Nats this offseason. With the rotation and bullpen looking young and promising, the lineup will have a lot of question marks. Jose Ramirez remains the centerpiece and veteran Cesar Hernandez was retained to man 2B again. Besides them, a lot of the starting battles will be up in the air including the SS spot which is a battle between Amed Rosario and Andres Gimenez and 1B which is a battle between Jake Bauers and Bobby Bradley. The AL Central has a lot of teams in a downfall, but Cleveland should still remain somewhat close to .500 but not be a real playoff contender.
Detroit Tigers
Manager: A.J. Hinch (1st year in DET, Career record: 570-452)
LINEUP
| CF | #22 | Victor Reyes | 26 | S/R | .277 AVG, 4 HR, 14 RBI, 8 SB |
| SS | #9 | Willi Castro | 23 | S/R | .349 AVG, 6 HR, 24 RBI, .381 OBP |
| DH | #24 | Miguel Cabrera | 37 | R/R | .250 AVG, 10 HR, 35 RBI, .329 OBP |
| 1B | #46 | Jeimer Candelario | 27 | S/R | .297 AVG, 7 HR, 29 RBI, .369 OBP |
| 2B | #7 | Jonathan Schoop | 29 | R/R | .278 AVG, 8 HR, 23 RBI, .324 OBP |
| LF | #8 | Robbie Grossman | 31 | S/L | .241 AVG, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 8 SB – OAK |
| C | #40 | Wilson Ramos | 33 | R/R | .239 AVG, 5 HR, 15 RBI – NYM |
| 3B | #19 | Isaac Paredes | 22 | R/R | .220 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI |
| RF | #21 | JaCoby Jones | 28 | R/R | .268 AVG, 5 HR, 14 RBI, .333 OBP |
BENCH
| C | #17 | Grayson Greiner | 28 | R/R | .118 AVG, 3 HR, 8 RBI |
| SS/2B | #28 | Niko Goodrum | 29 | S/R | .184 AVG, 5 HR, 20 RBI, 7 SB |
| UTIL | #30 | Harold Castro | 27 | L/R | .347 AVG, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .407 OBP |
| RF | #15 | Nomar Mazara | 25 | L/L | .228 AVG, 1 HR, 15 RBI, .295 OBP – CWS |
ROTATION
| SP | #48 | Matthew Boyd | 30 | LHP | 3-7, 6.71 ERA, 60 Ks, 1.48 WHIP |
| SP | #56 | Spencer Turnbull | 28 | RHP | 4-4, 3.97 ERA, 51 Ks, 1.34 WHIP |
| SP | #32 | Michael Fulmer | 28 | RHP | 0-2, 8.78 ERA, 20 Ks, 2.06 WHIP |
| SP | #12 | Casey Mize (R) | 23 | RHP | 0-3, 6.99 ERA, 26 Ks |
| SP | #29 | Tarik Skubal (R) | 24 | LHP | 1-4, 5.63 ERA, 37 Ks |
BULLPEN
| CP | #77 | Joe Jimenez | 26 | RHP | 5 SVs, 7.15 ERA, 22 Ks, 1.37 WHIP |
| SU | #33 | Bryan Garcia | 25 | RHP | 4 SVs, 1.66 ERA, 12 Ks, 1.29 WHIP |
| RP | #45 | Buck Farmer | 30 | RHP | 1-0, 3.80 ERA, 14 Ks, 1.17 WHIP |
| RP | #44 | Daniel Norris | 27 | LHP | 3-1, 3.25 ERA, 28 Ks, 1.16 WHIP |
| RP | #67 | Jose Cisnero | 31 | RHP | 3-3, 3.03 ERA, 34 Ks, 1.11 WHIP |
| RP | #65 | Gregory Soto | 26 | LHP | 0-1, 4.30 ERA, 29 Ks, 1.26 WHIP |
| RP | #70 | Tyler Alexander | 26 | LHP | 2-3, 3.96 ERA, 34 Ks, 1.32 WHIP |
| RP | #62 | Jose Urena | 29 | RHP | 5 GP, 5.40 ERA, 15 Ks – MIA |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Matt Manning (Pitcher, Age: 23, RHP, MLB Rank: #25)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: 1B/DH Miguel Cabrera
Breakout Player: SP Casey Mize
Grade: C-
Projected Record: 68-94, 5th in AL Central
Is it possible that happier days could be on the horizon for the Detroit Tigers? Well not quite but things definitely are beginning to move in the right direction during the team’s rebuild. The shortened 2020 saw some positive progress for the Tigers as youngsters Willi Castro, Victor Reyes, and Jeimer Candelario progressed very well at the plate. Starter Spencer Turnbull also made big progress in the rotation and bullpen pieces like Bryan Garcia, Buck Farmer, and Daniel Norris showed some consistency. After being brought up in 2020, MLB’s #11 prospect Casey Mize and MLB’s #24 prospect Tarik Skubal should join the rotation for their first full years in 2021. Michael Fulmer is finally back after rehabbing from Tommy John Surgery and will look to take a step back to where he once was after a disappointing 2020. More rotation help could be on the way as well, as #25 prospect in the league Matt Manning should make his debut at some point this year. Veterans Robbie Grossman, Wilson Ramos, Nomar Mazara, and Jonathan Schoop were all brought in to provide reliability amidst a lineup full of young talent. The Tigers definitely won’t compete much in 2021, but the key will be to see if their top prospects will be able to make significant strides forward to bring a playoff contender back to Detroit somewhere in the future.
Kansas City Royals
Manager: Mike Matheny (2nd year in KC, Career record: 617-508, Team record: 26-34)
LINEUP
| RF | #15 | Whit Merrifield | 32 | R/R | .282 AVG, 9 HR, 30 RBI, 12 SB |
| SS | #27 | Adalberto Mondesi | 25 | S/R | .256 AVG, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 24 SB |
| 3B | #17 | Hunter Dozier | 29 | R/R | .228 AVG, 6 HR, 12 RBI, .344 OBP |
| DH | #12 | Jorge Soler | 29 | R/R | .228 AVG, 8 HR, 24 RBI, .326 OBP |
| 1B | #41 | Carlos Santana | 34 | S/R | .199 AVG, 8 HR, 30 RBI, .349 OBP – CLE |
| C | #13 | Salvador Perez | 28 | R/R | .333 AVG, 11 HR, 32 RBI, .353 OBP |
| LF | #16 | Andrew Benintendi | 26 | L/L | 4/39, 0 HR, 1 RBI – BOS |
| CF | #2 | Michael A. Taylor | 29 | R/R | .196 AVG, 5 HR, 16 RBI, .253 OBP – WAS |
| 2B | #8 | Nicky Lopez | 26 | L/R | .201 AVG, 1 HR, 13 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #36 | Cam Gallagher | 30 | R/R | .283 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI, .356 OBP |
| INF | #49 | Hanser Alberto | 28 | R/R | .283 AVG, 3 HR, 22 RBI, 3 SB – BAL |
| 1B/LF | #9 | Ryan McBroom | 28 | R/L | .247 AVG, 6 HR, 10 RBI |
| CF | #1 | Jarrod Dyson | 36 | L/R | .180 AVG, 0 HR, 5 RBI – PIT/CWS |
ROTATION
| SP | #21 | Danny Duffy | 32 | LHP | 4-4, 4.95 ERA, 57 Ks, 1.33 WHIP |
| SP | #23 | Mike Minor | 33 | LHP | 1-6, 5.56 ERA, 62 Ks, 1.24 WHIP – TEX/OAK |
| SP | #56 | Brad Keller | 25 | RHP | 5-3, 2.47 ERA, 35 Ks, 1.02 WHIP |
| SP | #24 | Jakob Junis | 28 | RHP | 0-2, 6.39 ERA, 19 Ks, 1.62 WHIP |
| SP | #51 | Brady Singer | 24 | RHP | 4-5, 4.06 ERA, 61 Ks, 1.17 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #35 | Greg Holland | 35 | RHP | 6 SVs, 1.91 ERA, 31 Ks, 0.95 WHIP |
| SU | #63 | Josh Staumont | 27 | RHP | 2-1, 2.45 ERA, 37 Ks, 1.40 WHIP |
| RP | #68 | Jake Newberry | 26 | RHP | 1 SV, 4.09 ERA, 24 Ks, 1.45 WHIP |
| RP | #31 | Brad Brach | 35 | RHP | 1-0, 5.84 ERA, 14 Ks, 1.78 WHIP – NYM |
| RP | #58 | Scott Barlow | 28 | RHP | 2 SVs, 4.20 ERA, 39 Ks, 1.20 WHIP |
| RP | #45 | Kyle Zimmer | 29 | RHP | 1-0, 1.57 ERA, 26 Ks, 1.04 WHIP |
| RP | #32 | Jesse Hahn | 31 | RHP | 3 SVs, 0.52 ERA, 19 Ks, 0.69 WHIP |
| RP | #50 | Kris Bubic | 23 | LHP | 1-6, 4.32 ERA, 49 Ks, 1.48 WHIP |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Daniel Lynch (Pitcher, Age: 24, LHP, MLB Rank: #29)
Jackson Kowar (Pitcher, Age: 24, RHP, Team Rank: #4)
Kyle Isbel (Outfielder, Age: 24, L/R, Team Rank: #5)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: RF/2B Whit Merrifield
Breakout Player: SP Brady Singer
Grade: B
Projected Record: 81-81, 3rd in AL Central
Call me crazy but the sleeper in the American League this year is the Kansas City Royals. After having a quietly solid offseason, the rebuilding Royals are finally putting together something impressive. They added veteran starter Mike Minor, veteran bats Carlos Santana and Jarrod Dyson, and trading for Red Sox young budding star Andrew Benintendi. Put these on top of the great young core of Hunter Dozier, Adalberto Mondesi, Josh Staumont, and more, KC will be poised to potentially make some progress in a fairly wide open division. Greg Holland was retained to man the 9th inning after having a resurgent 2020 and youngsters Staumont, Barlow, Newberry, and Bubic can be big faces of the pen. Danny Duffy and Mike Minor will anchor the top of the rotation, and youngster Brad Keller looks to build on a great 2020. The 4th and 5th starting spots are definitely up in the air, with a few names including Brady Singer, Kris Bubic, Jakob Junis, and Jesse Hahn all being in the mix. The lineup looks much improved, and is on pace to be fully healthy to start the season making a few position battles interesting. An outfield core of Benintendi, Taylor, and Merrifield should be much better than the platoon core they had to roll with for the most of last season. Carlos Santana will solve the first base vacancy, a position that has been a huge weakness for the squad since losing Eric Hosmer to the Padres a few years back. Hanser Alberto was a sneaky good addition, a utility infielder who the Royals snagged at a minor-league deal, coming off of a very solid 2020 season in Baltimore. Although a lot of people are writing off the Royals, I think if all goes well this is a potential sub-.500 team that can make a run at a Wild Card.
Minnesota Twins
Manager: Rocco Baldelli (3rd year, Career/Team record: 137-85)
LINEUP
| RF | #26 | Max Kepler | 28 | L/L | .228 AVG, 9 HR, 23 RBI, .321 OBP |
| SS | #11 | Jorge Polanco | 27 | S/R | .258 AVG, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 4 SB |
| DH | #23 | Nelson Cruz | 40 | R/R | .303 AVG, 16 HR, 33 RBI, .397 OBP |
| 3B | #20 | Josh Donaldson | 35 | R/R | .222 AVG, 6 HR, 11 RBI, .373 OBP |
| 1B | #22 | Miguel Sano | 27 | R/R | .204 AVG, 13 HR, 25 RBI, .278 OBP |
| 2B | #2 | Luis Arraez | 23 | L/R | .321 AVG, 0 HR, 13 RBI, .364 OBP |
| C | #8 | Mitch Garver | 30 | R/R | .167 AVG, 2 HR, 5 RBI |
| LF | #19 | Alex Kirillof (R) | 23 | L/L | NO STATS |
| CF | #25 | Byron Buxton | 27 | R/R | .254 AVG, 13 HR, 27 RBI, 2 SB |
BENCH
| C | #27 | Ryan Jeffers (R) | 23 | R/R | .273 AVG, 3 HR, 7 RBI, .355 OBP |
| UTIL | #64 | Willians Astudillo | 29 | R/R | 4/16, 1 HR, 3 RBI |
| SS | #9 | Andrelton Simmons | 31 | R/R | .297 AVG, 0 HR, 10 RBI, .346 OBP – LAA |
| RF | #60 | Jake Cave | 28 | L/L | .221 AVG, 4 HR, 15 RBI, .285 OBP |
ROTATION
| SP | #17 | Jose Berrios | 26 | RHP | 5-4, 4.00 ERA, 68 Ks, 1.32 WHIP |
| SP | #18 | Kenta Maeda | 32 | RHP | 6-1, 2.70 ERA, 80 Ks, 0.75 WHIP |
| SP | #35 | Michael Pineda | 32 | RHP | 2-0, 3.38 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.20 WHIP |
| SP | #32 | Matt Shoemaker | 34 | RHP | 0-1, 4.71 ERA, 26 Ks, 1.08 WHIP – TOR |
| SP | #33 | J.A. Happ | 38 | LHP | 2-2, 3.47 ERA, 42 Ks, 1.05 WHIP – NYY |
BULLPEN
| CP | #48 | Alex Colome | 32 | RHP | 12 SVs, 0.81 ERA, 16 Ks, 0.94 WHIP – CWS |
| SU | #55 | Taylor Rogers | 30 | LHP | 9 SVs, 4.05 ERA, 24 Ks, 1.50 WHIP |
| RP | #21 | Tyler Duffey | 30 | RHP | 1-1, 1.88 ERA, 31 Ks, 0.79 WHIP |
| RP | #57 | Hansel Robles | 30 | RHP | 1 SV, 10.26 ERA, 20 Ks, 1.74 WHIP – LAA |
| RP | #66 | Jorge Alcala | 25 | RHP | 2-1, 2.63 ERA, 27 Ks, 1.21 WHIP |
| RP | #61 | Cody Stashak | 26 | RHP | 1-0, 3.00 ERA, 17 Ks, 0.93 WHIP |
| RP | #56 | Caleb Thielbar | 34 | LHP | 2-1, 2.25 ERA, 22 Ks, 1.15 WHIP |
| RP | #68 | Randy Dobnak | 26 | RHP | 6-4, 4.05 ERA, 27 Ks, 1.35 WHIP |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Trevor Larnach (Outfielder, Age: 24, L/R, MLB Rank: #80)
Jhoan Duran (Pitcher, Age: 23, RHP, Team Rank: #5)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: DH Nelson Cruz
Breakout Player: C Ryan Jeffers
Grade: B
Projected Record: 84-78, 2nd in AL Central
The Twins enter 2020 fresh off of another division championship but not much playoff success to show for it. The team has been one of the best in the AL, and stays extremely similar to the way they looked last year with an almost identical lineup, minus Eddie Rosario. Veterans Matt Shoemaker and J.A. Happ were added to aid the rotation and Alex Colome was brought on to take over ninth-inning duties and replace Trevor May who left for the Mets. The question is, with a nearly identical team, are the Twins better than the new and improved White Sox? It’ll undoubtedly be between these two for the crown of the division, and it’s tough not to give the edge to the White Sox at least during the preseason. The Twins will be booted by a healthy Josh Donaldson and the debut of Alex Kirillof who should take over LF for Rosario. Berrios, Maeda, and Pineda should be a solid top three in the rotation just as long as injuries don’t bite those three. I think the Twins will be a Wild Card threat, but they will take a decent step backwards from the last couple of years and might have a tough workload having to play the White Sox in the AL Central.
Houston Astros
Manager: Dusty Baker (2nd year in HOU, Career record: 1,892-1,667, Team record: 29-31)
LINEUP
| CF | #3 | Myles Straw | 26 | R/R | .207 AVG, 0 HR, 8 RBI, 6 SB |
| 2B | #27 | Jose Altuve | 30 | R/R | .219 AVG, 5 HR, 18 RBI, 32 R |
| RF | #23 | Michael Brantley | 33 | L/L | .300 AVG, 5 HR, 22 RBI, .364 OBP |
| 3B | #2 | Alex Bregman | 26 | R/R | .242 AVG, 6 HR, 22 RBI, .350 OBP |
| DH | #44 | Yordan Alvarez | 23 | L/R | 2/8, 1 HR, 4 RBI |
| SS | #1 | Carlos Correa | 26 | R/R | .264 AVG, 5 HR, 25 RBI |
| 1B | #10 | Yuli Gurriel | 36 | R/R | .232 AVG, 6 HR, 22 RBI |
| LF | #30 | Kyle Tucker | 24 | L/R | .268 AVG, 9 HR, 42 RBI, 8 SB |
| C | #15 | Martin Maldonado | 34 | R/R | .215 AVG, 6 HR, 24 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #18 | Jason Castro | 33 | L/R | .188 AVG, 2 HR, 9 RBI – LAA/SD |
| UTIL | #16 | Aledmys Diaz | 30 | R/R | .241 AVG, 3 HR, 6 RBI |
| INF | #13 | Abraham Toro | 24 | S/R | .149 AVG, 3 HR, 9 RBI |
| OF/1B | #20 | Steven Souza Jr. | 32 | R/R | 4/27, 1 HR, 5 RBI – CHC |
ROTATION
| SP | #21 | Zack Greinke | 37 | RHP | 3-3, 4.03 ERA, 67 Ks, 1.13 WHIP |
| SP | #17 | Jake Odorizzi | 30 | RHP | 4 GS, 0-1, 6.59 ERA, 12 Ks – MIN |
| SP | #43 | Lance McCullers Jr. | 27 | RHP | 3-3, 3.93 ERA, 56 Ks, 1.16 WHIP |
| SP | #65 | Jose Urquidy | 25 | RHP | 1-1, 2.73 ERA, 17 Ks, 1.01 WHIP |
| SP | #53 | Cristian Javier | 23 | RHP | 5-2, 3.48 ERA, 54 Ks, 0.99 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #55 | Ryan Pressly | 32 | RHP | 12 SVs, 3.43 ERA, 29 Ks, 1.33 WHIP |
| SU | #38 | Joe Smith | 36 | RHP | DNP – SAT OUT |
| RP | #70 | Andre Scrubb | 26 | RHP | 1 SV, 1.90 ERA, 24 Ks, 1.48 WHIP |
| RP | #62 | Blake Taylor | 25 | LHP | 2-1, 2.18 ERA, 17 Ks, 1.21 WHIP |
| RP | #45 | Ryne Stanek | 29 | RHP | 0-0, 7.20 ERA, 11 Ks, 1.90 WHIP – MIA |
| RP | #48 | Enoli Paredes | 25 | RHP | 3-3, 3.05 ERA, 20 Ks, 1.40 WHIP |
| RP | #58 | Brooks Raley | 32 | LHP | 1 SV, 4.95 ERA, 27 Ks, 0.95 WHIP – CIN/HOU |
| RP | #77 | Luis Garcia (R) | 24 | RHP | 0-1, 2.92 ERA, 9 Ks, 0.97 WHIP |
IL
| SP | #35 | Justin Verlander | 38 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in playoffs |
| SP | #59 | Framber Valdez | 27 | LHP | Finger Surgery Out for the season |
| RP | #39 | Josh James | 28 | RHP | Hip Potential return in June |
| RP | #51 | Austin Pruitt | 31 | RHP | Arm Surgery Potential return in May |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Jeremy Pena (Short Stop, Age: 23, R/R, Team Rank: #4)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: 2B Jose Altuve
Breakout Player: CF Myles Straw
Grade: C+
Projected Record: 87-75, 2nd in AL West
The Astros enter 2021 in a very interesting situation, fresh off of an under-.500 season that still resulted in a deep playoff run. Over a year removed from the scandals that shocked the MLB, Houston is anything but in the clear when it comes to ramifications as fans will finally be allowed back in the stadiums this year. Regardless, the team definitely downgraded a bit this offseason after losing franchise star George Springer to free agency. Justin Verlander will all but definitely miss his second full season recovering from Tommy John Surgery and young lefty Framber Valdez could also be done for the year after surgery on his throwing hand. Jake Odorizzi sat on the market for a while this offseason but landed with the ‘Stros to help aid a depleted rotation. Myles Straw should take over everyday CF duties in place of Springer and the speedster will have to develop a much more consistent bat to become a reliable top of the order option. The meat of the order will still mash, as Altuve, Brantley, Bregman, Alvarez, and Correa are all in line to start Opening Day for Houston. I think Houston is good, and in a wide open AL West they could easily win another division title, but they’ll need some impact from replacement players in order to get there. I see them more likely as a Wild Card contender.
Los Angeles Angels
Manager: Joe Maddon (2nd year in LAA, Career record: 1,278-1,102, Team record: 26-34)
LINEUP
| 2B | #22 | David Fletcher | 26 | R/R | .319 AVG, 3 HR, 18 RBI, .376 OBP |
| 1B | #20 | Jared Walsh | 27 | L/L | .293 AVG, 9 HR, 26 RBI, .324 OBP |
| CF | #27 | Mike Trout | 29 | R/R | .281 AVG, 17 HR, 46 RBI, .390 OBP |
| 3B | #6 | Anthony Rendon | 30 | R/R | .286 AVG, 9 HR, 31 RBI, .418 OBP |
| DH | #17 | Shohei Ohtani | 26 | L/R | .190 AVG, 7 HR, 24 RBI, 7 SB |
| RF | #7 | Jo Adell (R) | 21 | R/R | .161 AVG, 3 HR, 7 RBI |
| LF | #25 | Dexter Fowler | 34 | S/R | .233 AVG, 4 HR, 15 RBI, .317 OBP – STL |
| SS | #4 | Jose Iglesias | 31 | R/R | .373 AVG, 3 HR, 24 RBI, .400 OBP – BAL |
| C | #24 | Kurt Suzuki | 37 | R/R | .270 AVG, 2 HR, 17 RBI, .349 OBP – WAS |
BENCH
| C | #33 | Max Stassi | 30 | R/R | .278 AVG, 7 HR, 20 RBI, .352 OBP |
| UTIL | #3 | Taylor Ward | 27 | R/R | .277 AVG, 0 HR, 5 RBI |
| 1B | #5 | Albert Pujols | 41 | R/R | .224 AVG, 6 HR, 25 RBI |
| LF | #10 | Justin Upton | 33 | R/R | .204 AVG, 9 HR, 22 RBI |
ROTATION
| SP | #28 | Andrew Heaney | 29 | LHP | 4-3, 4.46 ERA, 70 Ks, 1.23 WHIP |
| SP | #37 | Dylan Bundy | 28 | RHP | 6-3, 3.29 ERA, 72 Ks, 1.04 WHIP |
| SP | #38 | Alex Cobb | 33 | RHP | 2-5, 4.30 ERA, 38 Ks, 1.34 WHIP – BAL |
| SP | #47 | Griffin Canning | 24 | RHP | 2-3, 3.99 ERA, 56 Ks, 1.37 WHIP |
| SP | #51 | Jaime Barria | 24 | RHP | 1-0, 3.62 ERA, 27 Ks, 1.11 WHIP |
| SP/DH | #17 | Shohei Ohtani | 26 | RHP | 2 GS, 37.80 ERA, 3 Ks |
BULLPEN
| CP | #32 | Raisel Iglesias | 31 | RHP | 8 SVs, 2.74 ERA, 31 Ks, 0.91 WHIP – CIN |
| SU | #31 | Ty Buttrey | 27 | RHP | 5 SVs, 5.81 ERA, 18 Ks, 1.41 WHIP |
| RP | #58 | Alex Claudio | 29 | LHP | 1 SV, 4.26 ERA, 15 Ks, 1.26 WHIP |
| RP | #41 | Junior Guerra | 36 | RHP | 1-2, 3.04 ERA, 21 Ks, 1.35 WHIP – ARI |
| RP | #21 | Mike Mayers | 29 | RHP | 2 SVs, 2.10 ERA, 43 Ks, 0.90 WHIP |
| RP | #64 | Felix Pena | 31 | RHP | 2 SVs, 4.05 ERA, 29 Ks, 1.31 WHIP |
| RP | #57 | Aaron Slegers | 28 | RHP | 2 SVs, 3.46 ERA, 19 Ks, 0.88 WHIP |
| RP | #62 | Jose Quintana | 32 | LHP | 4 GP, 4.50 ERA, 12 Ks – CHC |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Brandon Marsh (Outfielder, Age: 23, L/R, MLB Rank: #53)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: CF Mike Trout
Breakout Player: SP Griffin Canning
Grade: B-
Projected Record: 86-76, 3rd in AL West
Another year, another good looking Angels club, the only hope for Halo’s fans will be that they can actually get above .500 and compete. The Angels definitely made it known they were not happy with their poor shortened 2021 campaign, and added some fresh new faces to hopefully help get them over the edge. Alex Cobb and Jose Quintana can add depth to the rotation, Junior Guerra is a good bullpen piece and the Angels have found their new closer after trading for former Red Raisel Iglesias. Offensive first everyday players including SS Jose Iglesias and C Kurt Suzuki were signed and should add even more spark to a stacked lineup. Dexter Fowler was also added via trade, making the outfield situation very interesting and competitive. With a healthy Ohtani, the emergence of Jarred Walsh, and an aging Albert Pujols, one will need to be the odd man out in the DH-1B duels and to start the season I anticipate it being Pujols. As far as the OF, Trout is the best in baseball and Fowler provides a switch hitting bat which the team lacks, while Jo Addel was a top prospect and should play everyday. That leaves Justin Upton as the odd man out in the OF battle. A bench with Pujols and Upton just goes to show the kind of offense the Halos should be producing all 2021. If the rotation can hold up, LA should definitely be a competitor to win the AL West, although over the years it has become very difficult for me to trust picking them higher than 3rd in the division.
Oakland Athletics
Manager: Bob Melvin (11th year in OAK, Career record: 1,260-1,196, Team record: 767-688)
LINEUP
| SS | #17 | Elvis Andrus | 32 | R/R | .194 AVG, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 3 SB – TEX |
| CF | #22 | Ramon Laureano | 26 | R/R | .213 AVG, 6 HR, 25 RBI, .338 OBP |
| 3B | #26 | Matt Chapman | 27 | R/R | .232 AVG, 10 HR, 25 RBI, .276 OBP |
| 1B | #28 | Matt Olson | 26 | L/R | .195 AVG, 14 HR, 42 RBI, .310 OBP |
| LF | #20 | Mark Canha | 32 | R/R | .246 AVG, 5 HR, 33 RBI, .387 OBP |
| RF | #25 | Stephen Piscotty | 30 | R/R | .226 AVG, 5 HR, 29 RBI, 4 SB |
| DH | #18 | Mitch Moreland | 35 | L/L | .265 AVG, 10 HR, 29 RBI – BOS/SD |
| C | #12 | Sean Murphy | 26 | R/R | .233 AVG, 7 HR, 14 RBI |
| 2B | #5 | Tony Kemp | 29 | L/R | .247 AVG, 0 HR, 4 RBI, 3 SB |
BENCH
| C | #30 | Austin Allen | 27 | L/R | 6/31, 1 HR, 3 RBI |
| UTIL | #4 | Chad Pinder | 28 | R/R | .232 AVG, 2 HR, 8 RBI |
| INF | #39 | Vimael Machin | 27 | L/R | .206 AVG, 0 HR, 0 RBI, .296 OBP |
| LF | #15 | Seth Brown | 28 | L/L | DNP – INJURED |
ROTATION
| SP | #55 | Sean Manaea | 29 | LHP | 4-3, 4.50 ERA, 45 Ks, 1.20 WHIP |
| SP | #40 | Chris Bassitt | 32 | RHP | 5-2, 2.29 ERA, 55 Ks, 1.16 WHIP |
| SP | #44 | Jesus Luzardo | 23 | LHP | 3-2, 4.12 ERA, 59 Ks, 1.27 WHIP |
| SP | #50 | Mike Fiers | 35 | RHP | 6-3, 4.58 ERA, 37 Ks, 1.37 WHIP |
| SP | #33 | A.J. Puk (R) | 25 | LHP | DNP – INJURED |
BULLPEN
| CP | #41 | Trevor Rosenthal | 30 | RHP | 11 SVs, 1.90 ERA, 38 Ks, 0.85 – KC/SD |
| SU | #35 | Jake Diekman | 34 | LHP | 2-0, 0.42 ERA, 31 Ks, 0.94 WHIP |
| RP | #54 | Sergio Romo | 38 | RHP | 5 SVs, 4.05 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.15 WHIP – MIN |
| RP | #57 | J.B. Wendelken | 27 | RHP | 1-1, 1.80 ERA, 31 Ks, 1.12 WHIP |
| RP | #36 | Yusmeiro Petit | 36 | RHP | 2-1, 1.66 ERA, 17 Ks, 1.11 WHIP |
| RP | #21 | Adam Kolarek | 32 | LHP | 1 SV, 0.95 ERA, 13 K, 0.79 WHIP – LAD |
| RP | #62 | Lou Trivino | 29 | RHP | 0-0, 3.86 ERA, 26 Ks, 1.11 WHIP |
| RP | #47 | Frankie Montas | 27 | RHP | 3-5, 5.60 ERA, 60 Ks, 1.51 WHIP |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Nick Allen (Short Stop, Age: 22, R/R, Team Rank: #3)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: 3B Matt Chapman
Breakout Player: SP A.J. Puk
Grade: B+
Projected Record: 90-72, 1st in AL West
Oakland heads into the 2021 campaign with a fairly similar squad, although a few changes had to be made after winning another AL West title and failing to make a playoff run. Star closer Liam Hendriks left in free agency but was replaced by Trevor Rosenthal, who re-surged big time with Kansas City and San Diego this past year. Sergio Romo and Adam Kolarek were also added for depth in an already star studded bullpen that has helped surge the team the last few years. Khris Davis was dealt, and Marcus Semien left in free agency but veteran lefty Mitch Moreland and Rangers’ star Elvis Andrus were brought on as replacements. Not too many big prospects remain looming in Oakland’s system, as although they don’t currently have any top 100 prospects, both former high prospects A.J. Puk and Jesus Luzardo should be in the rotation full time this year. In a wide open AL West, the Oakland A’s always seem to piece things together and are extremely well managed with Bob Melvin. They should be the team to beat in the West, as long as Houston and the Angels don’t hit a hot streak which could be very likely.
Seattle Mariners
Manager: Scott Servais (6th year, Career/Team record: 348-360)
LINEUP
| RF | #17 | Mitch Haniger | 30 | R/R | DNP – INJURED |
| SS | #3 | J.P. Crawford | 26 | L/R | .259 AVG, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 6 SB |
| CF | #1 | Kyle Lewis | 25 | R/R | .259 AVG, 11 HR, 28 RBI, .363 OBP |
| 3B | #15 | Kyle Seager | 33 | L/R | .244 AVG, 9 HR, 40 RBI, .350 OBP |
| C | #2 | Tom Murphy | 29 | R/R | DNP – INJURED |
| LF | #25 | Dylan Moore | 28 | R/R | .255 AVG, 8 HR, 17 RBI, 12 SB |
| 1B | #12 | Evan White | 24 | R/L | .179 AVG, 8 HR, 26 RBI |
| DH | #23 | Ty France | 26 | R/R | .309 AVG, 4 HR, 23 RBI, .373 OBP – SD/SEA |
| 2B | #4 | Shed Long Jr. | 25 | L/R | .171 AVG, 3 HR, 9 RBI, 4 SB |
BENCH
| C | #22 | Luis Torrens | 24 | R/R | .257 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI – SD/SEA |
| INF | #0 | Sam Haggerty | 26 | S/R | .260 AVG, 1 HR, 6 RBI, 4 SB |
| 1B | #26 | Jose Marmolejos | 28 | L/L | .208 AVG, 6 HR, 18 RB |
| OF | #20 | Taylor Trammell (R) | 23 | L/L | NO STATS |
ROTATION
| SP | #44 | James Paxton | 32 | LHP | 1-1, 6.64 ERA, 26 Ks, 1.48 WHIP – NYY |
| SP | #7 | Marco Gonzales | 29 | LHP | 7-2, 3.10 ERA, 64 Ks, 0.95 WHIP |
| SP | #33 | Justus Sheffield | 24 | LHP | 4-3, 3.58 ERA, 48 Ks, 1.30 WHIP |
| SP | #18 | Yusei Kikuchi | 29 | LHP | 2-4, 5.17 ERA, 47 Ks, 1.30 WHIP |
| SP | #35 | Justin Dunn | 25 | RHP | 4-1, 4.34 ERA, 38 Ks, 1.36 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #47 | Rafael Montero | 30 | RHP | 8 SVs, 4.08 ERA, 19 Ks, 1.02 WHIP – TEX |
| SU | #99 | Keynan Middleton | 27 | RHP | 0-1, 5.25 ERA, 11 Ks, 1.50 WHIP – LAA |
| RP | #38 | Anthony Misiewicz | 26 | LHP | 0-2, 4.05 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.30 WHIP |
| RP | #55 | Yohan Ramirez | 25 | RHP | 3 SVs, 2.61 ERA, 26 Ks, 1.40 WHIP |
| RP | #77 | Chris Flexen | 26 | RHP | DNP – KBO |
| RP | #65 | Casey Sadler | 30 | RHP | 1-2, 5.12 ERA, 21 Ks, 1.40 WHIP – CHC/SEA |
| RP | #52 | Nick Margevicius | 24 | LHP | 2-3, 4.57 ERA, 36 Ks, 1.26 WHIP |
| RP | #49 | Kendall Graveman | 30 | RHP | 1-3, 5.79 ERA, 15 Ks, 1.23 WHIP |
IL
| CP | #58 | Ken Giles | 30 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Will miss the entire season |
| RP | #67 | Matt Festa | 28 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in June |
| RP | #57 | Roenis Elias | 32 | LHP | Tommy John Surgery Will miss the entire season |
| RP | #52 | Andres Munoz | 22 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in July |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Jarred Kelenic (Outfielder, Age: 21, L/L, MLB Rank: #4)
Logan Gilbert (Pitcher, Age: 23, RHP, MLB Rank: #33)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: RF Mitch Haniger
Breakout Player: SP Justin Dunn
Grade: C-
Projected Record: 74-88, 4th in AL West
Seattle enters 2021 still deep in a rebuild but with some optimistic views on the horizon. Top prospect Jarred Kelenic will be set to make his debut at some point this upcoming season, joining an outfield of 2020 Rookie of the Year Kyle Lewis and franchise star Mitch Haniger. Top 100 outfielder Taylor Trammell could make the opening day roster and join the young bats of Crawford, Moore, White, and Long. The rotation and bullpen will definitely be very suspect, as James Paxton was brought in to hold down the top of the rotation that will also feature youngsters Justus Sheffield and Justin Dunn who will look to make names for themselves. The bullpen will be depleted, as Ken Giles was signed this offseason although the team knew he would miss all of 2021 from Tommy John Surgery. Rafael Montero and Keynan Middleton were both brought in with closer experience and should duel it out as the ninth inning guy for the majority of the season. Chris Flexen was a nobody with the New York Mets and after thriving in the KBO in 2020, he was signed to join a young bullpen and help provide some consistency. No one is expecting much from the Mariners, as the key will be to make strides forward and develop their good young talent. Maybe the Mariners will finally break their 18-year long playoff drought sometime soon, but it won’t be in 2021.
Texas Rangers
Manager: Chris Woodward (3rd year, Career/Team record: 100-122)
LINEUP
| SS | #71 | Anderson Tejeda | 22 | S/R | .253 AVG, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 4 SB |
| LF | #15 | Nick Solak | 26 | R/R | .268 AVG, 2 HR, 23 RBI, 7 SB |
| RF | #13 | Joey Gallo | 27 | L/R | .181 AVG, 10 HR, 26 RBI, .301 OBP |
| DH | #4 | Khris Davis | 33 | R/R | .200 AVG, 2 HR, 10 RBI, .303 OBP – OAK |
| 1B | #11 | Ronald Guzman | 26 | L/L | .244 AVG, 4 HR, 9 RBI, .314 OBP |
| 3B | #9 | Isiah Kiner-Falefa | 25 | R/R | .280 AVG, 3 HR, 10 RBI, 8 SB |
| CF | #21 | David Dahl | 26 | L/R | .183 AVG, 0 HR, 9 RBI – COL |
| 2B | #12 | Rougned Odor | 27 | L/R | .167 AVG, 10 HR, 30 RBI |
| C | #55 | Sam Huff (R) | 23 | R/R | 11/31, 3 HR, 4 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #23 | Jose Trevino | 28 | R/R | .250 AVG, 2 HR, 9 RBI |
| INF | #30 | Nate Lowe | 25 | L/R | .224 AVG, 4 HR, 11 RBI, .316 OBP – TB |
| CF | #00 | Delino DeShields Jr. | 28 | R/R | .252 AVG, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 3 SB – TEX |
| CF | #3 | Leody Taveras (R) | 22 | S/R | .227 AVG, 4 HR, 6 RBI, 8 SB |
ROTATION
| SP | #44 | Kyle Gibson | 33 | RHP | 2-6, 5.35 ERA, 58 Ks, 1.53 WHIP |
| SP | #39 | Kolby Allard | 23 | LHP | 0-6, 7.75 ERA, 32 Ks, 1.51 WHIP |
| SP | #33 | Dane Dunning (R) | 26 | RHP | 2-0, 3.97 ERA, 35 Ks, 1.12 WHIP – CWS |
| SP | #20 | Mike Foltynewicz | 29 | RHP | 1 GS, 16.20 ERA, 3 Ks – ATL |
| SP | #35 | Kohei Arihara (R) | 28 | RHP | DNP – NPB |
BULLPEN
| CP | #31 | Ian Kennedy | 36 | RHP | 0-2, 9.00 ERA, 15 Ks, 1.79 WHIP – KC |
| SU | #40 | Nick Vincent | 34 | RHP | 3 SVs, 4.43 ERA, 17 Ks, 1.30 WHIP – MIA |
| RP | #51 | Matt Bush | 35 | RHP | DNP – INJURED |
| RP | #63 | Wes Benjamin | 27 | LHP | 2-1, 4.84 ERA, 21 Ks, 1.39 WHIP |
| RP | #67 | Demarcus Evans (R) | 24 | RHP | 4 GP, 2.25 ERA, 4 Ks, 0.75 WHIP |
| RP | #24 | Jordan Lyles | 30 | RHP | 1-6, 7.02 ERA, 36 Ks, 1.56 WHIP |
| RP | #52 | Taylor Hearn | 26 | LHP | 0-0, 3.63 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.38 WHIP |
| RP | #54 | Kyle Cody (R) | 26 | RHP | 1-1, 1.59 ERA, 18 Ks, 1.24 WHIP |
IL
| LF | #5 | Willie Calhoun | 26 | L/R | Calf strain Potential return in April |
| CP | #25 | Jose Leclerc | 27 | RHP | Elbow soreness Potential return in June |
| RP | #59 | Brett Martin | 25 | LHP | Back injury Potential return in April |
| RP | #57 | Joely Rodriguez | 29 | LHP | Ankle injury Potential return in April |
| RP | #72 | Jonathan Hernandez | 24 | RHP | Sprained elbow ligament Potential return in June |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Josh Jung (Third Base, Age: 23, R/R, MLB Rank: #63)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: RF Joey Gallo
Breakout Player: SS Anderson Tejeda
Grade: D+
Projected Record: 65-97, 5th in AL West
The Rangers have catapulted themselves into a deep rebuild and should be bottom-dwellers of the American League this year. After trading longtime franchise cornerstone Elvis Andrus, and top of the rotation anchors in Mike Minor and Lance Lynn, Texas will look to move forward with the young core. Anderson Tejeda should take over SS duties and top prospect Sam Huff should become the everyday catcher this year. Josh Jung will be on the horizon to make his potential debut and could make the infield situation very interesting with Rougned Odor possibly being the odd man out. The rotation will have two rookies, Dane Dunning who was acquired in the Lynn trade from Chicago, and Kohei Arihara who was signed from Japan this offseason. Jose Leclerc and Jonathan Hernandez could miss an extended portion of the beginning of the season, leading way for veterans Ian Kennedy and Nick Vincent to be the anchors of the late innings. There will be a ton of openings, as rookies Demarcus Evans and Kyle Cody, who both showed promise in a small sample size in 2020, could be pieces of the bullpen. The Rangers will take a step backwards over the next few years, but they still might get one of the most viewed games of the season on Opening Day, as they’ll be the first team to allow 100% capacity back into their stadium. Now that’s going to be a beautiful sight to see for us baseball fans.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
MVP: Juan Soto, WAS
CY YOUNG: Jacob deGrom, NYM
MANAGER OF THE YEAR: Jayce Tingler, SD
COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR: David Price, LAD
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: Ke’Bryan Hayes, PIT
Atlanta Braves
Manager: Brian Snitker (6th year, Career/Team record: 353-317)
LINEUP
| RF | #13 | Ronald Acuna Jr. | 23 | R/R | .250 AVG, 14 HR, 29 RBI, .406 OBP |
| 2B | #1 | Ozzie Albies | 24 | S/R | .271 AVG, 6 HR, 19 RBI, 3 SB |
| 1B | #5 | Freddie Freeman | 31 | L/R | .341 AVG, 13 HR, 53 RBI, .462 OBP |
| LF | #20 | Marcell Ozuna | 30 | R/R | .338 AVG, 18 HR, 56 RBI, .431 OBP |
| SS | #7 | Dansby Swanson | 27 | R/R | .274 AVG, 10 HR, 35 RBI, 5 SB |
| C | #16 | Travis d’Arnaud | 32 | R/R | .321 AVG, 9 HR, 34 RBI, .386 OBP |
| 3B | #27 | Austin Riley | 23 | R/R | .239 AVG, 8 HR, 27 RBI |
| CF | #11 | Ender Inciarte | 30 | L/L | .190 AVG, 1 HR, 10 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #60 | William Contreras | 23 | R/R | 4/10, 0 HR, 1 RBI |
| UTIL | #17 | Johan Camargo | 27 | S/R | .200 AVG, 4 HR, 9 RBI |
| 3B/1B | #24 | Jake Lamb | 30 | L/R | .193 AVG, 3 HR, 10 RBI – ARI/OAK |
| CF | #25 | Cristian Pache (R) | 22 | R/R | 1/4 |
| CF | #38 | Guillermo Heredia | 30 | R/L | 7/33, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1 SB – PIT/NYM |
ROTATION
| SP | #54 | Max Fried | 27 | LHP | 7-0, 2.25 ERA, 50 Ks, 1.09 WHIP |
| SP | #50 | Charlie Morton | 37 | RHP | 2-2, 4.74 ERA, 42 Ks, 1.39 WHIP – TB |
| SP | #36 | Ian Anderson (R) | 22 | RHP | 3-2, 1.95 ERA, 41 Ks, 1.08 WHIP |
| SP | #18 | Drew Smyly | 31 | LHP | 0-1, 3.42 ERA, 42 Ks, 1.10 WHIP – SF |
| SP | #30 | Kyle Wright | 25 | RHP | 2-4, 5.21 ERA, 30 Ks, 1.55 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #51 | Will Smith | 31 | LHP | 2-2, 4.50 ERA, 18 Ks, 0.94 WHIP |
| SU | #55 | Chris Martin | 34 | RHP | 1 SV, 1.00 ERA, 20 Ks, 0.61 WHIP |
| RP | #33 | A.J. Minter | 27 | LHP | 1-1, 0.83 ERA, 24 Ks, 1.11 WHIP |
| RP | #68 | Tyler Matzek | 30 | LHP | 4-3, 2.79 ERA, 43 Ks, 1.14 WHIP |
| RP | #77 | Luke Jackson | 29 | RHP | 2-0, 6.84 ERA, 20 Ks, 1.97 WHIP |
| RP | #75 | Grant Dayton | 33 | LHP | 2-1, 2.30 ERA, 32 Ks, 1.21 WHIP |
| RP | #15 | Sean Newcomb | 27 | LHP | 4 GS, 11.20 ERA, 10 Ks, 1.90 WHIP |
| RP | #32 | Josh Tomlin | 36 | RHP | 2-2, 4.76 ERA, 36 Ks, 1.21 WHIP |
IL
| SP | #40 | Mike Soroka | 23 | RHP | Torn achilles Potential return in April |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Drew Waters (Outfielder, Age: 22, S/R, MLB Rank: #35)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: 1B Freddie Freeman
Breakout Player: CF Cristian Pache
Grade: A-
Projected Record: 93-69, 1st in NL East
Entering 2021 with nearly an identical roster that won them yet another NL East crown in 2020, the Braves come in as the team to beat in probably the hardest division in baseball. The depth in this entire division is insane, with four teams who have legitimate playoff hopes and not nearly enough room for all of them. Atlanta kept the core together, after re-signing Marcell Ozuna who provided a top tier bat alongside 2020 MVP Freddie Freeman in the middle of that order. Acuna and Albies are studs, and Swanson is coming off one of his most consistent seasons to date. Top prospect Cristian Pache should make the team from Opening Day and could take over everyday CF duties if Ender Inciarte falls off with the bat. Jake Lamb was a great depth addition, who will provide power and solid defense at both 1B and 3B off the bench. Although they lost closer Mark Melancon and Shane Greene to free agency, Will Smith was poised to take over as the team’s closer and the young bullpen arms in Jackson, Minter, and Newcomb look to bounce back big time with even bigger roles in the bullpen. The one question mark will definitely be the rotation, and while the team awaits for the return of young star Mike Soroka, Max Fried and newly signed Charlie Morton need to provide dominance at the top of the rotation. Youngsters Ian Anderson and Kyle Wright should have a wide open chance to become the players that they were perceived to be as big prospects. Although the Mets are heavily improved, as well as the Nats, I still can’t see the Braves not being the favorites to come away with the division. They are the team to beat in the NL East.
Miami Marlins
Manager: Don Mattingly (6th year in MIA, Career record: 753-762, Team record: 307-399)
LINEUP
| RF | #23 | Corey Dickerson | 31 | L/R | .258 AVG, 7 HR, 17 RBI, .311 OBP |
| SS | #19 | Miguel Rojas | 32 | R/R | .304 AVG, 4 HR, 20 RBI, 5 SB |
| LF | #6 | Starling Marte | 32 | R/R | .281 AVG, 6 HR, 27 RBI, 10 SB – ARI/MIA |
| 1B | #24 | Jesus Aguilar | 30 | R/R | .277 AVG, 8 HR, 34 RBI, .352 OBP |
| 3B | #15 | Brian Anderson | 27 | R/R | .255 AVG, 11 HR, 38 RBI, .345 OBP |
| C | #38 | Jorge Alfaro | 27 | R/R | .226 AVG, 3 HR, 16 RBI |
| CF | #34 | Magneuris Sierra | 24 | L/L | 11/44, 0 HR, 7 RBI, 4 SB |
| 2B | #2 | Jazz Chisholm (R) | 23 | L/R | .161 AVG, 2 HR, 6 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #17 | Chad Wallach | 29 | R/R | 10/44, 1 HR, 6 RBI |
| 1B/LF | #26 | Garrett Cooper | 30 | R/R | .283 AVG, 6 HR, 20 RBI, .353 OBP |
| 2B | #1 | Isan Diaz | 24 | L/R | 4/22, 0 HR, 1 RBI |
| LF | #14 | Adam Duvall | 32 | R/R | .237 AVG, 16 HR, 33 RBI, .301 OBP – ATL |
| UTIL | #5 | Jon Berti | 31 | R/R | .258 AVG, 2 HR, 14 RBI, .388 OBP |
ROTATION
| SP | #22 | Sandy Alcantara | 25 | RHP | 3-2, 3.00 ERA, 39 Ks, 1.19 WHIP |
| SP | #57 | Elieser Hernandez | 25 | RHP | 1-0, 3.16 ERA, 34 Ks, 1.01 WHIP |
| SP | #45 | Sixto Sanchez (R) | 22 | RHP | 3-2, 3.46 ERA, 33 Ks, 1.21 WHIP |
| SP | #49 | Pablo Lopez | 25 | RHP | 6-4, 3.61 ERA, 59 Ks, 1.19 WHIP |
| SP | #28 | Trevor Rogers (R) | 23 | LHP | 1-2, 6.11 ERA, 39 Ks, 1.61 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #52 | Anthony Bass | 33 | RHP | 7 SVs, 3.51 ERA, 21 Ks, 1.01 WHIP – TOR |
| SU | #90 | Adam Cimber | 30 | RHP | 0-1, 3.97 ERA, 5 Ks, 1.32 WHIP – CLE |
| RP | #35 | Richard Bleier | 33 | LHP | 1-1, 2.16 ERA, 11 Ks, 1.08 WHIP – BAL/MIA |
| RP | #93 | Yimi Garcia | 30 | RHP | 1 SV, 0.60 ERA, 19 Ks, 0.93 WHIP |
| RP | #51 | James Hoyt | 34 | RHP | 2-0, 1.23 ERA, 20 Ks, 1.16 WHIP |
| RP | #39 | John Curtiss | 27 | RHP | 3-0, 1.80 ERA, 25 Ks, 0.96 WHIP – TB |
| RP | #36 | Dylan Floro | 30 | RHP | 3-0, 2.59 ERA, 19 Ks, 1.11 WHIP – LAD |
| RP | #54 | Ross Detwiler | 35 | LHP | 1-1, 3.20 ERA, 15 Ks, 1.22 WHIP – CWS |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
J.J. Bleday (Outfielder, Age: 23, L/L, MLB Rank: #20)
Edward Cabrera (Pitcher, Age: 22, RHP, MLB Rank: #68)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: LF Starling Marte
Breakout Player: CF Magneuris Sierra
Grade: B
Projected Record: 74-88, 5th in NL East
Following a 2020 season that exceeded all possible expectations for Miami, including a playoff appearance and even a series win, they’re going to be slated to compete in a tough division in a complete 162-game 2021 season. This, on its own, should make all the difference in whether the Marlins are competitive and can make another playoff push this year. Although I do think the Marlins have a very solid team and could probably be a Wild Card threat in any other division, the NL East may be too star-studded for them to get anything going to truly climb out of 4th or 5th place. Top prospects Sixto Sanchez and Trevor Rogers should see their first full seasons in the rotation. The bullpen will contain a lot of veteran depth in Anthony Bass, Adam Cimber, Dylan Floro, and more. Realizing they had a real shot at a playoff spot, the Marlins acquired Starling Marte from Arizona at the deadline this past year and will have him as their cornerstone bat in the lineup for all of 2021. A few position battles will be worth noting, including the 2B duel between Jazz Chisholm, Isan Diaz, and Jon Berti, and the OF battles between Magneuris Sierra and Adam Duvall. Lewis Brinson also provides more outfield depth but might start the year in the minors with an overcrowded roster. The Marlins will put up some runs and have some great pitching this year, and can definitely wreak havoc on a lot of teams in their division when it comes to playoff berth races. And although they aren’t in the real race to win the division, the ultimate winner will probably come down to who can beat up on the Marlins the most, which will be no easy task.
New York Mets
Manager: Luis Rojas (2nd year, Career/Team record: 26-34)
LINEUP
| CF | #9 | Brandon Nimmo | 27 | L/R | .280 AVG, 8 HR, 18 RBI, .404 OBP |
| SS | #12 | Francisco Lindor | 27 | S/R | .258 AVG, 8 HR, 27 RBI, 6 SB – CLE |
| 2B | #6 | Jeff McNeil | 28 | L/R | .311 AVG, 4 HR, 23 RBI, .383 OBP |
| 1B | #20 | Pete Alonso | 26 | R/R | .231 AVG, 16 HR, 35 RBI, .326 OBP |
| RF | #30 | Michael Conforto | 28 | L/R | .322 AVG, 9 HR, 31 RBI, .412 OBP |
| LF | #2 | Dominic Smith | 25 | L/L | .316 AVG, 10 HR, 42 RBI, .377 OBP |
| 3B | #28 | J.D. Davis | 27 | R/R | .247 AVG, 6 HR, 19 RBI, .371 OBP |
| C | #33 | James McCann | 30 | R/R | .289 AVG, 7 HR, 15 RBI, .360 OBP – CWS |
BENCH
| C | #3 | Tomas Nido | 26 | R/R | 7/24, 2 HR, 6 RBI |
| INF | #13 | Luis Guillorme | 26 | L/R | .333 AVG, 0 HR, 9 RBI, .426 OBP |
| UTIL | #1 | Jonathan Villar | 29 | S/R | .232 AVG, 2 HR, 15 RBI, 16 SB – MIA/TOR |
| CF | #4 | Albert Almora Jr. | 26 | R/R | 5/30, 0 HR, 1 RBI – CHC |
| OF | #11 | Kevin Pillar | 32 | R/R | .288 AVG, 6 HR, 26 RBI, 5 SB – COL/BOS |
ROTATION
| SP | #48 | Jacob deGrom | 32 | RHP | 4-2, 2.38 ERA, 104 Ks, 0.96 WHIP |
| SP | #0 | Marcus Stroman | 29 | RHP | DNP – SAT OUT |
| SP | #99 | Taijuan Walker | 28 | RHP | 4-3, 2.70 ERA, 50 Ks, 1.16 WHIP – SEA/TOR |
| SP | #23 | David Peterson | 25 | LHP | 6-2, 3.44 ERA, 40 Ks, 1.21 WHIP |
| SP | #47 | Joey Lucchesi | 27 | LHP | 3 GP, 7.94 ERA, 5 Ks, 2.65 WHIP – SD |
BULLPEN
| CP | #39 | Edwin Diaz | 27 | RHP | 6 SVs, 1.75 ERA, 50 Ks, 1.25 WHIP |
| SU | #65 | Trevor May | 31 | RHP | 2 SVs, 3.86 ERA, 38 Ks, 1.16 WHIP – MIN |
| RP | #68 | Dellin Betances | 32 | RHP | 0-1, 7.71 ERA, 11 Ks, 2.06 WHIP |
| RP | #27 | Jeurys Familia | 31 | RHP | 2-0, 3.71 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.46 WHIP |
| RP | #32 | Aaron Loup | 33 | LHP | 3-2, 2.52 ERA, 22 Ks, 0.84 WHIP – TB |
| RP | #50 | Miguel Castro | 26 | RHP | 1 SV, 4.01 ERA, 38 Ks, 1.66 WHIP – BAL/NYM |
| RP | #26 | Jerry Blevins | 37 | LHP | DNP – SAT OUT |
| RP | #40 | Jacob Barnes | 30 | RHP | 0-2, 5.50 ERA, 24 Ks, 1.28 WHIP – LAA |
IL
| 1B | #16 | Jose Martinez | 32 | R/R | Torn meniscus Potential return in July |
| SP | #34 | Noah Syndergaard | 28 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in June |
| SP | #59 | Carlos Carrasco | 34 | RHP | Hamstring Potential return in May |
| RP | #67 | Seth Lugo | 31 | RHP | Elbow soreness Potential return in May |
| RP | #62 | Drew Smith | 27 | RHP | Shoulder soreness Potential return in May |
| 2B | #24 | Robinson Cano | 38 | L/R | PED Suspension Will miss all 162 games |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Khalil Lee (Outfielder, Age: 22, L/L, Team Rank: #7)
Thomas Szapucki (Pitcher, Age: 24, LHP, Team Rank: #10)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: SP Jacob deGrom
Breakout Player: SP David Peterson
Grade: A-
Projected Record: 91-71, 2nd in NL East
After another disappointing 2020 season, the Mets attacked this offseason under new management and a smart mindset. Although they didn’t land the big targets like George Springer, Brad Hand, or Trevor Bauer, they improved the team a ton and are looking to be a real contender for not only the division but also the NL pennant. Francisco Lindor was acquired via trade, a move that creates a top tier two-way player that the team can rely on for years to come if an extension can be agreed upon. James McCann was signed to be the long-term catcher, a good two-way option who has proven to dominate with both the bat and his arm in the majors. Jonathan Villar, Albert Almora, and Kevin Pillar were added for bench depth, three great veterans that bring a ton of speed to the team, something they’ve been lacking over the last few seasons. Taijuan Walker and Joey Lucchesi bring in starting pitching depth and Trevor May was signed to help strengthen the back of the bullpen. Noah Syndergaard will be slated to make his return around June after missing all of 2020 with Tommy John Surgery, and will join a lethal top of the rotation with deGrom and Stroman. Edwin Diaz has shined in Spring Training and will look to rekindle his 2018 form that he has yet to bring over from Seattle to New York since being traded. A top of the order of Nimmo, Lindor, McNeil, Alonso, Conforto, and Dom Smith can be among the best in all of baseball and can be a catalyst to a deep run this season for the Mets. If they stay healthy, there is no denying that the Mets look like a real threat to not only win the division but also push the Padres or Dodgers for a World Series appearance. It’s a fun time to be a Mets fan and I’m very stoked with high hopes for this season; there are big things to come in Queens in 2021.
Philadelphia Phillies
Manager: Joe Girardi (2nd year in PHI, Career record: 1,016-826, Team record: 28-32)
LINEUP
| LF | #22 | Andrew McCutchen | 34 | R/R | .253 AVG, 10 HR, 34 RBI, .324 OBP |
| 1B | #17 | Rhys Hoskins | 28 | R/R | .245 AVG, 10 HR, 26 RBI, .384 OBP |
| RF | #3 | Bryce Harper | 28 | L/R | .268 AVG, 13 HR, 33 RBI, .420 OBP |
| C | #10 | J.T. Realmuto | 30 | R/R | .266 AVG, 11 HR, 32 RBI, .349 OBP |
| SS | #18 | Didi Gregorius | 31 | L/R | .284 AVG, 10 HR, 40 RBI, 3 SB |
| 2B | #2 | Jean Segura | 31 | R/R | .266 AVG, 7 HR, 25 RBI, .347 OBP |
| 3B | #28 | Alec Bohm | 24 | R/R | .338 AVG, 4 HR, 23 RBI, .400 OBP |
| CF | #40 | Adam Haseley | 24 | L/L | .278 AVG, 0 HR, 13 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #5 | Andrew Knapp | 29 | S/R | .278 AVG, 2 HR, 15 RBI, .404 OBP |
| UTIL | #4 | Scott Kingery | 26 | R/R | .159 AVG, 3 HR, 6 RBI |
| INF | #13 | Brad Miller | 31 | L/R | .232 AVG, 7 HR, 25 RBI, .357 OBP – STL |
| CF | #24 | Roman Quinn | 27 | S/R | .213 AVG, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 12 SB |
| OF | #16 | Mickey Moniak (R) | 22 | L/R | 3/14 |
ROTATION
| SP | #27 | Aaron Nola | 27 | RHP | 5-5, 3.28 ERA, 96 Ks, 1.08 WHIP |
| SP | #45 | Zack Wheeler | 30 | RHP | 4-2, 2.92 ERA, 53 Ks, 1.17 WHIP |
| SP | #56 | Zach Eflin | 26 | RHP | 4-2, 3.97 ERA, 70 Ks, 1.27 WHIP |
| SP | #57 | Chase Anderson | 33 | RHP | 1-2, 7.22 ERA, 38 Ks, 1.63 WHIP – TOR |
| SP | #31 | Matt Moore | 31 | LHP | DNP – NPB |
BULLPEN
| CP | #23 | Archie Bradley | 28 | RHP | 6 SVs, 2.95 ERA, 18 Ks, 1.09 WHIP – ARI/CIN |
| SU | #50 | Hector Neris | 31 | RHP | 5 SVs, 4.57 ERA, 27 Ks, 1.71 WHIP |
| RP | #46 | Jose Alvarado | 25 | LHP | 0-0, 6.00 ERA, 13 Ks, 1.67 WHIP – TB |
| RP | #19 | Brandon Kintzler | 36 | RHP | 12 SVs, 2.22 ERA, 14 Ks, 1.32 WHIP – MIA |
| RP | #55 | Ranger Suarez | 25 | LHP | 3 GP, 20.25 ERA, 1 K |
| RP | #75 | Connor Brogdon | 26 | RHP | 1-0, 3.97 ERA, 17 Ks, 0.88 WHIP |
| RP | #41 | David Hale | 33 | RHP | 1 SV, 3.71 ERA, 14 Ks, 1.59 WHIP – NYY/PHI |
| RP | #48 | Spencer Howard | 24 | RHP | 1-2, 5.92 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.64 WHIP |
IL
| SP | #21 | Vince Velasquez | 28 | RHP | Oblique Potential return in April |
| RP | #58 | Seranthony Dominguez | 26 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in August |
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: RF Bryce Harper
Breakout Player: CF Adam Haseley
Grade: B
Projected Record: 81-81, 4th in NL East
The Phillies enter 2021 looking eerily similar to the mediocre team they’ve put together over the last couple of seasons. Maybe it’s just Phillie hate, but right out of the gate I don’t see them as being a better team than the Nats, Mets, or Braves in the NL East. After a 28-32 shortened 2020 season, the Phillies re-signed star catcher J.T. Realmuto and SS Didi Gregorius, but made no real other big additions. The lineup will be identical to last year, with young star Alec Bohm holding down the 3B spot for a whole season. The lineup and bench depth will definitely produce some runs, it’s the pitching that should be a concern yet again. Besides the top end of Aaron Nola and Zack Wheeler, the rest of the rotation has three open spots, with Zach Eflin, Vince Velasquez, Chase Anderson, and youngster Spencer Howard all being in the mix. Former top prospect Matt Moore could be the lefty in the rotation, as the southpaw looks to make an MLB comeback after playing 2020 in the NPB in Japan. The Phillies had one of the historically worst bullpens in baseball history in 2020, and did make a few additions with closer Archie Bradley and veterans Jose Alvarado and Brandon Kintzler. They will still need to fill out the rest of the ‘pen with arms that let them down all year last year, with Seranthony Dominguez slated to miss the entire season from Tommy John Surgery. Similarly to the Marlins, if the Phillies were in a different division they could be a Wild Card contender, but I don’t see them being able to catch up with the other top dogs in the East.
Washington Nationals
Manager: Dave Martinez (4th year, Career/Team record: 201-183)
LINEUP
| SS | #7 | Trea Turner | 27 | R/R | .335 AVG, 12 HR, 41 RBI, 12 SB |
| 3B | #13 | Starlin Castro | 31 | R/R | .267 AVG, 2 HR, 4 RBI, .302 OBP |
| LF | #22 | Juan Soto | 22 | L/L | .351 AVG, 13 HR, 37 RBI, .490 OBP |
| 1B | #19 | Josh Bell | 28 | S/R | .226 AVG, 8 HR, 22 RBI, .305 OBP – PIT |
| RF | #12 | Kyle Schwarber | 28 | L/R | .188 AVG, 11 HR, 24 RBI, .308 OBP – CHC |
| CF | #16 | Victor Robles | 23 | R/R | .220 AVG, 3 HR, 15 RBI, 4 SB |
| 2B | #2 | Luis Garcia | 20 | L/R | .276 AVG, 2 HR, 16 RBI |
| C | #10 | Yan Gomes | 33 | R/R | .284 AVG, 4 HR, 13 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #6 | Alex Avila | 34 | L/R | 9/49, 1 HR, 2 RBI – MIN |
| INF | #5 | Josh Harrison | 33 | R/R | .278 AVG, 3 HR, 14 RBI, .352 OBP |
| 1B | #11 | Ryan Zimmerman | 36 | R/R | DNP – SAT OUT |
| OF | #17 | Andrew Stevenson | 26 | L/L | 15/41, 2 HR, 12 RBI |
| LF | #29 | Yadiel Hernandez (R) | 33 | L/R | 5/26, 1 HR, 6 RBI |
ROTATION
| SP | #31 | Max Scherzer | 36 | RHP | 5-4, 3.74 ERA, 92 Ks, 1.38 WHIP |
| SP | #37 | Stephen Strasburg | 32 | RHP | 2 GS, 10.80 ERA, 2 Ks |
| SP | #46 | Patrick Corbin | 31 | LHP | 2-7, 4.66 ERA, 60 Ks, 1.57 WHIP |
| SP | #34 | Jon Lester | 37 | LHP | 3-3, 5.16 ERA, 42 Ks, 1.33 WHIP – CHC |
| SP | #41 | Joe Ross | 27 | RHP | DNP – SAT OUT |
BULLPEN
| CP | #52 | Brad Hand | 31 | LHP | 16 SVs, 2.05 ERA, 29 Ks, 0.77 WHIP – CLE |
| SU | #44 | Daniel Hudson | 34 | RHP | 10 SVs, 6.10 ERA, 28 Ks, 1.26 WHIP |
| RP | #21 | Tanner Rainey | 28 | RHP | 1-1, 2.66 ERA, 32 Ks, 0.74 WHIP |
| RP | #51 | Wander Suero | 29 | RHP | 2-0, 3.80 ERA, 28 Ks, 1.27 WHIP |
| RP | #70 | Luis Avilan | 31 | LHP | 0-0, 4.32 ERA, 9 Ks, 1.68 WHIP – NYY |
| RP | #33 | Ryne Harper | 31 | RHP | 1-0, 7.61 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.61 WHIP |
| RP | #61 | Kyle McGowin | 29 | RHP | 1-0, 4.91 ERA, 16 Ks, 1.27 WHIP |
| RP | #23 | Erick Fedde | 28 | RHP | 2-4, 4.29 ERA, 28 Ks, 1.37 WHIP |
IL
| RP | #36 | Will Harris | 36 | RHP | Blood clot in shoulder Potential return in April |
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: LF Juan Soto
Breakout Player: 2B Luis Garcia
Grade: B+
Projected Record: 88-74, 3rd in NL East
The 2019 World Series champs definitely had a bit of a let down in their defending season in 2020, but they re-fueled and look strong heading into 2021. Juan Soto is an absolute stud and a legitimate MVP contender alongside Trea Turner in the top of that lineup. Some upgrades were made as Josh Bell was acquired to take over 1B duties from Eric Thames, a huge upgrade in my opinion. Power hitting Kyle Schwarber was also added to add another strong bat into a middle of the order that already contains Soto and Bell. Luis Garcia should take over everyday 2B duties and move veteran Starlin Castro to the hot corner at 3B. Alex Avila was added for catching depth, and Josh Harrison was re-signed as a utility infielder after a very solid 2020 with Washington. Scherzer, Strasburg, and Corbin will headline a dominant rotation alongside newly signed veteran Jon Lester. Brad Hand was signed to take over closing duties for Daniel Hudson, who struggled in the role in 2020 and will serve as the set up man. Will Harris also provides more reliever depth but will miss some time to start the season with a blood clot. A few young arms that stayed very consistent throughout 2020 in Ryne Harper, Erick Fedde, and Wander Suero should all add supporting cast pieces to the bullpen. Are the Nationals better than the Mets or the Braves? I don’t think so, but they will definitely be a tough Wild Card contender and make a huge bounce back after a big let down in 2021. Dave Martinez is a fantastic manager and if all things are clicking for the Nats, they could shock some people, even me, and make an even deeper run.
Chicago Cubs
Manager: David Ross (2nd year, Career/Team record: 34-26)
LINEUP
| LF | #24 | Joc Pederson | 28 | L/L | .190 AVG, 7 HR, 16 RBI, .285 OBP – LAD |
| 1B | #44 | Anthony Rizzo | 31 | L/L | .222 AVG, 11 HR, 24 RBI, .342 OBP |
| SS | #9 | Javier Baez | 28 | R/R | .203 AVG, 8 HR, 24 RBI, 3 SB |
| 3B | #17 | Kris Bryant | 29 | R/R | .206 AVG, 4 HR, 11 RBI, .293 OBP |
| C | #40 | Willson Contreras | 28 | R/R | .243 AVG, 7 HR, 26 RBI, .356 OBP |
| RF | #22 | Jason Heyward | 31 | L/L | .265 AVG, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 8 SB |
| CF | #8 | Ian Happ | 26 | S/R | .258 AVG, 12 HR, 28 RBI, .361 OBP |
| 2B | #2 | Nico Hoerner | 23 | R/R | .222 AVG, 0 HR, 13 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #86 | P.J. Higgins (R) | 27 | R/R | NO STATS |
| UTIL | #13 | David Bote | 27 | R/R | .200 AVG, 7 HR, 29 RBI |
| INF | #16 | Ildemaro Vargas | 29 | S/R | .196 AVG, 1 HR, 3 RBI – ARI/MIN/CHC |
| CF | #6 | Jake Marisnick | 29 | R/R | 11/33, 2 HR, 5 RBI – NYM |
| OF | #15 | Cameron Maybin | 34 | R/R | .247 AVG, 1 HR, 7 RBI, 3 SB – DET/CHC |
ROTATION
| SP | #28 | Kyle Hendricks | 31 | RHP | 6-5, 2.88 ERA, 64 Ks, 1.00 WHIP |
| SP | #27 | Zach Davies | 28 | RHP | 7-4, 2.73 ERA, 63 Ks, 1.07 WHIP – SD |
| SP | #49 | Jake Arrieta | 35 | RHP | 4-4, 5.08 ERA, 32 Ks, 1.51 WHIP – PHI |
| SP | #30 | Alec Mills | 29 | RHP | 5-5, 4.48 ERA, 46 Ks, 1.16 WHIP |
| SP | #32 | Trevor Williams | 28 | RHP | 2-8, 6.18 ERA, 49 Ks, 1.57 WHIP – PIT |
BULLPEN
| CP | #46 | Craig Kimbrel | 32 | RHP | 2 SVs, 5.28 ERA, 28 Ks, 1.43 WHIP |
| SU | #43 | Dan Winkler | 31 | RHP | 0-0, 2.95 ERA, 18 Ks, 1.20 WHIP |
| RP | #45 | Brandon Workman | 32 | RHP | 9 SVs, 5.95 ERA, 23 Ks, 2.24 WHIP – BOS/PHI |
| RP | #39 | Andrew Chafin | 30 | LHP | 1 SV, 6.52 ERA, 13 Ks, 1.66 WHIP |
| RP | #18 | Ryan Tepera | 33 | RHP | 0-1, 3.92 ERA, 31 Ks, 1.40 WHIP |
| RP | #60 | Jason Adam | 29 | RHP | 2-1, 3.29 ERA, 21 Ks, 1.24 WHIP |
| RP | #38 | Brad Wieck | 29 | LHP | 1 IP, 18.00 ERA, 2 Ks |
| RP | #73 | Adbert Alzolay | 26 | RHP | 1-1, 2.95 ERA, 29 Ks, 1.17 WHIP |
IL
| C | #25 | Austin Romine | 32 | R/R | Sprained right knee Potential return in May |
| RP | #52 | Jonathan Holder | 27 | RHP | Upper body injury Potential return in May |
| RP | #50 | Rowan Wick | 28 | RHP | Ribs Potential return in May |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Miguel Amaya (Catcher, Age: 22, R/R, MLB Rank: #89)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: SS Javier Baez
Breakout Player: SP/RP Adbert Alzolay
Grade: B-
Projected Record: 84-78, 3rd in NL Central
It wasn’t too long ago that the Cubs were 2016 World Series Champions and looked to be creating a dynasty. Fast forward to 5-years later and the team has been through a lot, although their main core of bats remain the same. Franchise stars Javier Baez and Kris Bryant are entering their final years before free agency and can make huge money if they bounce back big time in 2021. Ace Yu Darvish was dealt to the Padres, and veteran Jon Lester left in free agency, leaving Kyle Hendricks as the star of the rotation. Jake Arrieta was brought back, a reunion that seemed so fitting after the veteran helped lead the Cubs rotation to immortality in 2016. Zach Davies and Trevor Williams were brought on to add depth to the rotation, and both youngsters Alec Mills and Adbert Alzolay could become key pieces if they remain consistent. The bullpen will be the same, with the struggling Craig Kimbrel set to hold down ninth-inning duties with a plethora of depth behind him if he continues on his decline. The Cubs will always stay competitive and in the playoff race, especially in a fairly wide open NL Central headlined by the new and improved St. Louis Cardinals. Them and Milwaukee should battle it out for 2nd place in the division and could push some of the NL East teams for those two Wild Card spots.
Cincinnati Reds
Manager: David Bell (3rd year, Career/Team record: 106-116)
LINEUP
| LF | #33 | Jesse Winker | 27 | L/L | .255 AVG, 12 HR, 23 RBI, .388 OBP |
| RF | #2 | Nick Castellanos | 29 | R/R | .225 AVG, 14 HR, 34 RBI, .298 OBP |
| 3B | #9 | Mike Moustakas | 32 | L/R | .230 AVG, 8 HR, 27 RBI, .331 OBP |
| SS | #7 | Eugenio Suarez | 29 | R/R | .202 AVG, 15 HR, 38 RBI, .312 OBP |
| 1B | #19 | Joey Votto | 37 | L/R | .226 AVG, 11 HR, 22 RBI, .354 OBP |
| 2B | #71 | Jonathan India (R) | 24 | R/R | NO STATS |
| C | #16 | Tucker Barnhart | 30 | L/R | .204 AVG, 5 HR, 13 RBI |
| CF | #15 | Nick Senzel | 25 | R/R | .186 AVG, 2 HR, 8 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #37 | Tyler Stephenson | 24 | R/R | 5/17, 2 HR, 6 RBI |
| UTIL | #17 | Kyle Farmer | 30 | R/R | .266 AVG, 0 HR, 4 RBI |
| 2B/CF | #6 | Dee Strange-Gordon | 32 | L/R | .200 AVG, 0 HR, 3 RBI, 3 SB – SEA |
| LF | #44 | Aristides Aquino | 26 | R/R | 8/47, 2 HR, 8 RBI |
| OF | #4 | Shogo Akiyama | 32 | L/R | .245 AVG, 0 HR, 9 RBI, 7 SB |
ROTATION
| SP | #58 | Luis Castillo | 28 | RHP | 4-6, 3.21 ERA, 89 Ks, 1.23 WHIP |
| SP | #54 | Sonny Gray | 31 | RHP | 5-3, 3.70 ERA, 72 Ks, 1.21 WHIP |
| SP | #22 | Wade Miley | 34 | LHP | 0-3, 5.65 ERA, 12 Ks, 1.67 WHIP |
| SP | #30 | Tyler Mahle | 26 | RHP | 2-2, 3.59 ERA, 60 Ks, 1.15 WHIP |
| SP | #21 | Michael Lorenzen | 29 | RHP | 3-1, 4.28 ERA, 35 Ks, 1.40 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #50 | Amir Garrett | 28 | LHP | 1 SV, 2.45 ERA, 26 Ks, 0.93 WHIP |
| SU | #63 | Sean Dooltittle | 34 | LHP | 0-2, 5.87 ERA, 6 Ks, 1.70 WHIP – WAS |
| RP | #41 | Noe Ramirez | 31 | RHP | 1-0, 3.00 ERA, 14 Ks, 1.14 WHIP – LAA |
| RP | #39 | Lucas Sims | 26 | RHP | 3-0, 2.45 ERA, 34 Ks, 0.94 WHIP |
| RP | #75 | Carson Fulmer | 27 | RHP | 0-0, 4.35 ERA, 11 Ks, 1.26 WHIP – DET/BAL |
| RP | #43 | Cionel Perez | 24 | LHP | 0-0, 2.84 ERA, 8 Ks, 2.05 WHIP – HOU |
| RP | #70 | Tejay Antone | 27 | RHP | 0-3, 2.80 ERA, 45 Ks, 1.02 WHIP |
| RP | #47 | Sal Romano | 27 | RHP | 2 GP, 0.00 ERA |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Nick Lodolo (Pitcher, Age: 23, LHP, MLB Rank: #59)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: SP Luis Castillo
Breakout Player: C Tyler Stephenson
Grade: C+
Projected Record: 76-86, 4th in NL Central
Although they took a couple of blows this offseason, the Reds enter 2021 not too far out of the playoff race and a potential Wild Card contender if all things click. Now the big word to look for is “if”, because after last season there wasn’t much optimism to bring into the 2021 season. Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer left town for LA, and SS Freddy Galvis also jumped ship, a move that the Reds didn’t seem to address this offseason with a replacement. But here comes the kicker, Eugenio Suarez has been playing some SS throughout Spring Training and could get moved full-time there. Mike Moustakas will enter the second year of his Reds tenure and a move back over to his natural position at the hot corner would make a lot of sense. One of the team’s top prospects and former 1st round pick, Jonathan India, seems well set to take over everyday 2B duties and I wouldn’t be shocked if he wins the position right from Opening Day. Nick Castellanos will also look to have a bounce back year after struggling with the bat in the first year of him multi-year deal he signed before 2020. Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray will anchor the rotation after the loss of Bauer, while Tyler Mahle and Michael Lorenzen could have full-time roles this year. Sean Doolittle and Noe Ramirez were good veteran additions to help bolster the back of the bullpen that will be without closer Raisel Iglesias who was dealt to the Angels. I don’t see Amir Garrett not being the closer, at least from the start, as his stuff has been nothing short of nasty over the last few years. I don’t think the Reds are a real elite level threat and they for sure have a lot of question marks, but if all goes right they can maybe finish in 3rd or close to 2nd in the NL Central.
Milwaukee Brewers
Manager: Craig Counsell (7th year, Career/Team record: 434-412)
LINEUP
| LF | #6 | Lorenzo Cain | 34 | R/R | 6/18, 0 HR, 2 RBI |
| 2B | #16 | Kolten Wong | 30 | L/R | .265 AVG, 1 HR, 16 RBI, 5 SB – STL |
| RF | #22 | Christian Yelich | 29 | L/R | .205 AVG, 12 HR, 22 RBI, .356 OBP |
| 1B | #18 | Keston Hiura | 24 | R/R | .212 AVG, 13 HR, 32 RBI, 3 SB |
| 3B | #21 | Travis Shaw | 30 | L/R | .239 AVG, 6 HR, 17 RBI, .306 OBP – TOR |
| CF | #41 | Jackie Bradley Jr. | 30 | L/R | .283 AVG, 7 HR, 22 RBI, .364 OBP – BOS |
| SS | #3 | Orlando Arcia | 26 | R/R | .260 AVG, 5 HR, 20 RBI, .317 OBP |
| C | #10 | Omar Narvaez | 29 | L/R | .176 AVG, 2 HR, 10 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #26 | Jacob Nottingham | 25 | R/R | 9/48, 4 HR, 13 RBI |
| 1B | #20 | Daniel Vogelbach | 28 | L/R | .209 AVG, 6 HR, 16 RBI – SEA/TOR/MIL |
| INF | #2 | Luis Urias | 23 | R/R | .239 AVG, 0 HR, 11 RBI, 2 SB |
| OF | #24 | Avisail Garcia | 29 | R/R | .238 AVG, 2 HR, 15 RBI, .333 OBP |
| OF | #15 | Tyrone Taylor | 27 | R/R | 9/38, 2 HR, 6 RBI |
ROTATION
| SP | #53 | Brandon Woodruff | 28 | RHP | 3-5, 3.05 ERA, 91 Ks, 0.99 WHIP |
| SP | #25 | Brett Anderson | 33 | LHP | 4-4, 4.21 ERA, 32 Ks, 1.28 WHIP |
| SP | #37 | Adrian Houser | 28 | RHP | 1-6, 5.30 ERA, 44 Ks, 1.50 WHIP |
| SP | #29 | Josh Lindblom | 33 | RHP | 2-4, 5.16 ERA, 52 Ks, 1.28 WHIP |
| SP | #35 | Brent Suter | 31 | LHP | 2-0, 3.13 ERA, 38 Ks, 1.11 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #71 | Josh Hader | 26 | LHP | 13 SVs, 3.79 ERA, 31 Ks, 0.95 WHIP |
| SU | #38 | Devin Williams | 26 | RHP | 4-1, 0.33 ERA, 53 Ks, 0.63 WHIP |
| RP | #57 | Eric Yardley | 30 | RHP | 2-0, 1.54 ERA, 19 Ks, 1.24 WHIP |
| RP | #51 | Freddy Peralta | 24 | RHP | 3-1, 3.99 ERA, 47 Ks, 1.16 WHIP |
| RP | #56 | Justin Topa (R) | 30 | RHP | 0-1, 2.35 ERA, 12 Ks, 0.91 WHIP |
| RP | #55 | Hoby Milner | 30 | LHP | 0-0, 8.10 ERA, 13 Ks, 1.43 WHIP – LAA |
| RP | #43 | Drew Rasmussen | 25 | RHP | 1-0, 5.87 ERA, 21 Ks, 1.70 WHIP |
| RP | #39 | Corbin Burnes | 26 | RHP | 4-1, 2.11 ERA, 88 Ks, 1.02 WHIP |
IL
| OF | #7 | Derek Fisher | 27 | L/R | Hamstring Potential return in April |
| RP | #31 | Bobby Wahl | 29 | RHP | Oblique Potential return in May |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Ethan Small (Pitcher, Age: 24, LHP, Team Rank: #4)
Mario Feliciano (Catcher, Age: 22, R/R, Team Rank: #5)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: RF Christian Yelich
Breakout Player: SP Josh Lindblom
Grade: B
Projected Record: 86-76, 2nd in NL Central
A sleeper to watch out for this season, the Brewers didn’t seem to upgrade a ton during the offseason but sneakily had a very good winter. There is no shortage of bats in this Brewers lineup, that’s for sure, as Kolten Wong, Travis Shaw, and Jackie Bradley Jr. were all brought in to add strength. With Wong taking over 2B duties, that will move young power hitter Keston Hiura to 1B to replace long time team cornerstone Ryan Braun. JBJ will snag CF duties and move Cain over to LF while Avisail Garcia will add depth as the fourth outfielder. Daniel Vogelbach gives a huge lefty power bat as a pinch hitter and the 3B battle seems likely to go Travis Shaw’s way over Luis Urias. The real question is the rotation, which I really don’t think is going to be as big of an issue as some might think. Sure it would have helped to add another arm this offseason, but Brandon Woodruff has become an ace and Anderson gives consistent veteran depth. The three open spots would be between Houser, Lindblom, Suter, and Burnes, who have all shown they can be solid to some degree in the majors. The back of the bullpen is elite, as NL Rookie of the Year in 2020 Devin Williams will form a dynamic duo in late-inning duties with hard throwing Josh Hader. The NL Central is very wide open with St. Louis looking like the favorites and Milwaukee and the Cubs being the next best. I expect a bounce back year from Christian Yelich and another Wild Card contending year for Milwaukee.
Pittsburgh Pirates
Manager: Derek Shelton (2nd year, Career/Team record: 19-41)
LINEUP
| 2B | #26 | Adam Frazier | 29 | L/R | .230 AVG, 7 HR, 23 RBI, 1 SB |
| 3B | #13 | Ke’Bryan Hayes (R) | 24 | R/R | .376 AVG, 5 HR, 11 RBI, .442 OBP |
| CF | #10 | Bryan Reynolds | 26 | S/R | .189 AVG, 7 HR, 19 RBI |
| 1B | #19 | Colin Moran | 28 | L/R | .247 AVG, 10 HR, 23 RBI, .325 OBP |
| RF | #25 | Gregory Polanco | 29 | L/L | .153 AVG, 7 HR, 22 RBI, 3 SB |
| SS | #27 | Kevin Newman | 27 | R/R | .224 AVG, 1 HR, 10 RBI, .281 OBP |
| C | #58 | Jacob Stallings | 31 | R/R | .248 AVG, 3 HR, 18 RBI, .326 OBP |
| LF | #6 | Anthony Alford | 26 | R/R | 6/28, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 3 SB – TOR/PIT |
BENCH
| C | #5 | Michael Perez | 28 | L/R | .167 AVG, 1 HR, 13 RBI – TB |
| 3B/1B | #24 | Phillip Evans | 28 | R/R | 14/39, 1 HR, 9 RBI |
| INF | #2 | Erik Gonzalez | 29 | R/R | .227 AVG, 3 HR, 20 RBI |
| RF | #95 | Dustin Fowler | 26 | L/L | DNP – Alternate site – OAK |
| LF | #18 | Brian Goodwin | 30 | L/R | .215 AVG, 6 HR, 22 RBI, 5 SB – LAA/CIN |
ROTATION
| SP | #31 | Tyler Anderson | 31 | LHP | 4-3, 4.37 ERA, 41 Ks, 1.39 WHIP |
| SP | #53 | Trevor Cahill | 33 | RHP | 1-2, 3.24 ERA, 31 Ks, 1.20 WHIP – SF |
| SP | #34 | J.T. Brubaker | 27 | RHP | 1-3, 4.94 ERA, 48 Ks, 1.37 WHIP |
| SP | #23 | Mitch Keller | 24 | RHP | 1-1, 2.91 ERA, 16 Ks, 1.25 WHIP |
| SP | #39 | Chad Kuhl | 28 | RHP | 2-3, 4.27 ERA, 44 Ks, 1.36 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #48 | Richard Rodriguez | 31 | RHP | 4 SVs, 2.70 ERA, 34 Ks, 0.86 WHIP |
| SU | #46 | Chris Stratton | 30 | RHP | 2-1, 3.90 ERA, 39 Ks, 1.30 WHIP |
| RP | #54 | Sam Howard | 28 | LHP | 2-3, 3.86 ERA, 27 Ks, 1.24 WHIP |
| RP | #32 | Geoff Hartlieb | 27 | RHP | 1-0, 3.63 ERA, 19 Ks, 1.57 WHIP |
| RP | #30 | Kyle Crick | 28 | RHP | 0-1, 1.59 ERA, 7 Ks, 1.94 WHIP |
| RP | #55 | Chasen Shreve | 30 | LHP | 1-0, 3.96 ERA, 34 Ks, 1.16 WHIP – NYM |
| RP | #45 | Michael Feliz | 27 | RHP | 3 GP, 32.40 ERA, 2 Ks |
| RP | #44 | Cody Ponce | 26 | RHP | 1-1, 3.18 ERA, 12 Ks, 1.06 WHIP |
IL
| RP | #43 | Steven Brault | 28 | LHP | Lat strain Potential return in June |
| RP | #35 | Austin Davis | 28 | LHP | Elbow sprain Potential return in July |
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: RF Gregory Polanco
Breakout Player: 3B Ke’Bryan Hayes
Grade: D-
Projected Record: 59-103, 5th in NL Central
Now I don’t really give out too many ‘D-‘s in my grades, nor do a give out a lot of D’s in general, but the Pirates are the prime example of what a horrible offseason looks like. As the team often does, they had to plunge into a rebuild and boy did they go all in. Josh Bell, Jameson Taillon, and Joe Musgrove were all dealt; basically anyone with any value was sent away. Now the team looks decimated and will most likely be the worst in all of baseball in 2021. We’re still a year or two away from any of their big prospects being available, but we’ll be able to watch a full year of MLB’s #8 prospect Ke’Bryan Hayes. After absolutely shining when getting called up in 2020, he’ll look to become one of the game’s bright young stars for years to come. The only lingering member left of the Pirates’ playoff teams is Gregory Polanco, who they’ll probably hope gets off to a solid start so he can be dealt at the deadline too. There’s really not much to hope for besides improvement from the young core and continual growth towards a successful rebuild. It’s just the beginning of the rebuild, and as we usually see it will be a tough year for Pittsburgh.
St. Louis Cardinals
Manager: Mike Schildt (4th year, Career/Team record: 162-127)
LINEUP
| 2B | #19 | Tommy Edman | 25 | S/R | .250 AVG, 5 HR, 26 RBI, .317 OBP |
| SS | #11 | Paul DeJong | 27 | R/R | .250 AVG, 3 HR, 25 RBI, .322 OBP |
| 1B | #46 | Paul Goldschmidt | 33 | R/R | .304 AVG, 6 HR, 21 RBI, .417 OBP |
| 3B | #28 | Nolan Arenado | 29 | R/R | .253 AVG, 8 HR, 26 RBI, .303 OBP – COL |
| C | #4 | Yadier Molina | 38 | R/R | .262 AVG, 4 HR, 16 RBI, .303 OBP |
| RF | #0 | Austin Dean | 27 | R/R | 1/4 |
| CF | #3 | Dylan Carlson (R) | 22 | S/L | .200 AVG, 3 HR, 16 RBI |
| LF | #27 | Tyler O’Neill | 25 | R/R | .173 AVG, 7 HR, 19 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #7 | Andrew Knizner | 26 | R/R | 4/16, 0 HR, 4 RBI |
| INF | #13 | Matt Carpenter | 35 | L/R | .186 AVG, 4 HR, 24 RBI, .325 OBP |
| SS | #63 | Edmundo Sosa (R) | 25 | R/R | 2/8, 1 SB |
| LF | #35 | Lane Thomas | 25 | R/R | 4/36, 1 HR, 2 RBI |
| RF | #26 | Justin Williams (R) | 25 | L/R | 1/5 |
ROTATION
| SP | #22 | Jack Flaherty | 25 | RHP | 4-3, 4.91 ERA, 49 Ks, 1.21 WHIP |
| SP | #50 | Adam Wainwright | 39 | RHP | 5-3, 3.15 ERA, 54 Ks, 1.05 WHIP |
| SP | #18 | Carlos Martinez | 29 | RHP | 5 GS, 9.90 ERA, 17 Ks, 2.10 WHIP |
| SP | #33 | Kwang-Hyun Kim | 32 | LHP | 3-0, 1.62 ERA, 24 Ks, 1.03 WHIP |
| SP | #53 | John Gant | 28 | RHP | 0-3, 2.40 ERA, 18 Ks, 1.07 WHIP |
BULLPEN
| CP | #12 | Jordan Hicks | 24 | RHP | DNP – SAT OUT |
| SU | #65 | Giovanny Gallegos | 29 | RHP | 4 SVs, 3.60 ERA, 21 Ks, 0.87 WHIP |
| RP | #21 | Andrew Miller | 35 | LHP | 4 SVs, 2.77 ERA, 16 Ks, 1.08 WHIP |
| RP | #92 | Genesis Cabrera | 24 | LHP | 1 SV, 2.42 ERA, 32 Ks, 1.16 WHIP |
| RP | #56 | Ryan Helsley | 26 | RHP | 1 SV, 5.25 ERA, 10 Ks, 1.33 WHIP |
| RP | #30 | Tyler Webb | 30 | LHP | 1 SV, 2.08 ERA, 19 Ks, 1.11 WHIP |
| RP | #38 | Kodi Whitley (R) | 26 | RHP | 0-0, 1.93 ERA, 5 Ks, 0.64 WHIP |
| RP | #29 | Alex Reyes | 26 | RHP | 1 SV, 3.20 ERA, 27 Ks, 1.42 WHIP |
IL
| CF | #48 | Harrison Bader | 26 | R/R | Forearm Potential return in May |
| SP | #39 | Miles Mikolas | 32 | RHP | Shoulder Potential return in May |
| SP | #43 | Dakota Hudson | 26 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Will miss the entire season |
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: 3B Nolan Arenado
Breakout Player: CF Dylan Carlson
Grade: B+
Projected Record: 90-72, 1st in NL Central
Rounding out the NL Central we have the favorites to take away the crown with the Cardinals. St. Louis has been back and forth with dominance over the last few seasons, but the blockbuster trade for Nolan Arenado should be the piece that puts them over the edge. A middle of the lineup of Arenado alongside Goldschmidt, DeJong and the great Yadier Molina should provide lethal power in a division that lacks pitching. The real questions are going to be around the outfield, and after trading Dexter Fowler, the entire OF lacks veteran presence. Harrison Bader was slated to man CF every day before injuring his forearm that will keep him out for the first month-plus of the season. #13 prospect in all of baseball, Dylan Carlson, will take over every day duties and will look to bounce back after struggling a bit when getting called up in 2020. The rest of the bench will be headed in a youth movement, with Andrew Knizner replacing Matt Wieters as Yadi’s backup, and Edmundo Sosa becoming the utility infielder. The rotation is looking great again, and despite young star Dakota Hudson going down with Tommy John, Flaherty, Martinez, and Kim could add fire power if they’re all locked in. Adam Wainwright re-signed to another one-year deal, and at 39, has not seemed to fall off at all and could be a dominant number two behind Flaherty. Jordan Hicks will finally return after missing all of 2019 with Tommy John Surgery and opting out of 2020, and can slate in as the closer if his fastball is hitting 104 again. Gallegos, Miller, and Cabrera should add valuable late inning outings and Alex Reyes has shined in Spring Training and could look to finally live up to his potential out of the minors. Are the Cardinals at the same level as the Padres, Dodgers, Braves, and Mets? Probably not but they by far should win this division and gain themselves a 3-seed in the playoffs.
Arizona Diamondbacks
Manager: Torey Lovullo (5th year, Career/Team record: 285-261)
LINEUP
| 2B | #10 | Josh Rojas | 26 | L/R | .180 AVG, 0 HR, 2 RBI |
| CF | #4 | Ketel Marte | 27 | S/R | .287 AVG, 2 HR, 17 RBI, .323 OBP |
| 3B | #5 | Eduardo Escobar | 32 | S/R | .212 AVG, 4 HR, 20 RBI, .270 OBP |
| LF | #6 | David Peralta | 33 | L/L | .300 AVG, 5 HR, 34 RBI, .339 OBP |
| 1B | #53 | Christian Walker | 30 | R/R | .271 AVG, 7 HR, 34 RBI, .333 OBP |
| RF | #56 | Kole Calhoun | 33 | L/L | .226 AVG, 16 HR, 40 RBI, .338 OBP |
| C | #18 | Carson Kelly | 26 | R/R | .221 AVG, 5 HR, 19 RBI |
| SS | #13 | Nick Ahmed | 31 | R/R | .266 AVG, 5 HR, 29 RBI, .327 OBP |
BENCH
| C | #21 | Stephen Vogt | 36 | L/R | .167 AVG, 1 HR, 7 RBI |
| 1B/OF | #26 | Pavin Smith (R) | 25 | L/L | 10/37, 1 HR, 4 RBI, 1 SB |
| INF | #14 | Asdrubal Cabrera | 35 | S/R | .242 AVG, 8 HR, 31 RBI, .305 OBP – WAS |
| UTIL | #19 | Josh VanMeter | 26 | L/R | .129 AVG, 2 HR, 6 RBI – CIN/ARI |
| LF | #16 | Tim Locastro | 28 | R/R | .290 AVG, 2 HR, 7 RBI, .395 OBP |
ROTATION
| SP | #40 | Madison Bumgarner | 31 | LHP | 1-4, 6.48 ERA, 30 Ks, 1.44 WHIP |
| SP | #29 | Merrill Kelly | 32 | RHP | 3-2, 2.59 ERA, 29 Ks, 0.99 WHIP |
| SP | #24 | Luke Weaver | 27 | RHP | 1-9, 6.58 ERA, 55 Ks, 1.56 WHIP |
| SP | #45 | Taylor Clarke | 27 | RHP | 3-0, 4.36 ERA, 40 Ks, 1.29 WHIP |
| SP | #31 | Caleb Smith | 29 | LHP | 0-0, 2.57 ERA, 15 Ks, 1.29 WHIP – MIA/ARI |
BULLPEN
| CP | #58 | Stefan Crichton | 29 | RHP | 5 SVs, 2.42 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.19 WHIP |
| SU | #48 | Joakim Soria | 36 | RHP | 2 SVs, 2.82 ERA, 24 Ks, 1.25 WHIP – OAK |
| RP | #50 | Yoan Lopez | 28 | RHP | 0-1, 5.95 ERA, 16 Ks, 1.53 WHIP |
| RP | #37 | Kevin Ginkel | 27 | RHP | 1 SV, 6.75 ERA, 18 Ks, 2.13 WHIP |
| RP | #57 | Taylor Widener | 26 | RHP | 0-1, 4.50 ERA, 22 Ks, 1.30 WHIP |
| RP | #32 | Chris Devenski | 30 | RHP | 4 GP, 14.73 ERA, 5 Ks – HOU |
| RP | #55 | Taylor Gulibeau | 27 | LHP | 0-0, 1.17 ERA, 3 Ks, 1.83 WHIP – SEA |
| RP | #49 | Alex Young | 27 | LHP | 2-4, 5.44 ERA, 39 Ks, 1.40 WHIP |
IL
| SP | #23 | Zac Gallen | 25 | RHP | Fractured forearm Potential return in May |
| RP | #36 | Tyler Clippard | 36 | RHP | Sprained right shoulder Potential return in May |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Geraldo Perdomo (Short Stop, Age: 21, S/R, MLB Rank: #79)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: 2B/CF Ketel Marte
Breakout Player: C Carson Kelly
Grade: B
Projected Record: 84-78, 3rd in NL West
Another sleeper of the 2021 season, the Diamondbacks enter the year fresh off of a disappointing 2020 and ready to compete. They’ll for sure be up for a tall task though, being stuck in the same division as both the Dodgers and Padres, two teams that you can argue are the two best in all of baseball. Say the Dodgers and Padres are locks for the playoffs as they assume to be, Arizona will have to duke it out with the other powerhouses in the NL East and even the Brewers or Cubs for a Wild Card spot. Regardless, I like this D-Backs team a lot. Their lineup is looking strong again, with everyone coming back fully healthy and only Kole Calhoun possible to miss time to start the year. I do believe the rotation will bounce back, after a dreadful season last year that caused most of their woes. Madison Bumgarner should get back to MadBum ways in a full season and youngsters Merrill Kelly and Luke Weaver should keep building on the success they’ve shown. Zac Gallen had an incredible year last year, and ever since being brought up by the Marlins, he has done nothing but stay consistent. When he gets back from the IL it’ll be a huge boost to the rotation. The bullpen also has some veteran depth as Joakim Soria was added and Chris Devenski and Taylor Gulibeau could make the team as non-roster invites. Stefan Crichton held down the ninth-inning duties last year after Archie Bradley was dealt and seems to be ready to at least start the year in the same role. It’s going to be tough but I do expect a solid year from Arizona that could end in a close race for the second Wild Card spot.
Colorado Rockies
Manager: Bud Black (5th year in COL, Career record: 924-985, Team record: 275-272)
LINEUP
| LF | #1 | Garrett Hampson | 26 | R/R | .234 AVG, 5 HR, 11 RBI, 6 SB |
| 3B | #24 | Ryan McMahon | 26 | L/R | .215 AVG, 9 HR, 26 RBI, .295 OBP |
| SS | #27 | Trevor Story | 28 | R/R | .289 AVG, 11 HR, 28 RBI, 15 SB |
| RF | #19 | Charlie Blackmon | 34 | L/L | .303 AVG, 6 HR, 42 RBI, .356 OBP |
| 1B | #8 | Josh Fuentes | 28 | R/R | .306 AVG, 2 HR, 17 RBI, .320 OBP |
| CF | #15 | Raimel Tapia | 27 | L/L | .321 AVG, 1 HR, 17 RBI, 8 SB |
| 2B | #7 | Brendan Rodgers | 24 | R/R | 2/21, 0 HR, 2 RBI |
| C | #35 | Elias Diaz | 30 | R/R | .235 AVG, 2 HR, 9 RBI |
BENCH
| C | #3 | Dom Nunez | 26 | L/R | 7/39, 2 HR, 4 RBI |
| 1B | #25 | C.J. Cron | 31 | R/R | 8/42, 4 HR, 8 RBI – DET |
| INF | #12 | Chris Owings | 29 | R/R | 11/41, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 1 SB |
| CF | #2 | Yonathan Daza (R) | 27 | R/R | .206 AVG, 0 HR, 3 RBI, .257 OBP |
| RF | #22 | Sam Hilliard | 27 | L/L | .210 AVG, 6 HR, 10 RBI, .272 OBP |
ROTATION
| SP | #48 | German Marquez | 26 | RHP | 4-6, 3.75 ERA, 73 Ks, 1.26 WHIP |
| SP | #55 | Jon Gray | 29 | RHP | 2-4, 6.69 ERA, 22 Ks, 1.44 WHIP |
| SP | #49 | Antonio Senzatela | 26 | RHP | 5-3, 3.44 ERA, 41 Ks, 1.21 WHIP |
| SP | #50 | Chi Chi Gonzalez | 29 | RHP | 0-2, 6.86 ERA, 16 Ks, 1.63 WHIP |
| SP | #26 | Austin Gomber | 27 | LHP | 1-1, 1.86 ERA, 27 Ks, 1.17 WHIP – STL |
BULLPEN
| CP | #52 | Daniel Bard | 35 | RHP | 6 SVs, 3.65 ERA, 27 Ks, 1.30 WHIP |
| SU | #60 | Mychal Givens | 30 | RHP | 1 SV, 3.63 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.16 WHIP – BAL/COL |
| RP | #62 | Yency Almonte | 26 | RHP | 1 SV, 2.93 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.12 WHIP |
| RP | #54 | Carlos Estevez | 28 | RHP | 1 SV, 7.50 ERA, 27 Ks, 1.75 WHIP |
| RP | #61 | Ben Bowden (R) | 26 | LHP | NO STATS |
| RP | #37 | Jairo Diaz | 29 | RHP | 4 SVs, 7.65 ERA, 17 Ks, 2.25 WHIP |
| RP | #40 | Tyler Kinley | 30 | RHP | 0-2, 5.32 ERA, 26 Ks, 1.06 WHIP |
| RP | #29 | Robert Stephenson | 28 | RHP | 0-0, 9.90 ERA, 13 Ks, 1.40 WHIP – CIN |
IL
| CF | #20 | Ian Desmond | 35 | R/R | Opting out of season |
| SP | #21 | Kyle Freeland | 27 | LHP | Shoulder strain Potential return in May |
| SP | #23 | Peter Lambert | 24 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in September |
| RP | #45 | Scott Oberg | 31 | RHP | Blood clots Out indefinitely |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Ryan Rolison (Pitcher, Age: 23, LHP, Team Rank: #2)
Ryan Vilade (Outfielder, Age: 22, R/R, Team Rank: #4)
Elehuris Montero (Third Base, Age: 22, R/R, Team Rank: #9)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: SS Trevor Story
Breakout Player: 2B/LF Garrett Hampson
Grade: C-
Projected Record: 67-95, 5th in NL West
It’s always a tough time when you deal your franchise star during the offseason, and the ramifications that the Rockies will have to pay will probably make it worse. After Arenado was dealt to the Cardinals during the winter, a lot of speculation began whether there is any plan to lock up star SS Trevor Story before he hits free agency after this year. It seems like Colorado will hold onto him, for now, and continue forward with their youth movement. Ryan McMahon will slot over to 3B to replace Arenado and youngster Brendan Rodgers should take over 2B duties. With Ian Desmond opting out of the season, both Raimel Tapia and Garrett Hampson should join Charlie Blackmon as everyday outfielders. Obviously we haven’t seen a star starter in Colorado probably since the Rockies came into existence, but German Marquez has become one of their best in a while. Austin Gomber was added from St. Louis and can steal a rotation spot if he can stay consistent. The Wade Davis experiment completely blew up in the Rockies’ face, but now moving on from the ex-closer they might have a gem after giving Daniel Bard a second chance in the majors last season. Mychal Givens and Yency Almonte should also give depth in a bullpen with a lot of question marks. In the back end of the National League, along with the Pirates, the Rockies don’t have a ton to look forward to in 2021 and should struggle a lot in the beginning of the post-Nolan Arenado era.
Los Angeles Dodgers
Manager: Dave Roberts (6th year, Career/Team record: 436-273)
LINEUP
| RF | #50 | Mookie Betts | 28 | R/R | .292 AVG, 16 HR, 32 RBI, 10 SB |
| SS | #5 | Corey Seager | 26 | L/R | .307 AVG, 15 HR, 41 RBI, .358 OBP |
| 3B | #10 | Justin Turner | 36 | R/R | .307 AVG, 4 HR, 23 RBI, .400 OBP |
| CF | #35 | Cody Bellinger | 25 | L/L | .239 AVG, 12 HR, 30 RBI, .333 OBP |
| LF | #11 | A.J. Pollock | 33 | R/R | .276 AVG, 16 HR, 34 RBI, .314 OBP |
| 1B | #13 | Max Muncy | 30 | L/R | .192 AVG, 12 HR, 27 RBI, .331 OBP |
| 2B | #3 | Chris Taylor | 30 | R/R | .270 AVG, 8 HR, 32 RBI, .366 OBP |
| C | #16 | Will Smith | 26 | R/R | .289 AVG, 8 HR, 25 RBI, .401 OBP |
BENCH
| C | #15 | Austin Barnes | 31 | R/R | .244 AVG, 1 HR, 9 RBI, .353 OBP |
| INF | #9 | Gavin Lux | 23 | L/R | .175 AVG, 3 HR, 8 RBI |
| 3B/1B | #43 | Edwin Rios | 26 | L/R | .250 AVG, 8 HR, 17 RBI |
| 2B/OF | #8 | Zach McKinstry (R) | 25 | L/R | 2/7 |
| 1B/OF | #45 | Matt Beaty | 27 | L/R | .220 AVG, 2 HR, 5 RBI |
ROTATION
| SP | #21 | Walker Buehler | 26 | RHP | 1-0, 3.44 ERA, 42 Ks, 0.95 WHIP |
| SP | #22 | Clayton Kershaw | 33 | LHP | 6-2, 2.16 ERA, 62 Ks, 0.84 WHIP |
| SP | #27 | Trevor Bauer | 30 | RHP | 5-4, 1.73 ERA, 100 Ks, 0.79 WHIP – CIN |
| SP | #7 | Julio Urias | 24 | LHP | 3-0, 3.27 ERA, 45 Ks, 1.15 WHIP |
| SP | #33 | David Price | 35 | LHP | DNP – SAT OUT |
BULLPEN
| CP | #74 | Kenley Jansen | 33 | RHP | 11 SVs, 3.33 ERA, 33 Ks, 1.15 WHIP |
| SU | #46 | Corey Knebel | 29 | RHP | 0-0, 6.08 ERA, 15 Ks, 1.73 WHIP – MIL |
| RP | #49 | Blake Treinen | 32 | RHP | 1 SV, 3.86 ERA, 22 Ks, 1.21 WHIP |
| RP | #17 | Joe Kelly | 32 | RHP | 0-0, 1.80 ERA, 9 Ks, 1.50 WHIP |
| RP | #48 | Brusdar Graterol | 22 | RHP | 1-2, 3.09 ERA, 13 Ks, 0.90 WHIP |
| RP | #75 | Scott Alexander | 31 | LHP | 2-0, 2.92 ERA, 9 Ks, 1.46 WHIP |
| RP | #26 | Tony Gonsolin | 26 | RHP | 2-2, 2.31 ERA, 46 Ks, 0.84 WHIP |
| RP | #85 | Dustin May | 23 | RHP | 3-1, 2.57 ERA, 44 Ks, 1.09 WHIP |
IL
| SP | #64 | Caleb Ferguson | 24 | LHP | Tommy John Surgery Will miss entire season |
| RP | #44 | Tommy Kahnle | 31 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Will miss entire season |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Josiah Gray (Pitcher, Age: 23, RHP, MLB Rank: #58)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: RF Mookie Betts
Breakout Player: 2B Gavin Lux
Grade: A+
Projected Record: 104-58, 1st in NL West
Can this be the first back-to-back champions since the Yankees of 99-00? Well it will definitely be a tall task for the dominant Dodgers but they will definitely be heading into 2021 as the clear cut best team in all of baseball. After dominating the 2020 shortened season, and eventually defeating the Rays in the World Series, it seemed like a long awaited outcome for LA. Heading into 2021, the Dodgers bring all of their key pieces back and a few new faces in Cy Young winner Trevor Bauer, David Price who opted out of 2020, and Corey Knebel. All the main roles will pretty much be the same and even though it’s enticing to talk about the ridiculous offense, it’s the pitching that’s insane for me. This team has seven legitimate starters and none of them are placeholders or number-five’s for anyone besides them. Tony Gonsolin and Dustin May will probably be kicked to the bullpen when everyone is healthy only due to the influx of talent they have with the return of Price and addition of Bauer. If Kenley Jansen continues to struggle a bit in the closer role, you have Knebel, Treinen, and Kelly, all with closer experience, that can step up. When you have a nearly $300 million payroll, you should be as dominant as the Dodgers look to be although that’s not always the case. On paper, this seems like the most stacked roster since the 90’s Yankees but they will need to duke it out with the Padres to hoist up another division crown. If all goes well and everyone stays healthy, I see it being very difficult for anyone to catch this squad yet again, but ya never know in baseball.
San Diego Padres
Manager: Jayce Tingler (2nd year, Career/Team record: 37-23)
LINEUP
| SS | #23 | Fernando Tatis Jr. | 22 | R/R | .277 AVG, 17 HR, 45 RBI, 11 SB |
| RF | #4 | Wil Myers | 30 | R/R | .288 AVG, 15 HR, 40 RBI, .353 OBP |
| 3B | #13 | Manny Machado | 28 | R/R | .304 AVG, 16 HR, 47 RBI, .370 OBP |
| 1B | #30 | Eric Hosmer | 31 | L/L | .287 AVG, 9 HR, 36 RBI, .333 OBP |
| LF | #28 | Tommy Pham | 33 | R/R | .211 AVG, 3 HR, 12 RBI, 6 SB |
| 2B | #9 | Jake Cronenworth | 27 | L/R | .285 AVG, 4 HR, 20 RBI, .354 OBP |
| C | #22 | Austin Nola | 31 | R/R | .273 AVG, 7 HR, 28 RBI, .353 OBP – SEA/SD |
| CF | #2 | Trent Grisham | 24 | L/L | .251 AVG, 10 HR, 26 RBI, 10 SB |
BENCH
| C/1B | #17 | Victor Caratini | 27 | S/R | .241 AVG, 1 HR, 16 RBI, .333 OBP – CHC |
| 2B/SS | #7 | Ha-Seong Kim (R) | 25 | R/R | NO STATS – KBO |
| UTIL | #10 | Jurickson Profar | 28 | S/R | .278 AVG, 7 HR, 25 RBI, 7 SB |
| RF | #63 | Jorge Ona (R) | 24 | R/R | 3/12, 1 HR, 2 RBI |
| LF | #5 | Brian O’Grady | 28 | L/R | 2/5, 1 SB – TB |
ROTATION
| SP | #11 | Yu Darvish | 34 | RHP | 8-3, 2.01 ERA, 93 Ks, 0.96 WHIP – CHC |
| SP | #24 | Blake Snell | 28 | LHP | 4-2, 3.24 ERA, 63 Ks, 1.20 WHIP – TB |
| SP | #29 | Dinelson Lamet | 28 | RHP | 3-1, 2.09 ERA, 93 Ks, 0.86 WHIP |
| SP | #59 | Chris Paddack | 25 | RHP | 4-5, 4.73 ERA, 58 Ks, 1.22 WHIP |
| SP | #44 | Joe Musgrove | 28 | RHP | 1-5, 3.86 ERA, 55 Ks, 1.24 WHIP – PIT |
BULLPEN
| CP | #33 | Mark Melancon | 36 | RHP | 11 SVs, 2.78 ERA, 14 Ks, 1.28 WHIP – ATL |
| SU | #15 | Drew Pomeranz | 32 | LHP | 4 SVs, 1.45 ERA, 29 K, 1.02 WHIP |
| RP | #27 | Keone Kela | 27 | RHP | 3 GP, 4.50 ERA, 3 Ks – PIT |
| RP | #34 | Craig Stammen | 37 | RHP | 4-2, 5.63 ERA, 20 Ks, 1.29 WHIP |
| RP | #14 | Emilio Pagan | 29 | RHP | 2 SVs, 4.50 ERA, 23 Ks, 1.05 WHIP |
| RP | #36 | Pierce Johnson | 29 | RHP | 3-1, 2.70 ERA, 27 Ks, 1.20 WHIP |
| RP | #54 | Tim Hill | 31 | LHP | 3-0, 4.50 ERA, 20 Ks, 1.28 WHIP |
| RP | #50 | Adrian Morejon | 22 | LHP | 2-2, 4.66 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.24 WHIP |
IL
| SP | #52 | Mike Clevinger | 30 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Will miss entire season |
| RP | #58 | Trey Wingenter | 27 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in August |
| RP | #8 | Javy Guerra | 25 | RHP | UCL sprain Potential return in April |
| RP | #65 | Jose Castillo | 25 | LHP | Tommy John Surgery Will miss entire season |
| RP | #55 | Matt Strahm | 29 | LHP | Knee injury Potential return in May |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
MacKenzie Gore (Pitcher, Age: 22, LHP, MLB Rank: #6)
Ryan Weathers (Pitcher, Age: 21, LHP, Team Rank: #5)
Tucupita Marcano (Infielder, Age: 21, L/R, Team Rank: #6)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: SS Fernando Tatis Jr.
Breakout Player: SP Adrian Morejon
Grade: A-
Projected Record: 100-62, 2nd in NL West
Probably the most active team this entire offseason, the Padres had a stellar 2020 and completely refueled with an even stronger team. Fernando Tatis Jr. has implemented himself as a stud across baseball, and the 14-year contract San Diego handed him this offseason definitely proves they think the same. Yu Darvish, Blake Snell, and Joe Musrgove were all added via trades, three huge additions that bolster this rotation into one of the best in baseball along with Chris Paddack and Dinelson Lamet. Baseball’s #6 prospect MacKenzie Gore should also be on his way up at some point this season and the surplus of starting arms are nothing short of dominant. Mark Melancon and Keone Kela were added to a bullpen that was already extremely dominant in 2020, as Melancon should step in as the closer with Drew Pomeranz being his lock-down 8th-inning guy. Victor Caratini was also added to be Austin Nola’s backup catcher and young KBO stud Ha-Seong Kim was signed to potentially become the everyday 2B in an infield loaded with star power. Tatis, Machado, Hosmer, Myers, and Pham will headline a lineup that can provide spark in a tough pitching National League. The Padres are probably the second best team in baseball, the only problem is they’re in the same division as the best team in baseball. Because of this, one of them will have to be a Wild Card and play in the play-in game in order to reach the playoffs. These are two 100+ win teams and I can’t remember the last time we saw that in the same division. I’m excited and I think the duel between the Padres and Dodgers will go back and forth all season long, and every matchup between the two teams will be must watch TV.
San Francisco Giants
Manager: Gabe Kapler (2nd year in SF, Career record: 190-194, Team record: 29-31)
LINEUP
| RF | #5 | Mike Yastrzemski | 30 | L/L | .297 AVG, 10 HR, 34 RBI, .400 OBP |
| 2B | #18 | Tommy La Stella | 32 | L/R | .281 AVG, 5 HR, 25 RBI, .370 OBP – LAA/OAK |
| C | #28 | Buster Posey | 34 | R/R | DNP – SAT OUT |
| 1B | #9 | Brandon Belt | 32 | L/L | .309 AVG, 9 HR, 30 RBI, .425 OBP |
| 3B | #10 | Evan Longoria | 35 | R/R | .254 AVG, 7 HR, 28 RBI, .297 OBP |
| SS | #35 | Brandon Crawford | 34 | L/R | .256 AVG, 8 HR, 28 RBI, .326 OBP |
| LF | #12 | Alex Dickerson | 30 | L/L | .298 AVG, 10 HR, 27 RBI, .371 OBP |
| CF | #1 | Mauricio Dubon | 26 | R/R | .274 AVG, 4 HR, 19 RBI, 2 SB |
BENCH
| C | #2 | Curt Casali | 32 | R/R | .224 AVG, 6 HR, 8 RBI, .366 OBP – CIN |
| 2B/1B | #41 | Wilmer Flores | 29 | R/R | .268 AVG, 12 HR, 32 RBI |
| INF | #7 | Donovan Solano | 33 | R/R | .326 AVG, 3 HR, 29 RBI, .365 OBP |
| OF/1B | #33 | Darin Ruf | 34 | R/R | .276 AVG, 5 HR, 18 RBI, .370 OBP |
| OF | #13 | Austin Slater | 28 | R/R | .282 AVG, 5 HR, 7 RBI, 8 SB |
ROTATION
| SP | #47 | Johnny Cueto | 35 | RHP | 2-3, 5.40 ERA, 56 Ks, 1.37 WHIP |
| SP | #34 | Kevin Gausman | 30 | RHP | 3-3, 3.62 ERA, 79 Ks, 1.11 WHIP |
| SP | #62 | Logan Webb | 24 | RHP | 3-4, 5.47 ERA, 46 Ks, 1.56 WHIP |
| SP | #26 | Anthony DeSclafani | 30 | RHP | 1-2, 7.22 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.69 WHIP – CIN |
| SP | #48 | Aaron Sanchez | 28 | RHP | DNP – INJURED |
BULLPEN
| CP | #17 | Jake McGee | 34 | LHP | 3-1, 2.66 ERA, 33 Ks, 0.84 WHIP – LAD |
| SU | #54 | Reyes Moronta | 28 | RHP | DNP – INJURED |
| RP | #66 | Jarlin Garcia | 28 | LHP | 2-1, 0.49 ERA, 14 Ks, 0.98 WHIP |
| RP | #60 | Wandy Peralta | 29 | LHP | 1-1, 3.29 ERA, 25 Ks, 1.21 WHIP |
| RP | #52 | Jose Alvarez | 31 | LHP | 0-0, 1.42 ERA, 6 Ks, 1.58 WHIP – PHI |
| RP | #71 | Tyler Rogers | 30 | RHP | 3 SVs, 4.50 ERA, 27 Ks, 1.32 WHIP |
| RP | #45 | Caleb Barager | 26 | LHP | 5-1, 4.03 ERA, 19 Ks, 0.99 WHIP |
| RP | #37 | Matt Wisler | 28 | RHP | 1 SV, 1.07 ERA, 35 Ks, 1.14 WHIP – MIN |
IL
| SP | #38 | Tyler Beede | 27 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in June |
| SP | #57 | Alex Wood | 30 | LHP | Back Potential return in April |
| RP | #59 | John Brebbia | 30 | RHP | Tommy John Surgery Potential return in June |
TOP PROSPECTS WHO COULD MAKE THEIR DEBUTS IN 2021:
Joey Bart (Catcher, Age: 24, R/R, MLB Rank: #23)
Heliot Ramos (Oufielder, Age: 21, R/R, MLB Rank: #82)
PAUL’S THOUGHTS
MVP: RF Mike Yastrzemski
Breakout Player: 2B/CF Mauricio Dubon
Grade: B-
Projected Record: 83-79, 4th in NL West
The final team on my season preview is the San Francisco Giants who look decent coming into 2021 but will have an uphill battle in a tough division. Everyone is back healthy, as we’ll see a full season out of Johnny Cueto post-Tommy John Surgery and veterans Evan Longoria, Brandon Belt, Buster Posey, and Brandon Crawford should all be set to go for Opening Day. Tommy La Stella was brought in to man 2B, which makes things very interesting for Donovan Solano who had an amazing shortened season this past year. Mauricio Dubon should get the full-time move into CF as the infielder will look to become the player the Giants thought he could become as a top prospect. The rotation will be better than the last couple of years, as Kevin Gausman was brought back and veterans Anthony DeSclafani and Aaron Sanchez were also brought in for depth. Tyler Beede and Alex Wood will both start the year on the IL but should re-join the rotation not too long into the new season. Veterans Jake McGee, Jose Alvarez, and Matt Wisler were all added for bullpen depth, and with Reyes Moronta returning after missing all of 2020, I think McGee might see time as the closer at least to start the season. Just like most Gabe Kapler led teams are, the Giants should be right around .500 but have a tough time trailing the Dodgers, Padres, and Diamondbacks, all in their division.
The Sports World According To Paul 