2025 MLB Season Predictions: On the Eve of Opening Day

The anticipation for the 2025 Major League Baseball season has reached its peak with Opening Day just around the corner. A wave of excitement surrounds the league as analysts and writers alike weigh in on what could unfold during the upcoming season.

Key Questions for the 2025 Season

As teams prepare for their season openers, several burning questions remain at the forefront:

• Can the Los Angeles Dodgers clinch consecutive World Series titles?
• What surprises await from the newly expanded playoff format?
• How will the New York Mets integrate Juan Soto into their lineup?
• What can we expect from Shohei Ohtani as he attempts to reclaim his dual-role on the mound?

While predicting the season’s outcomes involves uncertainty, a collective of 28 ESPN MLB writers, analysts, and editors provided their insights and forecasts for various categories, including division winners, wild-card possibilities, and award contenders for both leagues.

American League Predictions

AL East

Predicted Winner: Boston Red Sox (13 votes)

Other Votes: Baltimore Orioles (10), New York Yankees (3), Toronto Blue Jays (1), Tampa Bay Rays (1)

Tim Keown emphasizes the Orioles’ potential, driven by strong performances from their young core including Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson, alongside a promising newcomer, Tomoyuki Sugano. Conversely, AJ Mass makes a case for the Blue Jays, highlighting their lineup and recent roster enhancements.

AL Central

Predicted Winner: Kansas City Royals (12 votes)

Other Votes: Detroit Tigers (11), Minnesota Twins (4), Cleveland Guardians (1)

Doug Glanville praises the Royals for their offseason acquisitions and the breakout potential of their star, Bobby Witt Jr. In contrast, Tim Kurkjian favors the Tigers, citing their exceptional pitching and managerial strategy under A.J. Hinch.

AL West

Predicted Winner: Texas Rangers (18 votes)

Other Votes: Seattle Mariners (7), Houston Astros (3)

Jorge Castillo outlines a pathway for the Mariners that leans on their pitching staff to enhance offensive production, noting recent managerial shifts as a positive development for their scoring abilities.

AL Wild Cards

Picks: New York Yankees (21 votes), Houston Astros (15), Baltimore Orioles (13)

Analysts perceive the Yankees and Astros more as wild card teams due to competitive division dynamics and roster changes. The Yankees may struggle without key players, while the Astros are seen as having vulnerabilities in their lineup.

National League Predictions

NL East

Predicted Winner: Atlanta Braves (18 votes)

Other Votes: Philadelphia Phillies (9), New York Mets (1)

There is speculation about the Phillies potentially overcoming the Braves, contingent on their starting pitching’s performance, while Kiley McDaniel showcases the Mets’ depth as a key factor in their competitiveness.

NL Central

Predicted Winner: Chicago Cubs (15 votes)

Other Votes: Milwaukee Brewers (8), Cincinnati Reds (5)

Drawing attention to offseason acquisitions, analysts consider the Cubs’ adjustments, particularly with Kyle Tucker joining the squad, as pivotal for improvement over recent seasons.

NL West

Predicted Winner: Los Angeles Dodgers (28 votes)

Overwhelmingly favored, the Dodgers have a firm grip on the division, driven by strong roster moves that include enhancing their pitching staff. Analysts emphasize depth and experience as key components of their success.

NL Wild Cards

Picks: Arizona Diamondbacks (20 votes), New York Mets (19), Philadelphia Phillies (18)

The competitive landscape of the NL is evident, with several teams vying for playoff slots. The Diamondbacks display a balanced roster that could edge out competition from the Padres and Cubs.

Awards Predictions

AL MVP

Predicted Winner: Bobby Witt Jr. (14 votes)

Witt’s combination of skills and young age positions him as a leading candidate, according to analysts who note his potential for significant WAR contributions.

AL Rookie of the Year

Predicted Winner: Jackson Jobe (9 votes)

Jobe is recognized for his notable pitching talent, with analysts observing an open competition for the award among several promising rookies.

AL Cy Young

Predicted Winner: Tarik Skubal (12 votes)

Having performed exceedingly well in 2024, analysts believe Skubal’s consistency makes him a prime candidate for back-to-back Cy Young honors.

NL MVP

Predicted Winner: Shohei Ohtani (19 votes)

Despite focusing on a two-way role this season, Ohtani remains a powerful MVP contender, demonstrating exceptional skills on both sides of the game.

NL Rookie of the Year

Predicted Winner: Dylan Crews (12 votes)

Crews stands out as a major contender due to his anticipated playing time and robust hitting ability, bolstered by his recent debut.

NL Cy Young

Predicted Winner: Paul Skenes (17 votes)

Skenes is expected to continue his dominance, with attributes that place him at the forefront of Cy Young discussions.

As the season unfolds, the accuracy of these predictions will be tested, making the upcoming months an exciting time for fans and analysts alike. The baseball world is poised for another thrilling season of America’s pastime.