I always see these types of articles around where people try to predict a season that couldn't be farther from starting. There are a lot of things to be done this offseason. There are blockbuster trades to be made, huge signings to be made, and much more. But before all of that happens, we can still try to pick who will win their division and decide who will steal the Wild Card spots in both leagues.
AL East... New York Yankees
Whether you love them or hate them, the Yankees put together an impressive season in a year where they didn't receive very high expectations. This ended up being a playoff team behind their star player Aaron Judge along with other key players. The Yankees are a team we all know that will spend their money in the offseason to be better than last year. That is why they are my pick to be at the top of their division.
AL Central... Clevland Indians
This division should remain the same. A young core led by Fransico Lindor and ace Corey Kluber who is still one of the best in the American Leauge. I believe the twins are still a few years behind this Indians team. Terry Francona and his crew should once again lead a crew that will top the Central again this year.
AL West... Houston Astros
While there hasn't been a repeat of champions in the MLB since 2 000, the Astros are primed to change that. Winning a World Series Title with an extremely young starting lineup says that they could easily do it all again next season. It also helps that they got Justin Verlander to stay longer in Houston. In a division where they finished 2 1 games ahead of the next closest team, the Astros should win their division once again and threaten to repeat.
AL Wild Card... Boston Redsox and Kansas City Royals
I think they will lose the division to the Yankees unfortunately anyway but they could make something happen out of the Wild Card spot. The Redsox are set up with a new manager to be a real threat coming out of the East.
The biggest thing for the Royals to get done before the next season is to sign back as many of the great players that won them their World Series in 2015. I have a strong feeling they can get this done and be right back in playoff contention.
NL East... Washington Nationals
While the Nationals never seem to make any noise in October, I don't see a team in this division that can rival their ability next season. The Marlins are the second best team in the East and they may be losing their best player in Giancarlo Stanton. Expect to see the Nationals back next year.
NL Central... St. Louis Cardinals
Surprising not to see the Cubs here. The Cardinals play in one of the best baseball cities in the country. Mix that with another rough season from the Cubs and I wouldn't be surprised to see the Cardinals add a free agent or trade piece to their roster to make it back to the playoffs.
NL West... Los Angeles Dodgers
Just like the Astros, the Dodgers should be in great shape to be right back in the same spot for next year. Avoiding a couple sophomore slumps from key youngsters on the squad will be huge. Expect Kershaw to dominate as usual and expect Darvish to be a lot better for them than he was in the World Series.
NL Wild Card... Chicago Cubs and Colorado Rockies
Don't worry Cubs fans, you still make the playoffs. But this year you will have to start game one of the ALDS with your number two pitcher. This should still be a scary team when the weather get colder next year. Joe Maddon will make sure of it.
The Rockies were very close to putting something together last season but fell just short in last years Wild Card game to the Arizona Diamondbacks. They will still have to play into the ALDS because the Dodgers should be good once again, but Nolan Arenado should lead this team back for a chance in the playoffs.
