INSIDE Way-too-early World Series favorites for ’21,
It’s unclear exactly what baseball will look like next year.
The major leagues are expected to stick with some of the rule changes instituted for the shortened season – including the universal designated hitter – and the expanded 16-team postseason.
And when it comes to the possibility of fans being in the stands, time will tell.
Still, here’s a way-too-early look (in no particular order) at the teams capable of making a deep run in October 2021:
The usual suspects
Los Angeles Dodgers: With the long-tenured Justin Turner, Joc Pederson and Enrique Hernandez up for free agency, this team could look a bit different come spring training. With potential holes in the infield, Gavin Lux (.347, 26 HRs in minors in 2019) should have ample opportunity to prove himself in 2021. We saw some young Dodgers pitchers (Julio Urias, Dustin May, Tony Gonsolin) make a huge impact this year. Depending on how the club handles their development, they could give the team one of baseball’s best rotations.
Tampa Bay Rays: As is the case every winter for the Rays, it’s going to be interesting how much roster turnover occurs, but the foundation very much remains in place.
Also consider the imminence of shortstop Wander Franco, MLB’s consensus No. 1 prospect, and promising young players like LHP Brendan McKay (injury) and 1B/3B Nate Lowe, who didn’t get much of a chance to contribute en route to the World Series.
Atlanta Braves: The threetime defending NL East champions came up just short of the World Series in 2020. They will probably have to replace Marcell Ozuna’s production but should have a formidable rotation with Mike Soroka (Achilles) returning to join Max Fried and Ian Anderson – not to mention
the prospects nors.
New York Yankees: With James Paxton and Masahiro Tanaka set for free agency, they desperately need pitching behind Gerrit Cole – though young Deivi Garcia showed flashes in a small 2020 sample size. That said, this is one of the most prolific lineups in the league, even when injuries pop up. in the high mi
Dynasties in the making (?)
San Diego Padres: Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado and the Padres should be in the mix for years to come, especially having acquired Mike Clevinger. They have a decent chunk of money coming off the books this winter and the organization has shown that it’s not afraid to be aggressive.
Chicago White Sox: Having reached the postseason for the
first time since 2008, the White Sox have the makings of a perennial contender. Eloy Jimenez made a big leap in his second year and everyone expects Luis Robert and Nick Madrigal to do the same in 2021.
They’ll be back
Oakland Athletics: It’s unlikely they’ll retain the services of shortstop Marcus Semien, but the AL West champions still have a nice core with Matt Chapman, Matt Olson and Ramon Laureano, plus a strong pitching staff that should continue to develop in 2021. Also, the AL West is bad.
Minnesota Twins: Some of the 2019 Bomba Squadders didn’t fare as well in 2020, but there’s plenty of talent there and a full season of Josh Donaldson should help make up for the potentially lost production
of free agent Nelson Cruz.
St. Louis Cardinals: The pitching is there, Paul Goldschmidt is a constant and they’ve got some promising young talent (outfielder Dylan Carlson) to make it easier phasing out the veterans who are trending downward.
Depends on the offseason
Houston Astros: Justin Verlander is going to miss 2021 and George Springer could depart in free agency, but they play in such a weak division that a few shrewd moves to bolster the roster could earn them another trip to the playoffs. But will anybody with other options want to join this organization?
Philadelphia Phillies: After another disappointing season, the Phillies need to do a complete overhaul on the bullpen this winter.
Cleveland Indians: The pitching (Shane Bieber, Zach Plesac, Carlos Carrasco) is great, but will they trade Francisco Lindor?
Chicago Cubs: We may have seen the last ride of the core that led the team to a World Series title and five playoff appearances in six years.
New York Mets: With a new owner in place, the Mets could be major players in free agency. Noah Syndergaard will return at some point, but they desperately need to sign another starter (Marcus Stroman?) to slot behind Jacob deGrom.
Cincinnati Reds: Losing Trevor Bauer in free agency would be a huge blow, but they’ll have still have Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray leading the rotation and a strong bullpen. The front office showed last winter that it’s willing to spend money.