Deep lineup, rotation give Braves edge
Given the expanded playoff format and how many divisions are aligned, almost every club from 1 to 25 harbor realistic visions of making the postseason.
For now, though, the tried and true top the rankings, with the Braves’ deep lineup and slightly deeper rotation giving them a slight nod over the Dodgers, who now feature 100% more Shohei Ohtani.
1. Atlanta Braves
uJust entering their prime: Eight primary position players between 23-29.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers
uYoshinobu Yamamoto reportedly penciled in to start one of two games in South Korea.
3. Baltimore Orioles
uGunnar, Adley, Jackson: This truly is Gen-Z’s team.
4. Philadelphia Phillies
uWith Aaron Nola in fold, Zack Wheeler is next in line for another payday.
5. New York Yankees
uSpring camp means getting to know Juan Soto and Marcus Stroman.
6. Houston Astros
uDon’t count on Alex Bregman to follow in Jose Altuve’s t extension footsteps.
7. Toronto Blue Jays
uPrime candidate for a significant incamp addition.
8. Texas Rangers
uEvan Carter wore No. 87 a year ago in spring training. Now their No. 3 hitter.
9. Cincinnati Reds
uJosh Harrison would bring significant veteran gravitas to this young squad.
10. Arizona Diamondbacks
uHow soon is now for shortstop prospect Jordan Lawlar?
11. Seattle Mariners
uMitch Haniger already knows his way around Peoria.
12. Chicago Cubs
uMichael Busch, Pete Crow-Armstrong bring intrigue to camp battles.
13. Tampa Bay Rays
uFor the foreseeable future, José Caballero is the starting shortstop.
14. Minnesota Twins
uBig departures mean bigger roles for many – most notably second baseman Edouard Julien.
15. St. Louis Cardinals
uLance Lynn’s rotation mates the last time here: Adam Wainwright, Carlos Martinez, Michael Wacha, Mike Leake.
16. Cleveland Guardians
uFirst base job Kyle Manzardo’s to lose.
17. New York Mets
uSeems like a flash since deGrom, Scherzer, Verlander gave way to Quintana, Manaea, Houser ...
18. San Diego Padres
uMichael King’s ramp-up to full-time starter a pivotal spring storyline.
19. Boston Red Sox
uLeave the front door open to the Fort – reinforcements may be coming.
20. Miami Marlins
uNew GM, no Sandy Jorge Soler.
Alcántara, no
21. Milwaukee Brewers
uJackson Chourio turns 20 in March, just in time for his era to begin.
22. San Francisco Giants
uJust 1,458 (or so) innings to cover pitching-wise this year.
23. Detroit Tigers
uColt Keith under microscope with possible nine-year commitment.
24. Los Angeles Angels
uTempe Diablo Stadium will be much less interesting this spring.
25. Washington Nationals
uJoey Gallo, Jesse Winker, Nick Senzel the new veteran bridges.
26. Kansas City Royals
uAt the least, Michael Wacha, Seth Lugo provide definition to the pitching rotation.
27. Pittsburgh Pirates
uEvery Paul Skenes Grapefruit League spring start will be appointment viewing.
28. Colorado Rockies
uCal Quantrill and Dakota Hudson latest to try hands at pitching in Coors Field.
29. Chicago White Sox
uDylan Cease can probably book that spring condo now – we think.
30. Oakland Athletics
uWill the Super Bowl return to Vegas before the A’s play a game there?