MLB 2025: Bold Predictions for the upcoming Season
The 2025 MLB season promises plenty of surprises. Here are some bold predictions that could shake up the baseball landscape, from playoff upsets to individual milestones. Let’s dive into the crystal ball and see what might unfold.
American League Playoff Picture to See Complete Turnover?
Could we witness a bizarre, yet precedented, event in 2025? It’s projected that the entire American League playoff field will be different from last year. According to baseball analysts, a complete turnover like this has only happened once in the Wild Card era – in the National League in 2007. While statistically improbable (estimated at a mere 2%),the AL appears ripe for significant change.
Several factors contribute to this potential upheaval:
- AL East: the Yankees, plagued by injuries, may struggle to repeat their division-winning performance. The Orioles face pitching depth issues, while the red Sox, Blue Jays, and rays have all made substantial improvements.
- AL West: The Astros look different than last year. The Mariners are hungry to unseat them. Both the Rangers and Angels have the potential to surge.
- AL Central: the Guardians may regress after relying on unsustainable bullpen performance. The Tigers and Royals, despite good offseasons, could also face challenges and the Twins could be the sole survivor of the central division.
One possible scenario: The Red Sox, Twins, and Rangers win their respective divisions, with the Mariners, Rays, and Athletics securing the Wild Card spots.
Underdog Alert: Athletics and Rays to Make Postseason?
Don’t count out the Athletics and Rays. Despite not having star-studded rosters and facing unique stadium challenges, both teams could be playoff contenders. The A’s active offseason and strong second half last season have caught the attention of many. The Rays have a high-potential pitching staff and a lineup poised for success, especially if young players like Junior Caminero excel and Ha-Seong Kim recovers swiftly.
New York Teams to Miss the Playoffs?
both the Yankees and Mets could be on the outside looking in this October. The Yankees’ reliance on an aging and injury-prone Aaron Judge creates risk, potentially leading to their first sub-.500 season in decades. Simultaneously occurring, the Mets, despite their upgraded lineup, face stiff competition in a loaded National League, notably from the Phillies and Braves.The NL playoff field is expected to consist of the Phillies,Cubs,and Dodgers as division winners,with the Diamondbacks,Braves,and Reds as Wild Card teams.
Individual Milestones: Strikeouts, Stolen Bases, and Sac Flies
- Garrett Crochet aiming for strikeout history: Could Crochet strike out 40% of batters faced? No qualified pitcher has ever achieved this feat over a full season. With his “sizzling stuff,” he may be poised to break the barrier.
- Elly De La Cruz to Steal 80+ Bases: The Reds’ Elly De La Cruz, could reach 80+ stolen bases this season. That hasn’t been seen since Rickey Henderson in 1988!
- Vinnie Pasquantino Chasing sacrifice Fly Record: Vinnie Pasquantino displayed an unusual ability to hit sacrifice flies. With the Royals’ improved on-base presence, could he tie Gil Hodges’ record of 19 in a single season?
Trade Winds: Sandy Alcantara to the Cubs?
Keep an eye on Sandy Alcantara. The Marlins’ ace is a prime trade candidate. The Cubs, with a need for pitching and the resources to make a deal, could be his destination. Though rookie third baseman Matt Shaw won’t be going anywhere, the Cubs have six other guys on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects list.
World Series Prediction: Phillies to reign Supreme
Despite falling short last year, this could be the Phillies’ year to win it all. With an aging core and a persistent front office, the Phillies are poised to make a deep playoff run. Overcoming the Dodgers and the rest of the NL will be a challenge, but Bryce Harper and the Phillies could finally capture their championship.
Only time will tell if these bold predictions come to fruition. But one thing is certain: the 2025 MLB season will be full of excitement and surprises.
Q: How does the article justify the prediction of a complete overhaul of the AL playoff field?
MLB 2025: Bold Predictions for the upcoming Season – Q&A
Key Questions Answered
This Q&A section dives deeper into the bold predictions made for the 2025 MLB season, clarifying key points and offering additional insights.
Q: What are the chances of the entire AL playoff field changing?
A: The article estimates a mere 2% probability, making it a highly unlikely but fascinating prediction. The last time this happened was in the NL in 2007.
Q: Why are the Athletics and Rays considered potential playoff contenders?
A: Despite not being “star-studded,” the Athletics had an active offseason and a strong second half last season, while the rays have a promising pitching staff and young players with high potential. The article mentions that the Rays might have to overcome stadium challenges to make it to the playoffs.
Q: Why might the Yankees and Mets miss the 2025 playoffs?
A:
- Yankees: Reliance on an aging and injury-prone Aaron Judge could lead to a sub-.500 season.
- Mets: Despite an upgraded lineup,they face stiff competition in a tough National league.
Q: What individual milestones are predicted?
A:
- Garrett Crochet: Could strike out 40% of batters faced, a feat never achieved by a qualified pitcher in a full season.
- Elly De La Cruz: Could steal 80+ bases, a mark not seen since Rickey Henderson in 1988.
- Vinnie Pasquantino: Could challenge Gil Hodges’ sacrifice fly record.
Q: Which trade is highlighted?
A: Sandy Alcantara, the Marlins’ ace, is predicted to be a trade candidate, perhaps heading to the Cubs, who have a need for pitching and the resources to make a deal.The article asserts that the Cubs have six other players on MLB Pipeline’s Top 100 prospects list.
Q: Who is predicted to win the 2025 World Series?
A: The Philadelphia Phillies are predicted to reign supreme, with their aging core and persistent front office making them poised for a deep playoff run.
Additional Insights
The article’s predictions are based on current team performances and player potential, with the understanding that baseball is inherently unpredictable.
Final thoughts
These bold predictions paint an exciting picture for the 2025 MLB season.Keep an eye on these teams and players as the season unfolds – you might witness history in the making!
