Baseball season is right around the corner. Pitchers and catchers report for spring training on February 13th and position players report 5 days later on February 18th. The main story of the off-season centered around two-way Japanese star Shohei Ohtani who was set to get the most expensive contract in MLB history.
Ohtani ended up signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers for 10 years and $700 million. That was not the only Japanese star the Dodgers acquired this winter. They also signed Yoshinoba Yamamoto. Yamamoto signed with the Dodgers for 12 years and $325 million. The Dodgers weren’t the only team that made big moves during the off-season. The New York Yankees went out and got one of the best left-hand hitters and outfielders in the game, Juan Soto. Soto wanted out of San Diego because he had no interest in signing with them long-term and wanted to go somewhere he could win. The New York Yankees were his top option. Soto paired with Judge and Stanton is just danger waiting to happen.
The Yankees have also gone out and gotten outfielder Alex Verdugo from the Red Sox and signed free-agent pitcher Marcus Stroman. Will this be the year the fans get what they were asking for a Yankees-Dodgers World Series? Time will tell as people expect the Dodgers to choke again, similar to recent years.
Now, here’s what to expect for the 2024 season: the team to watch out for in the AL (American League) this year are the revamped New York Yankees if they can stay healthy and give their grade-A pitching staff-run support. They will be at the top of the AL. Other teams at the top of the AL are the Astros, Orioles, and Rangers. Now, to the NL (National League). If everything goes how it’s supposed to, the Dodgers will be the favorites to make it to the World Series in the NL, but recent history shows that it may not happen. Other teams to watch in the NL are the Braves and Phillies. These 2 teams battle it out in the NL East. The Phillies made it to the World Series just 2 years ago and many expect them to make a run to get back to the Fall Classic. The Braves (if they play their best baseball) can get to the World Series too, but the Phillies and Dodgers will be tough to beat. The Braves acquired Chris Sale from the Red Sox to help boost their rotation, which will only pay off if he can stay healthy.
The 2024 MLB Season should be filled with tons of act-packed fun. Stay tuned.
